HONEY FOR YOUR HEALTH – Many of us have enjoyed adding the flavor to our toast or tea in the morning, but were you also aware that besides tasting good, honey may actually be good for you? I say may, simply because the medical field cannot agree and would rather not use their funds to research it thoroughly. Although there is no scientific proof, there are too many folk recipes to ignore the fact that for centuries honey has been used to treat and help heal a variety of illnesses and ailments. I have been fortunate to have had some of them passed on to me from my G-ma and I would like to share them with you.
The video above is on Manuka Honey, a honey made only in New Zealand and thought to be the most potent honey on the market.
First, let’s have a talk about honey itself. Raw honey is purported to be the most beneficial because it has not been heated and treated to sit on the store shelves. Likewise, the color of the honey will be influenced by the type of flower pollen used to create it. Here some feel that the darker the honey, the greater its flavor and benefits will be. Honey may be bought with the honeycomb, in liquid or granules.
There is controversy over where you should get your honey. Many believe local honey (from your area) will produce the best results while others argue that only honey from an urban bee keep will do. The concern here is that honey from the country may have been subjected to pollen that has been collected from plants treated with pesticides by farmers.
With honey being a natural food, there has been no documentation of anyone having an allergic reaction to its use, or causing any interference when taken by someone who uses medications. The big plus, is that honey itself does not cause any side effects, unlike many OTC or RX medications.
Whatever you decide to believe, there is no denying that there is something about honey our bodies need. Are you ready to look at a few of the things honey may do for you?
When I had a sore throat as a child, I remember my G-ma would make a cup of warm tea and add a spoon of honey. Now as an adult, I do the same for my own family. This works not only because it coats and soothes the throat but honey naturally has anti-bacterial properties that allow it to actually fight some forms of bacteria. For a really scratchy throat, try another mix that can be used as a drink or to gargle with. You will want to warm a cup of apple cider vinegar-not too hot to drink-and add 1-2 tsp. of honey. Drink at your leisure, or gargle twice, and the third time do not spit it out, but rather swallow. Making a fresh cup; repeat 2 more times at 30 minute intervals. Then one hour later, repeat one last time. This may be done several times as needed.
Suffer from insomnia? Try a glass of warm milk with just a bit of honey added to it. If you are lactose intolerant, you may add 1-2 tsp. of honey to a cup of warm water. Sitting and drinking something warm naturally helps to relax the body and mind while the honey acts as a sedative.
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Instead of reaching for a pill, locally bought honey may bring you lifetime relief. Honey made from your area would contain pollen gathered from the very plants that are creating your discomfort. By using this honey daily, you can build up your immune system and allow your body the opportunity to fight these invaders.
Due to it’s anti-fungal properties, honey may also be used to treat another common ailment, athlete’s foot. Before turning in at night, coat your feet with raw honey and don a pair of white socks. In the morning, wash and dry thoroughly. Repeat as often as you are experiencing symptoms.
Honey will attract and retain moisture, acting as a humectant. This makes it ideal for all types of face and body lotions. There are many pre-made lotions available or you could make your own. Try mixing 1 tsp. honey with 1 tsp. of vegetable oil and 1/4 tsp. lemon juice. Mix well and use on the course areas of skin like hands, elbows, knees and heels. Allow to work on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with water and pat dry. You will notice a difference immediately, but for best results repeat periodically. If you are a bath taker, or enjoy long soaks in the tub, you can add 1/4 cup of honey to your water.
Get stung by a bee or a wasp? Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties and when spread on a clean cloth and placed with an ice cube on the injection site, will help to relieve the pain and limit the swelling. Without the ice, this also works on ant or mosquito bites.
Minor wounds also benefit from a touch of honey. Caution: Never use honey on a deep cut or puncture wound! For mild abrasions or cuts place some honey on a clean cloth or gauze pad and cover the area. Put another covering over the area and tape to hold securely in place. Remove, clean and repeat every 12 hours. The honey seals the area preventing infection and keeps the area moist which helps limit scarring.
I bet you have heard of other uses for honey and I’d love to hear them. You can leave your comments at the bottom of the page and the next time you are feeling under the weather, try reaching for the honey.
