Honey is Medicine
by Erica Hansen
Honey is Medicine, in the best sense of the word.
Honey was an ingredient in medicinal compounds and cures from ancient Tibet to Egypt dating back 20,000 years. The use of honey as medicine in other ancient practices, from traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurveda to Mayan shamanism has been documented for the past 5000. Since 2010 there has been an explosion in scientific research on honey as medicine at Universities, research centers, and medical clinics around the world. I believe this ancient knowledge has resurfaced at just the right time to help humanity as we battle a never ending onslaught of new “disease” and pharmaceutical treatments.
It is intriguing to read about ancient civilizations and their remedies. The accounts of early cultures and civilizations like the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, fuel my imagination about magical secrets yet to be unlocked and revealed to the modern world by research into these practices. I imagine a past when people were in more in touch with nature and its hidden wisdom was revealed to receptive humans, and if we say, “honey has been used in remedies since ancient times….” it sounds as though the use of honey in medicine must have been proven beyond doubt, hundreds of years ago. This is not really the case, and although a lot of their medicine really was effective, we have very compelling research today that provides concrete evidence of honey’s effectiveness as an antioxidant, phytonutrient, antibacterial and anti inflammatory.
In his book, The Honey Prescription, Nathaniel Altman explores the broad spectrum of medicinal uses for honey. Specifically, he explores how these remedies can be used safely at home, or by licensed health care practitioners. He includes an extensive selection of honey-based recipes which can be used to treat common health problems like burns, conjunctivitis, ulcers and tooth decay.
Altman explains the physiological reasons why honey is effective in treating antibiotic-resistant diseases, and he also illustrates honey’s ability to kill E. coli and “superbugs” like MRSA. In addition to drawing on centuries of material from historical and folk medicine, he also examines the sacred role of bees from ancient Egypt onward.
Raw, unpasteurized honey possesses many health benefits.
With a centuries-old track record, It is well-documented as an antibacterial agent. Honey heals wounds, burns and eye infections. Research supports that there are specific benefits to using locally sourced honey to treat allergies. MDs, naturopaths and other healthcare practitioners advocate a daily honey regimen to strengthen the immune system and ward off disease.
Honey is also a nutritious supplement to any diet, providing vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals derived from plants. Honey has been shown to delay aging and thwart degenerative conditions such as heart disease and cancer through it’s bioavailable antioxidants. It enhances calcium absorption, and is a natural energy source without the sugar spikes we experience with processed sugars.
Raw honey contains the following vitamins and nutrients:
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Pyridoxine
Vitamin C
Calcium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Potassium
Chromium
Selenium
Zinc
It also contains a variety of pre and probiotics. Research has linked honey to an improved gut microbial balance, in addition to it’s benefits in promoting a healthy immune system. Honey has a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge and eliminate free radicals. Honey contains trace nutrients and possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with healing potential for ailments such as sore throats and digestive disorders.
A 2008 study by the University of Bonn in Bonn, Germany, showed the potential of honey as an antibacterial agent for patients with suppressed immune systems. In this study it was shown to heal chronic wounds such as : Pressure wounds, Post-surgical wounds, Meningococcal septicemia, Staph infections, Herpes, Poison Ivy, MRSA and Burns.Sevral studies have also been done on the benefits of treating childhood illness with honey. One showed that kids ages 1 to 5 years old suffering from nighttime coughs, experienced improvements after taking one teaspoonful of natural honey before bedtime. It is used effectively to treat coughs like these as well as infections, skin disorders and sleep disorders in children specifically.
Here are a few ways to incorporate honey in your own daily routine:
Add one teaspoon of honey to your (warm not hot) tea before bedtime for improved sleep.
Try 1 TBS daily as an allergy season supplement and immunotherapy.
Add honey to your bath. Combine 2 oz of raw honey with essential oils in the bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.
Try this recipe for a relaxing Oat and Honey Bath with a cup of herbal tea and raw honey:
This recipe combines milk, honey, and soothing oats. Deeply nourishing, this bath treatment fights against dry, itchy skin; it also helps ease the inflammation that comes from sunburn and contact with poison ivy.
You’ll need a handful of ingredients, but most are probably already in your pantry or refrigerator.
Full Fat Milk
Raw Un-pasturized Honey
Old Fashioned Oats
High-speed blender or coffee grinder
Almond oil
Lavender essential oil
How to Make this Oatmeal Bath
Add the milk and honey to a saucepan and mix well. Warm, but do not overheat this mixture. Transfer the liquid to a measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder, add the almond oil, milk and honey mixture and stir until well blended. Finally add the essential oil. Stir well and bring the treatment to your bathroom. Draw a hot bath and when the tub is mostly full, add the mixture. Continue with your favorite bathtime ritual and enjoy!
Check out our family farm’s selection of Raw, Unpasturized Wildflower Honey in the TAV Trading CO!