Austrian apiarists have made a honey blend especially for singers inspired by the recommendations of a local band.
Quarinthia – a four-member vocal ensemble – encouraged the Honigmanufaktur Klopeiner See apiary to create a special honey edition featuring herbs such as thyme, ginger, lavender and pepper.
Band leader Thomas Sedminek told broadcaster ORF: “We have used something called singer’s oil. One day, we discussed creating a honey concoction which features the same herbs as the oil.”
The special edition is available from the honey farm of Gabriele Prosser and Eduard Kummer in St. Kanzian in the southern region of Carinthia.
Speaking about the cooperation with the Graz-based singers from Quarinthia, Gabriele said: “I sent them several samples and they provided me with feedback. In the end, we agreed on a certain formula.”
Consuming the herbs and the honey was an ideal measure to avoid sore throats, according to band leader Thomas.
His wife Uschi – who is also part of the Quarinthia choir – emphasised the importance of having a spoonful each night.
There are more than 3,400 beekeepers in Carinthia which is one of Austria’s nine provinces and has 560,000 inhabitants.
Honey “is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent”, according to the Mayo Clinic, a leading US American medical research centre.
On its website, the institution adds that honey “might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits.”
