Every September, the United States pauses to honor one of the oldest, most versatile substances known to humankind: honey. National Honey Month, established in 1989 by the National Honey Board, is a celebration of honeybees, beekeepers, and the liquid gold they produce — but it's also an invitation to reconnect with nature's most enduring luxury.
At OverSoyed Artisan Handcrafted, honey has long been a cornerstone of our craft. From the warm amber notes woven through our handmade-to-order candles and home fragrances, to the skin-softening properties at the heart of our artisan beauty care line, honey is more than an ingredient — it's a philosophy.
A Brief History: Honey Through the Ages
Honey predates human civilization as we know it. Cave paintings in Spain, dating back approximately 8,000 years, depict humans collecting honeycomb from wild bee nests. Ancient Egyptians considered honey sacred — it was offered to the gods, used as currency, applied medicinally, and found preserved in tombs alongside royalty. Greek athletes consumed it for endurance. Medieval Europeans fermented it into mead. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribed it for centuries.
The science has since caught up to the ancient wisdom: honey is naturally antibacterial (thanks to its low moisture content and hydrogen peroxide production), rich in antioxidants, a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin, and broadly antimicrobial — making it as relevant in a modern skincare routine as it was in a pharaoh's palace.
Why Honeybees Matter — More Than Ever
Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the world's food supply, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. A world without bees would be a world without much of what we eat. Despite their importance, bee populations have faced significant challenges from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change.
Celebrating National Honey Month is a small, meaningful act of appreciation — and one of the best ways to honor bees is to support the people who care for them: local beekeepers. If you're in the Pittsburgh or Western PA area, seek out a local farmers market honey vendor this month. Every jar purchased is a vote for a healthier ecosystem.
How to Celebrate National Honey Month — 5 Tips
1. Swap Out One Skincare Product for a Honey-Infused Alternative
Honey is one of the most effective natural humectants available — it holds moisture in the skin, soothes irritation, and has gentle antibacterial properties. Incorporating a honey-infused cleanser, mask, or moisturizer into your routine this month is a simple way to let nature do the heavy lifting.
2. Transform Your Home with Honey-Inspired Fragrance
There's something deeply comforting about the scent of warm honey — golden, slightly floral, and unmistakably cozy. A honey-kissed candle or reed diffuser can change the entire atmosphere of a space. Consider golden honey + amber for a rich, warm living room, or honey + white tea for something lighter and spa-like.
3. Support a Local Beekeeper
Seek out raw, local honey this month. Not only does it taste more complex and nuanced than commercial varieties, but it also reflects the flora unique to your region — and your purchase directly supports the people who tend these incredible pollinators.
4. Give the Gift of Gold
Honey-themed gifts are universally beloved — warm, sweet, indulgent. A handcrafted candle in a honey fragrance, paired with a luxurious body butter or sugar scrub, makes a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list. There's no wrong time of year to gift something beautiful.
5. Take a Moment to Actually Slow Down
There's a reason bees have inspired so much poetry, mythology, and reverence. They build entire civilizations one tiny effort at a time. Take a cue — light a candle, apply something luxurious, and let yourself simply exist for a moment. That's what this month is really about.
The OverSoyed Honey Edit
Everything in our National Honey Month collection is handmade-to-order in our Pittsburgh studio. That means no shelf-sitters, no pre-made stock — just fresh, intentional artisan craft made specifically for you. Whether you're new to OverSoyed or returning for your favorites, this is the month to indulge.
Browse the full collection: oversoyed.com/collections/national-honey-month
20% OFF all month long — no coupon needed, and yes, it stacks with other offers.
"The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others." — Saint John Chrysostom