by Judy Vines

Created on: April 17, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2008

Honey as a Natural Sweetener with Health Benefits

Honey is used primarily as a culinary, natural sweetener; however it is valued for its numerous healing properties as well.

"Apitherapy" is the term used to refer to treatment with honey and includes restoring energy, boosting the immune system and strengthening those weakened by stress or illness. Honey is reputed to help calm the mind and promote restorative sleep.

Honey is also useful for calming coughs and colds as it helps to break down mucus. It can bring relief from coughs and wheezing associated with bronchitis.
A thin coat of honey can also be applied to the skin to disinfect and help heal minor skin wounds and sooth chapped lips.

The principle components of honey are fructose and glucose, simple sugars along with pollen, organic acids, various proteins and enzymes. Many varieties of honey are available. The taste, flavor and fragrance depend on what types of flowers from which the bees gather the nectar. Purchase honey whenever possible from health food markets in which the beekeepers do not use harmful pesticides.

Honey is a valuable natural remedy which can be used in combination with various medicinal herbs, such as horehound and eucalyptus which is commonly found in lozenges and formulas in most health food stores. For a home garden remedy, simply blend 1 tsp. of finely chopped fresh common thyme with a little honey. Steep approximately five to six springs of thyme in one cup of water for 10 minutes. Take this mixture by mouth as needed to soothe irritated and inflamed lungs and airways.

Relaxing honey bath
Place about 2 oz.of honey in a glass with 5 drops of lavender essential oil. If the honey is thick, use warm water to dissolve. Add the honey and lavender mixture to your bathwater to help combat insomnia and stress. Relax and enjoy!

Honey as an ointment for wounds
Honey contains a germ killing substance called "inhibine", which helps prevent infections and can be applied externally for healing minor cuts and abrasions. Spread a small amount of honey directly on the wound and cover with a sterile bandage.

Therapy Energy Drink Recipe
This one serving recipe boosts the immune system, is a very good source of protein and iron.
1cup pure water
or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
8 to 12 ounces of milk or milk substitute
3 to 5 dates
1 tablespoon edible almond oil
1 teaspoon honey
Place turmeric with water in a pot. Boil the turmeric until it has a paste like thickness and consistency, and add 8 to 12 ounces of the milk. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. In the meantime, finely chop the dates, and add to the milk mixture. Gently boil for 3 minutes, then let cool. In a blender, place the almond oil, the milk/date mixture and honey and blend. This nutritional therapy drink is best consumed with 2 to 3 hours of preparation should be refrigerated. Drink once a day first thing in the morning.

As with all natural healing remedies and information, the intention is to complement, yet not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult with a health care professional for your individual health care needs and treatment.

References:
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing.International Masters Publishers,2005.

Khalsa, Dharma.Food as Medicine.Simon and Schuster Publishers, Inc. 2003.

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