The
name of this familiar and time-tested household remedy comes from
ancient Hebrew and means “enchant”. Long used as a culinary sweetener,
honey is valued for its many healing properties as well. Treatment with
honey is referred to as apitherapy and
includes replenishing energy, enhancing physical stamina and
strengthening those weakened by illness or stress. Honey can also help
calm the mind and promote rejuvenating sleep. In addition, honey
relieves indigestion and is used to treat cardiovascular disease and
respiratory complaints. Finally, a thin coat of honey can be applied to
the skin to disinfect and heal minor skin wounds and chapped lips.
Honey
contains only slight traces of residues from industrial emissions, car
exhaust and agricultural chemicals because bees act as a biological
filter: They die if they come into contact with toxins and thus do not
bring pollutants into the hive.
Honey is
used for the treatment of indigestion, coughs and colds, insomnia,
headaches, general weakness and skin wounds.
Don’t give unpasteurized
honey to infants. It contains a type of bacteria that, though harmless
to older children and adults, can be very dangerous to those younger
than a year.
Honey
helps restore energy, has a general calming effect and helps to
dissolve mucus. Applied externally to the skin, it disinfects and heals
minor wounds.
The
principal constituents of honey are the simple sugars fructose and
glucose. Other ingredients include water, pollen, organic acids,
enzymes and various proteins.
Honey
provides a healthful pick-me-up. The glucose and fructose in honey have
been predigested by the bees that produced it. These simple sugars are
quickly and easily absorbed in the human digestive tract, and they have
an overall soothing effect. Honey may be a healthy treat, but take care
when using it as a sweetener. Just 1 tbsp of honey has 64 calories,
compared to 46 calories in 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar.
Many
kinds of honey are available. The consistency, fragrance and taste
depend on the types of flowers from which bees collect nectar. Look for
honey that has been produced by beekeepers who do not feed their bees refined sugars or use harmful pesticides.
Relaxing Honey
Bath: Put 2 oz of
honey in a glass with 5 drops of lavender oil. If the honey is too
thick, heat it by placing the glass in warm water. Add 1 or 2 tbsp of
the honey-lavender mixture to your bathwater to help you relax and
combat insomnia.
Honey as a dressing for wounds:
Applied externally, honey is useful for healing minor cuts and
abrasions by drawing excess water from the tissues and reducing
swelling. In addition, honey contains a germ-killing substance called inhibine, which helps prevent infections. Spread the honey directly on the wound and cover with a sterile bandage.
Help for hay fever:
Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a
desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay
fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested
locally.
For relief of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments: Honey
is an outstanding household remedy that can be used in combination with
various medicinal herbs. For relief of coughs and wheezing associated
with bronchitis, whooping cough or other minor respiratory ailments,
mix 1 tsp of finely chopped fresh thyme in a little honey. Take the
mixture orally as needed to soothe inflamed lungs and airways. Read more about secrets of Honey .
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to be noted that this advice is not intended to replace the advice of
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