Paraguay’s “Liquid Gold”: The Healing Honey of the Jate’i Bee

In the heart of Paraguay, amidst deforestation and modern agricultural practices, a tiny guardian of nature persists: the Jate’i (Tetragonisca angustula), a native stingless bee. The Centro Experimental de Recursos Medicinales (CERM) in Itacurubí de la Cordillera is dedicated to preserving this vital species and its remarkable product – a honey often called “liquid gold” for its purported healing properties.

A Legacy Under Threat

Once abundant in Paraguay’s forests, many bee species have been displaced by habitat loss and pesticide use. Urbano Palacios, director of CERM, emphasizes the importance of conservation. “We protect four species in our experimental center, but the Jate’i is a very special one,” he explained. The center’s work is crucial in safeguarding this dwindling population and the traditional knowledge surrounding its use.

The Healing Power of Jate’i Honey

Jate’i honey is prized in Paraguayan folk medicine, particularly for its potential benefits to eye health. Traditionally, it’s used to prevent and treat conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and other eye inflammations. Its rarity contributes to its value; an entire bee colony produces only about half a liter of honey per year.

The Secret Ingredient: A Floral Diet

The honey’s unique properties are believed to stem from the bees’ diet. They collect nectar from plants like Santa Lucía and basil, which have long been recognized in naturopathy for their positive effects on eyesight. This concentrates the healing power of the flora within the honey.

A Ritual of Wellness

Palacios stresses that using Jate’i honey is more than just a treatment; it’s a mindful practice. “Putting honey in your eyes is almost like a ceremony. You have to sit down, relax and do the process with respect for nature,” he emphasizes. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, this honey offers a natural source of nutrients for eye health.

Accessing “Liquid Gold”

Jate’i honey is sold in minor dropper bottles at the CERM center in Itacurubí for 120,000 guaraníes. Whereas the price reflects the laborious harvesting process and the honey’s high concentration of active ingredients, it represents a commitment to preserving both a natural resource and a cultural tradition.

CERM’s Global Recognition

In August 2025, CERM represented Paraguay at the International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for the Research on Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Naples, Italy. This marked the first time Paraguay has been represented at this prestigious event, showcasing the country’s traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs to a global audience. La Nación reported on this significant milestone.

Supporting CERM’s Mission

The work of CERM is supported by initiatives like Fondos de Cultura, which promote national identity and international exchange of knowledge. Local Facebook pages as well highlight the need for municipal support for the center’s vital projects.

Expanding Knowledge and Cultivation

Urbano Palacio also leads efforts to expand the cultivation of medicinal plants. Itaipu Binacional has donated plantlets to the center, and Palacio is developing tutorials to help others learn how to grow and care for these valuable plants.