The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine

The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine

Honey as medicine is truly remarkable and spans centuries of use. Its healing properties have been recognized by Egyptian physicians 5,000 years ago and have been embraced by various ancient traditions including traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda, and Mayan shamanism. But the journey of honey as a medicinal marvel doesn't end there. In recent years, an explosion of scientific research has taken place in universities, research centers, and medical clinics worldwide, unveiling even more astonishing benefits of honey. Let's dive into this fascinating world of honey's healing powers!

New Science, Old Ideas

The global honey market has experienced remarkable growth since 2017. This growth can largely be attributed to the increasing number of honey health applications that are emerging. It is fascinating to trace back the history of honey being used for medicinal purposes, which dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Not only did they value honey as a source of nourishment, but they also recognized its incredible healing properties.

For this blog, we are staying true to science. There is credible and documented research on traditional and modern uses of honey in human diseases. We are looking at the research to understand the proven healing powers of honey.

Honey pouring into a ginger, lemon and turmeric tea

The Medicinal Power of Honey

In his book, "The Honey Prescription," Nathaniel Altman delves into the extensive medicinal uses of honey. He explains how honey can be safely used both at home and by licensed health care practitioners. Altman includes a vast selection of honey-based recipes to address common health issues like burns, conjunctivitis, ulcers, and tooth decay.

Altman provides physiological explanations for honey's effectiveness in treating antibiotic-resistant diseases without any side effects. He highlights honey's ability to combat E. coli and "super-bugs" such as MRSA. Furthermore, he explores the historical and folk medicine sources and the sacred significance of bees, starting from ancient Egypt. The book also covers Colony Collapse Disorder and methods to protect our vital hives.

Honey bee on a piece of raw honeycomb

Improve Health with Honey

While we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice, we have extensively researched the skin benefits of honey. Additionally, we have closely followed recent research that highlights the role of honey in immunotherapy for allergies. Based on multiple studies, there is scientific evidence supporting the healing properties of honey.

Raw Honey Health Benefits

  • With a centuries-old track record, It is well-documented that honey is an antibacterial agent.
  • Honey heals wounds, burns, and eye infections.
  • Research supports there are benefits of using honey for allergies. If you aren’t sure about this study’s findings, please try it. Consume a teaspoon of RAW, real honey, or a bite of raw honeycomb, from your local beekeeper once daily for a month during allergy season, and see if you notice a difference.
  • MDs, naturopaths, and other healthcare practitioners have advocated a daily honey regimen to strengthen the immune system and ward off disease. Even for your pet.
  • Honey is a nutritious complement to supplements and foods, providing vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals derived from plants.
  • Delay aging and thwart degenerative conditions such as heart disease and cancer with honey which contains bioavailable antioxidants.
  • Enhance calcium absorption with vitamin D and sugars naturally found in honey.
  • Count on a natural energy source without sugar spikes from processed sugars in honey, especially for athletes.
Close up of honey in raw honeycomb

Honey is an amazing pantry staple that offers an eternal shelf life filled with an abundance of nutrients. It's a delicious and versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of numerous dishes. From sweetening your morning tea to adding a touch of natural goodness to your baked goods, honey is a must-have in every kitchen. Plus, its long-lasting freshness ensures that you can enjoy its benefits for a prolonged period of time.

Wound Healer

A 2008 study by the University of Bonn in Germany revealed honey's potential as an antibacterial agent for patients with weakened immune systems. Varietals like Manuka honey have shown to boost the production of infection-fighting monocytes. If long-term research confirms this, Manuka Honey* could become a powerful pharmaceutical.

Chronic Wounds Honey Can Help:

  • Pressure wounds
  • Post-surgical wounds
  • Meningococcal septicemia
  • Staph
  • Herpes
  • MRSA
  • Burns

Hydrogen peroxide

Honey is a powerful natural antibiotic that works both internally and externally. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a bacterial disinfectant for wounds and burns. Honey is even effective against methicillin-resistant bacterial species like Staphylococcus aureus. One of the reasons honey is so effective is because bacteria cannot survive in its low water content below 18%. Additionally, honey contains glucose oxidase, which breaks down glucose sugars during the curing process. This combination leads to the death of bacteria and aids in the drying process of wounds.

Poison ivy wounds on Kara's feet

Poison Ivy

Did you know that honey can actually help heal poison ivy? It's true! We've even tried it ourselves and can attest to its soothing properties. If you're suffering from a terrible case of poison ivy, using honey can help alleviate the itch and burn. Give it a try and experience the relief firsthand!

