April 29, 2009

How to Use Honey to Treat Asthma

Honey is one of the most commonly used ingredients in home remedies. Tonics, pastes and inhalants can be made by mixing honey with other common cooking ingredients to treat breathing difficulties, sore throats or symptoms of asthma.

Instructions

* Gourd root
* Cinnamon
* Fenugreek seeds
* Ginger juice
* Indian gooseberry
* Horseradish
* Garlic
* Butter


Treat Asthma With Honey and Gourd Root

Step1
Mash the bitter root of a gourd plant into a thick paste.

Step2
Mix 1 tsp. of the paste with 1 tsp. of honey.

Step3
Swallow the mixture each night before going to sleep. Try the remedy for up to a month to get an idea of how well it works for you.

Make a Cinnamon Honey Remedy

Step1
Combine 1 tbsp. of honey with half a tbsp. of ground cinnamon powder.

Step2
Drink the mixture just before going to sleep at night and first thing in the morning.

Use Honey With Water

Step1
Heat a mug of water, either by microwave or on the stove. It should be hot but not boiling.

Step2
Mix in 1 tsp. of honey. Stir well.

Step3
Drink the mixture at night. Take small, slow sips to increase its effectiveness.

Use Fenugreek Seeds With Honey

Step1
Pour 1 tsp. of fenugreek seeds into a cup of water. Allow it to soak overnight

Step2
Add 1 tsp. of honey.

Step3
Add 1 tsp. of ginger juice.

Step4
Drink the mixture. For best results, you should drink this mixture twice in the morning and once at night.

Use Honey With Indian Gooseberry

Step1
Mash 5 grams of Indian gooseberry into a paste.

Step2
Combine with 1 tbsp. of honey.

Step3
Drink the mixture to relieve a cough or to help clear the lungs and throat of mucus.

Use Garlic and Horseradish With Honey

Step1
Mix 7 tbsp. of crushed garlic with 7 tbsp. of horseradish sauce.

Step2
Add 10 tbsp. of butter.

Step3
Add 2 1/2 cups of honey and mix well.

Step4
Heat the mixture until the honey has dissolved.

Step5
Cover tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

Step6
Swallow 1 tbsp. of the mixture an hour before eating a meal.

Step7
Use this remedy for up to 2 months at a time.

Step8
Stop taking the remedy for 1 month to gauge its effectiveness.

Tips & Warnings

It's possible to relieve asthma symptoms without ingesting honey. Fill a cup or jar with honey and hold it under your nose. By slowly inhaling the scent of honey, you can loosen some of the phlegm in your throat and lungs for up to an hour (ehow.com)

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April 18, 2009

Honey Home Remedies

Honey has been used as home remedies for numerous ailments among all group of age. Honey is used by the Ayurvedic physicians over 3000 years as the best vehicle for almost all medicines. Honey has a fabulous history for its wide application as food and medicines among all ethnical groups all over the world. Here are some common home remedies which gives instant relief from ailments and prevents costly medical intervention and much pain.

For respiratory problems

# Adding two teaspoons of honey and juice of half a lemon in a glass of hot water can make a drink of sore throats. 1/2 tsp. of Black pepper powder, 1/4 tsp. of long pepper powder and 1 tsp. of honey mixture is useful to overcome sore throat.

# Dried ginger powder 1/2 tsp, 2-3 black pepper cones, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom, 1/2 tsp. Cummins seeds should be boiled and add little tea leaves and honey and can be had hot. It gives good relief of the throat pain, cold, and cough. It can be taken two to three times in a day.

# Honey is free of unnecessary herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, bee antibiotics and other substances that can harm your health.

# Honey is used to remove phlegm. Take 8- 10 tulsi leaves, 1-2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 inch piece ginger crushed and 3-4 black pepper cones, boil it in 1 cup of water. Add 1 tsp. of honey to this and drink it warm. This is good for cold and cough with phlegm.

# Honey mixed with weak tea is useful for gargles in irritant cough.
Mix equal parts of ginger juice and honey and have it 2-3 times in a day which is good for cough. Ginger powder, black pepper powder and honey is also good for dry cough and can be had 3-4 times in a day. Pepper powder, dry ginger powder, liquorice root powder and honey mixture is good for dry cough 1 tsp. turmeric, 2-3 tsp. ginger juice, 2-3 tsp. lime juice and 3 tsp. honey can be mixed and taken 3 times for cough in a day.

# Asafoetida is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis.1 tsp. of asafoetida mixed with honey will help to keep away these disorders.

# A pinch of turmeric and one teaspoon of honey in warm milk can be taken daily for children and adults who get frequent colds.

For gastrointestinal problems :

# Honey 50 ml per litre is recommended instead of sugar in the oral rehydration fluid.

# Honey and ginger helps in proper digestion and prevents stomach diseases. Ginger juice is made with a teaspoon of freshly squeezed juice of ginger and lime and a teaspoon of honey in hot water.

# The nutmeg should be powdered and mixed with honey and can be taken during diarrhoea. It can be given to small children also. 1 teaspoon twice or thrice can be taken.

# One spoon of fresh honey mixed with the juice of half a lemon in a glass of lukewarm water taken first thing in the morning is very effective for constipation, hyperacidity, and obesity.

Antiseptic properties and beauty care

Honey is useful for the skin diseases. It can be applied externally for wounds, sores, and burns. It is also believed to minimise disfiguring scar.

Honey, turmeric, and gram flour is very good face pack. It can be applied for 15 - 20 minutes and washed off with water.

