8 Proven Healing Benefits From Using Honey

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The fact that honey has unlimited healing abilities is documented as far back as the bible. King Solomon was quoted as saying, “My son, eat thou honey, for it is good.” Originally recognized for its sweetening powers, it wasn’t long before its properties as an effective antioxidant were discovered and its abilities to prevent the spread of free radicals. It acts as an antifungal agent and can deal directly with bacterial and fungal conditions. Its properties as an anti-inflammatory also help people deal with infections and allergies.

Processionals in the field say in order to accumulate a pound of honey it will take about 60,000 bees frequenting nearly 2 million flowers. No matter what you plan on using honey for, it is always in your best interest to purchase raw unfiltered honey. Infants and small children should not be given honey because it could contain botulism and kids may not have a digestive system that is developed enough to deal with it.

All you need is a good dose of honey to begin to see relief on any of the following conditions. It’s no wonder it is referred to as liquid gold.

1. Reduces chances of heart problems

The benefits of honey regarding heart conditions continues to grow as researchers implement more clinical trials. At this time, mixing honey with cinnamon and spreading it on toast in the morning will go far in helping any heart issues you already have or preventing new ones. You will find adding honey to your diet on a regular basis will cut down on your cholesterol levels, strengthen your veins and arteries, maintain a solid heart rate, and will cut down on any shortness of breath you may be experiencing. If you are serious about bringing your cholesterol levels down, add 2 tablespoons of honey with 3 tablespoons of cinnamon in 16 ounces of warm water. The mixture was able to bring down cholesterol levels in patients by 10 percent in just two hours. You can repeat this mixture up to three times each day.

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2. Serves as an anti-bacterial

There are studies that have proven honey to be an effective treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. This bacterial condition is resistant to most of the conventional treatments that are currently used. In fact, honey has been shown to destroy the MRSA virus at an effective rate of 70%. For general cuts and bruises you can also apply honey topically to prevent any possible infections.

3. Eliminates throat irritation and stops persistent coughing

A study that consisted of 105 children showed that one serving of buckwheat honey eliminated the kids’ night time cough with the same effectiveness as giving them dextromethorphan. In adults, the World Health Organization (WHO), confirmed that honey was able to relieve annoying coughs because it provided a thin film in the throat that protected it from becoming agitated and provoking more coughing. Honey mixed with some fresh lemon juice also proved to ease irritating coughing spells and it has a soothing flavor.

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4. Helps to give you more energy

Forget plunking down your money for an energy drink that could give you a quick jolt of energy but could also be dangerous to your health. Honey is a carbohydrate that can give you a jolt of energy from the unprocessed sugar it contains. It doesn’t matter if you just can’t get started in the morning or if you have an afternoon slump. A tablespoon or two of raw honey can get directly into your bloodstream and give you an instant pick-me-up. You can also add it to your iced tea if you want to keep your energy level flowing.

5. Treats gum disease

Honey possesses an enzyme in its makeup that is able to generate hydrogen peroxide. This feature allows honey to cut down on the amount of plaque in the mouth while reducing the level of acid. Manuka honey is a powerful type of honey that when diluted, can replace your toothpaste and mouthwash in eliminating the germs and bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay and many diseases in the gum area.

6. Improves the immune system

Your immune system is what makes the difference between getting a small cold for a few days and being sick for a couple of weeks. The health of your immune system is what determines how long you will be ill and how quickly you will heal. With its properties in resolving antibacterial issues, as well as serving as an antioxidant, honey can help to recharge your immune system. Just a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water mixed with the juice of half a lemon in the morning will get you energized and put your immune system ready to ward off just about anything that comes its way.

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7. Increases memory retention

As we get older, we tend to become a little forgetful. It is important that the brain is fed in order to stay in top form. Honey is rich in antioxidants which is precisely what your brain needs to remain sharp. Just one teaspoon of honey a day will do the trick. You can take it straight from the jar or add it to some hot tea. In addition, honey is rich in calcium which also helps to cut down on your chances of getting dementia in the future.

8. Can give you a good night’s sleep

If you have a difficult time falling asleep at night, a spoonful of honey may be just the ticket. When you take in honey it raises your insulin and your body lets go of serotonin which is a natural neurotransmitter. The serotonin changes over to melatonin which is a natural chemical in your body that will help you sleep. Honey also has amino acids that play a part in creating tryptophan, which is an amino acid found in turkey that makes you fall asleep right after Thanksgiving dinner every year.

References:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.mayoclinic.org

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