There have been many well-intended (but exaggerated) claims regarding the virtues of honey. It isn’t the cure-all that some claim, but that doesn’t mean honey hasn’t played a beneficial role helping humans relieve nagging ailments. Below are are a number of common claims of the benefits of honey, each with a supportive website providing greater detail. Honey is beneficial, but like in all things, moderation and discretion is essential when using honey for healing. Please consult with your doctor prior to using honey in any medical applications; the information provided here is not intended or implied to be a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
MINOR SKIN ABRASIONS & BURNS:
Apply a spoonful of honey to an injury to aid healing; all-natural honey is an effective treatment. A recent review of medical research documents honey’s effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial aspects of honey inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and help prevent infection. See Honey as an Injury Healing Aid
ALLERGIES:
There is some evidence honey can provide relief for some people from the uncomfortable symptoms of hay-fever allergies/sneezing and coughing/sinus problems. Take a spoon of honey in the morning and at night. See Honey & Allergies
HEART DISEASES:
As you age, arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey can help revitalize the arteries and veins. Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and could prove helpful in decreasing the risk of heart attacks. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. See Honey & Heart Disease
ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly, chronic arthritis can be relieved in some people. In recent research conducted at Copenhagen University, it was found that when doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, within a week 73 of the 200 people treated were relieved of pain, and within a month, most patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain. See Honey & Arthritis
CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, chronic cholesterol can be helped. Pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol. See Honey Lowers Cholesterol
COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will help relieve most chronic coughs, colds, and clear the sinuses. See Honey & the Common Cold
UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with ginger root can relieve stomachaches and can also clear stomach ulcers before they take root. See Honey for Upset Stomachs
GAS:
According to the studies done in India & Japan, honey taken with cinnamon powder relieves the stomach of gas. See Honey for Gas
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey contains quantities of healthy vitamins and iron. Consistent use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases. See Honey for the Immune System
INDIGESTION:
Two tablespoons of honey taken before food can relieve acidity and help when digesting heavy meals. SeeHhoney for Indigestion
INFLUENZA:
Honey can relieve some symptoms of the flu. See Honey & the Flu
LONGEVITY:
When consumed regularly, some claim tea made with honey arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make a tea-like drink. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft. See Honey & Longevity
PIMPLES:
Honey has even been used as acne spot treatment. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon onto the palm of your hand. Add a bit of honey — about 1/ 4 teaspoon — and mix into a paste. Dab it on problem areas. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water, or leave it on overnight and rinse it in the morning. See Honey & Pimples or Acne, Blackheads, & Glowing Skin
WEIGHT LOSS:
Normally, fat remains as an unused resource in the body, adding bulk and weight. It is believed by some that honey has the ability to mobilize this stored fat. When this fat is burned to provide energy for your daily activities, you may see a gradual decrease in weight. See Honey & Weight Loss
FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is helpful, rather than being detrimental, to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey are more alert and flexible. See Honey & Fatigue