should not take therapeutic doses without their doctor's approval. Cassia cinnamon contains the natural compound called coumarin. At high levels, coumarin can damage the liver, and can also have a blood-thinning effect. It should not be taken with anti-clotting medication by people with bleeding disorders. Pregnant women should also avoid high doses of cinnamon and should not take it as a supplement.

This brings us to honey, sometimes referred to as the "nectar of the gods."

A bee hive is one of the world's most efficient factories. Did you realize that bees can travel up to 55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make just one pound of honey? Maybe not, but, I bet you have heard the saying: "Busy as a bee." Not only are bees an important link in our environment, but they also produce one of the most delicious sweeteners on the planet.

The healing properties of honey can be traced back to Egyptian times. However, there are differing results in its therapeutic benefits. The key is type of flower from which the nectar has been gathered. Honey can be made from clover, eucalyptus and lavender, just to name a few.

Honey is composed primarily of fructose, glucose, maltose and water. It also contains other sugars too, and small amounts of trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.

Other than just tasting good, here are other benefits of honey:

* Honey can destroy harmful bacteria that can cause digestive upset and promote beneficial bacteria in the stomach.

* Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, honey stimulates the immune system and is used to treat stomach ulcers and sore throats.

* Used topically, honey can be applied to burns, varicose veins, skin ulcers, wounds, eczema, and boils.

USED TOGETHER: Cinnamon and honey studies have shown significant improvement in the relief of arthritis. One study, performed at Copenhagen University, revealed that a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder, combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast, significantly reduced arthritis pain after one week. After one month, even more dramatic results were manifested in the study group.

If you are the rare person who does not use cinnamon or honey at all in your diet, you may want to reconsider that omission. Mankind has valued these foods for centuries for a reason. Add a strong burst of flavor from cinnamon and honey to your diet and gain some important health benefits too.

Learn more about this author, Diane Quinn .
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