Nature's Remedy

Honey

The name of this familiar and time-tested household remedy comes from ancient Hebrew and means "enchant." Long used as a culinary sweetener, honey is valued for its many healing properties as well. Treatment with honey is referred to as apitherapy and includes replenishing energy, enhancing physical stamina and strengthening those weakened by illness or stress. In addition, honey relieves indigestion and is used to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory compaints.

Honey helps restore energy, has a general calming effect and helps to dissolve mucus. Applied externally to the skin, it disinfects and heals minor wounds.

The principle components of honey are the simple sugars fructose and glucose. Other ingredients include water, pollen, organic acids, enzymes and various proteins.

Honey provides a healthful pick-me-up. The glucose and fructose have been predigested by the bees that produced it. These simple sugars are quickly and easily absorbed in the human digestive tract, and have an overall soothing effect. Honey may be a healthy treat, but take care when using it as a sweetener. Just 1T of honey has 64 calories as compared to 46 calories in 1T of granulated sugar.

Many kinds of honey are available. The consistency, fragrance and taste depend on the types of flowers from which beens collect nectar. Look for honey that has been produced by beekeepers who do not feed their bees refined sugars or harmful pesticides.

Take care not to give unpasturized honey to infants. It contains a type of bacteria that, though harmless to older children and adults, can be very dangerous to those younger than a year.

Try a relaxing honey bath. Put 2 oz. of honey in a glass with 5 drops of lavender oil. If the honey is too thick, heat it by placing the glass in warm water. Add 1 or 2T of the honey-lavender mixture to your bathwater to help you relax and combat insomnia.

Applied externally, honey is useful for healing minor cuts and abrasions by drawing excess water from the tissues and reducing swelling. In addition, honey contains a germ-killing substance called inhibine, which helps prevent infections. Spread honey directly on a wound and cover with a sterile bandage.

Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested locally.

Honey is an outstanding household remedy that can be used in combination with various medicinal herbs. For relief of coughs and wheezing associated with bronchitis, whooping cough or other minor repiratory ailments, mix 1t of finely chopped fresh thyme in a little honey. Take the mixture orally as needed to soothe inflammed lungs and airways.

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