Easily digested: Because
sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. Fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.
Good source of antioxidants: It plays a big role in the prevention of
cancer as well as heart disease.
Has a low calorie level: Another quality of honey is that, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.
Does not accommodate bacteria: This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey.
Do you have a cut? Honey is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in which honey was employed to treat wounds. By applying honey to your wounds, you prevent infections. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound (caution test the heat before you place it on the wound). Many types of bacteria can't survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling eases, and tissue can grow back.
RAW HONEY
Long used as a culinary sweetener, RAW honey is valued for its many healing properties as well. Treatment with RAW honey is referred to as Apitherapy and includes replenishing energy, enhancing physical stamina and strengthening those weakened by illness or stress.
RAW Honey can also help calm the mind and promote rejuvenating sleep. RAW Honey relieves indigestion and is used to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory complaints. Finally, a thin coat of raw honey can be applied to the skin to disinfect and heal minor skin wounds and chapped lips. This is because honey is anti-bacterial.
HAS YOUR HONEY CRYSTALLIZED?
Since honey is made up of honey, wax, pollen, nectar, and other wondrous natural properties - it is only a matter of time for honey to crystallize, to 'attempt' to take itself back to some kind of 'original' state. In fact, when some of the tombs were opened in Egypt, they found honey (it was put there for the entombed - so they would have it in their next life) that had crystallized - it was still perfectly good - even though it was more than 5,000 years old!
To restore honey to its liquid state, boil some water in a pan...REMOVE FROM HEAT. Place the container in the hot water, let it sit there, turn the container periodically, and the honey will go back to its liquid state. This is not pasteurization. Keep in mind that some varieties of honey will crystallize faster than others.
There are advantages to crystallized honey. It is easier to 'spread' on your toast, bread, butter, etc., and doesn't drip! Plus it is perfectly ‘good' honey.
Remember, never refrigerate honey...always keep it in the cupboard, as cold temperatures hasten crystallization - better yet - and this is highly recommended - keep the jar on your table! Enjoy it with your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Feel free to put some on whatever you're eating! It's delicious and good for you too!!
How sweet is honey? Measure for measure, the fructose in honey makes it sweeter than sugar. Honey at 21 calories per teaspoon -- just slightly higher than sugar -- is about 2 times as sweet.
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 2 tablespoons of the honey-lavender mixture to your bathwater to help you relax and combat insomnia.
Heals 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 the honey directly on the wound and cover with a sterile bandage.
Help for hay fever: 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.
For relief of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments: 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 or other minor respiratory ailments, mix 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme in a little honey. Take the mixture orally as needed to soothe inflamed lungs and airways.
How honey can heal
Research being carried out around the world suggests that honey helps in the healing and sterilizing of wounds and ulcers, in the growth of new skin, and, has many antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The reason for this is the unique combination of properties that honey has.
Antibacterial properties
Honey is high in sugar, low in protein and quite acidic. These factors combine to make honey free from contaminants itself and help it to kill the contaminants it comes into contact with. The main antibacterial agent in honey is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is released when honey touches the skin. This is produced by the enzyme glucose oxidase which is introduced into honey by the bee. However various types of honey will contain slightly different antibacterial substances.
