In all of ancient history, honey has been a constant part of medicine. Honey has very high levels of antioxidants, comparable to the levels in spinach, apples and strawberries. Antioxidants are very important to our health because they rid our system of damaging free radicals that cause cell damage. There are so many more uses for honey other than in your tea or cereal. Below are just some of the most commonly used medicinal remedies that are made from honey.
Honey has great antibacterial factors. It is not know exactly why honey is antibacterial, but studies have proven over and over again that honey is a great substance to use on wounds. Since honey is such a thick fluid, it breaks down the bacteria over time and does not allow it to grow again. Honey has been proven to be more effective in preventing infection in wounds than hydrogen peroxide.
Honey can also be very soothing to a sore throat. Next time you are suffering from a sore throat, add some honey to your tea. You can also make a gargle from honey. Combine two tablespoons of honey with 4 tablespoons of cider vinegar and add a pinch of salt. Gargle this mixture throughout the day to soothe your sore throat.
If you are feeling down from the cold or flu, try mixing this drink containing honey. Take 8 ounces of hot water; add 2 ounces of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. If you have eucalyptus oil or ginger root, add it for added benefits. This drink will help your congestion.
Honey is also very healthy for your skin. A mixture of honey and ground almonds will serve as an excellent scrub for your face. For a great moisturizing rinse, mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk. Apply this mix to your face and neck and allow it to settle for 15 minutes. Rinse off 15 minutes later and feel your skin; it will be soft and supple and full of moisture.
If your hair is lacking shine, try honey! Mix one teaspoon of honey with four cups of hot water. Lather throughout your hair and then rinse! Your hair should be full of shine and feel much more moisturized.
Honey can even be used as a mouth rinse. Its antiseptic properties will clean your mouth all while tasting great! Mix one tablespoon of honey with one cup of warm water and rinse throughout your mouth.
If you are diabetic, honey may be a great choice for a sweetener for you. The high level of fructose in honey is absorbed more slowly by your digestive tract than glucose. There is generally not the same sugar rush into your blood stream from honey as there is in standard table sugar. Consult your doctor first on this one, but honey may be a great option for sweetening your food if you are diabetic.
One last use for honey is to control stomach discomfort. Patients with infections, ulcers or inflammation of the gastric system have shown much improvement when they consumed honey. Honey can help fight bacteria that are present in your intestines and also help to heal any ulcers or abscesses. Honey is also proven to help control diarrhea.
All of these uses for honey are only some of the many benefits honey has on your health. Try to consume a tablespoon of honey daily to benefit your body. The vitamins and minerals contained in honey are a boost to your entire body systems!
