I have never had a real problem with honey, and have little need of antibiotics, herbal or otherwise. Playing a Strength build for the first 15 levels or so, usually grabbing Iron Gut, Cardio, and Pain Tolerance early to help with stat loss, I go Level 3 Sexy T-Rex and Miner 69er ASAP. This helps beat the grind and the zed. I do have the "Wandering Horde Frequency" mod by Khaine. I found the game a little too chill so it adds some intensity, as well as more XP to the game, and well as play at 125% exp gain, again to help combat grind and keep the game moving. By spending a couple of in game days searching for nests and stumps in week 2, I usually find more honey than I need. I always keep some on my vehicle, so that in a pinch you have it nearby. Just make sure you replace it when you use it. Nearing loot stage 40 I noticed I found honey 3 out 4 times when I harvest a stump, and nearly every nest has eggs.
I used to play Perma Death and would restart with A19, made it to day 30 when A20 hit the streets, and it is a bit tougher, but so far I am having a blast.