Vitamins and Nutrients

Over the past ten years, researchers from around the world have found honey to contain vitamins and nutrients:

  • Thiamin
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Pyridoxine
  • Vitamin C
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Chromium
  • Selenium
  • Zinc

Pre and Probiotics

Honey is nature's perfect prescription for gut health. Research shows that honey can improve gut microbial balance, as well as provide relief for coughing and respiratory conditions. Plus, honey contains pre and probiotics, making it a valuable nutritional and medicinal resource.

Antioxidant Activity

Honey is a treasure trove of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help to combat free radicals. Its rich composition of trace nutrients gives it antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, honey's healing potential extends to ailments like sore throats and digestive disorders.

Natural Energy Booster

In our pursuit of nourishing our bodies with real, natural food, there is a growing interest in returning to our primal roots. One debated issue amidst the excessive consumption is the use of sweeteners.

Natural honey without hydrogen peroxide is packed with phytochemicals and compounds derived from plants or fruits. It's an excellent natural energy booster for athletes. 100 grams of pure honey (directly from beekeepers, not the store) contains 82.4% carbohydrates, including 38.5 grams of fructose, 31 grams of glucose, 7.2 grams of maltose, and slightly over 1 gram of sucrose.

A Cure for Common Coughs and Colds

Protecting bees from harsh climatic conditions is crucial for beekeepers worldwide. It is also vital for the healthcare sector, as honey is increasingly being used as a natural remedy. Honey soothes sore throats and prevents constant coughing. A study on its benefits for children aged 1 to 5 years with nighttime coughs showed improvements after consuming one teaspoonful of natural honey before bedtime.

Emily putting a Bee Inspired Calming Face Mask on Kevin

Skincare

In ancient times, honey was rubbed into a fresh wound as an antiseptic. Today, raw honey is being used to treat specific skincare problems:

Dandruff

Get rid of dandruff safely and effectively with natural honey. Unlike anti-dandruff shampoos laden with harmful chemicals, honey brings instant relief to your scalp. Its powerful properties target and eliminate fungus, reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing. Say goodbye to dandruff, dermatitis, and hair loss with honey.

One girl whispering into another girl's ear

Sleep aid

Honey has been proven to improve, facilitate, and lengthen restorative sleep through three mechanisms. Consuming honey before bed promotes restorative sleep by ensuring sufficient liver glycogen stores during eight hours of sleep. Honey at bedtime also helps:

  • Prevent the early-morning release of cortisol and adrenaline, which ensures adequate liver-glycogen stores for eight hours of sleep
  • The body releases melatonin, the hormone required for the recovery and rebuilding of body tissue during rest.
  • Boost the immune system.
  • Limit the early-morning release of two stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline.
  • Stabilize blood sugar levels.

Hand using a wooden muddle in a silver bowl

Incorporating Honey Into Your Daily Routine

  • Add one teaspoon of honey to one cup of warm chamomile, orange blossom, lemon balm or linden flower tea before bedtime for improved sleep.
  • While we can’t promise that our Bee Inspired Honey will help you bid your sore throat or allergies farewell, we believe it helps. We encourage you to experience using honey for immunotherapy, and if it works for you, then keep doing it.
  • Warm one cup of milk and add one teaspoon of honey and some ground turmeric. Drink before bedtime.
  • Prepare a one-half glass of orange juice diluted with equal lukewarm water. Add two teaspoons of honey, and drink just before bedtime.
  • Steep lavender and peppermint in warm water for 10 minutes, add one teaspoon of honey, and drink before bed.
  • Combine two ounces of honey with five drops of lavender oil. Add two tablespoons of this mixture to a warm tub of water and enjoy a relaxing soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

Healing Honey Recipes

This Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Tea is chock-full antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and ancient healing powers.

We look to ginger, honey, and lemon when we feel under the weather. We call this Dr. Feelgood Tea and drink it just before bed.

Nothing is more soothing to the skin and the spirit than this oatmeal bath with your favorite bedtime tea blend tea. Your skin feels like silk after this bath.

Embrace the sweetness of improving your daily health with the power of home remedies! Unlock the incredible potential of honey as your go-to natural health solution, providing you with remarkable benefits. With no side effects and a plethora of medicinal properties, honey comes highly recommended by health experts worldwide. So why wait? Make honey a delightful addition to your diet regimen and experience a healthier, happier you!

* Irradiation destroys the living aspects of Manuka Honey sold in the USA

Sources:
The Honey Prescription by Nathaniel Altman

Bee pollinating a lavender bud in a field of lavender flowers

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