Miscellaneous uses

# Honey act as a mild sedative. Take one teaspoon of honey in warm milk before going to bed.

# Asafoetida fried in ghee and mixed with a tablespoon of honey to be taken thrice daily for excessive flow and pain full menstruation and leucorrhoea.

# Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.

# Fever: Take 1 teaspoon of juice of tulsi leaves and bel flowers with honey twice a day.

# Hair: Soak shredded ginger in honey. Eat a spoonful every morning for healthy hair.

# Constipation : Take a hot glass of water with 1 teaspoon honey & juice of half a lemon first thing in the morning.

# Arthritis: Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water taken twice a day proves.

# Acidity: Have triphala powder with honey thrice a day. Drink coconut water 3 - 4 times a day.

# Local Burns: Wash affected area with running tap water and apply a thin layer of honey or Aloe vera gel.

# For General Good Health: Amla fruits (gooseberry) and keep in honey for a month. Eat daily when you can not have fresh amla.(pure-honey.net)

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Propolis: The Natural Antibiotic

Propolis is a natural antibiotic that is fast gaining in popularity in the application of home remedies! It's one of those bee products that really cause me to wow at the wonder of nature and marvel at the ability of the highly organised insect - honey bee. Now, let me tell you the fascinating story of propolis.

Some trees and conifers produce sticky resins as part of their immune system to defend themselves against disease. Honey bees collect these substances that ooze from the buds of these plants. After chewing them and mixing them with their saliva and other substances, propolis is formed. This nutrient-rich substance is of vital importance for the survival of the honey bees in the beehive. It is created to sterilize the hive and protect it against diseases and infection. Not only does it help to inhibit the spread of bacteria, virus, and fungi that would otherwise pose a significant threat in the closely-knit quarters, it also and help fight against climatic changes, such as wind and cold. It is also used as a "putty" to seal cracks and openings in the hive and to strengthen and repair honeycombs, and for this reason is also known as ‘bee glue’. Another fact that amazes me is that honey bees also use this sticky substance to embalm or "mummify" the carcasses of larger insects that invade the hive. Such intruders are immediately stung to death but because the defending bees can't transport such heavy corpse away from the hive, they embalm them rather than allowing them to decay. The ancient Eygptians observed this and used propolis as one of the embalming agents for their exquisite mummies!

Propolis contains approximately 50-70% resins, 30% wax, 10% etheric oils and 5% pollen. It is especially rich in amino acids, important for immune system function. It has a high vitamin content (Vitamin A (carotene), Vitamin B1, B2, B3, biotin) and is extremely rich in bioflavonoids (Vitamin P) which are believed to have numerous immune building properties and health benefits. Bioflavonoids are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables and are found in abundance in oranges. This bee glue contains almost 500 times more bioflavonoids than is found in oranges! It also contains an array of albumin, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Like Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, it contains a number of unidentified compounds which work together synergistically to create a balanced, nutritive substance.

Propolis can be purchased completely raw and unprocessed, but it in its natural state is a sticky substance and is very difficult to handle. Some beekeepers will package it raw and freeze it in small portions. It can then be added to a coffee grinder in its frozen state and ground for easy consumption. Most producers utilize a process where the active ingredients are ‘leached’ into water or alcohol, then either packaged in liquid form or dried and capsulated.
Because of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, this precious substance has been used as a natural cure and healing agent for many centuries. It has the ability to provide protection against infectious invaders, promote healing and regeneration of tissue, and provides a superior source of energy and stamina. It has been used as ointments for healing cuts and wounds and shown to have outstanding value for a wide variety of illnesses. It is also used as a natural alternative to penicillin and other antibiotics. It is said to be particularly safe and effective and inhibits the resistance-building effect that is a negative factor with prescription antibiotics. In the former Eastern Bloc countries, antibiotics have never been widely available, but beekeeping is widely practised. To help prevent many diseases, hospitals and clinics recommended washing, gargling or irrigating the sinuses with this natural antibiotic rinse, as well as taking it orally. This bee product is certainly a good weapon against bacteria when used topically. It can clearly prevent infections, and can also help heal infections that have already begun.

Do you know that now even toothpastes contain natural ingredients related to honey bees? Propolis has become a healthy alternative to synthetic brands of toothpastes as it is especially useful in mouth and gum disorders. Our mouth is one of the most sensitive spots of our body. This is the place where the synesthesia of senses starts and the food we visualize develops its full smell and taste. The mouth is the starting point of the food digestion. A healthy mouth cavity is certainly one of the elements contributing to the appetite and good mood in general. If the mouth develops sore spots, thrush or gum disease, it causes the whole system to disrupt, resulting in pain and tormenting feeling. Published clinical research demonstrates that propolis fights bacteria, prevents tooth decay, heals bleeding gums, and prevents gums receding and bad breath. Manufacturers of these toothpastes and mouth sprays claim that their products leave teeth clean, gums feeling healthy, taste great without artificial ingredients, and produce no negative side effects. The salesperson at a honey shop which I often frequent explained that such toothpastes are very suitable for young children's use as even if it's accidentally swallowed, it's extremely safe. Such products are easily applied, and have increasingly become part of the everyday dental hygiene of people who are especially interested in natural remedies. My latest discovery while shopping for honey products : propolis extract now even Natural Factors Propolis Throat Spray 1oz comes in the form of sprays and candies. The spray claims that it is effective against flu, cuts, burns, gum and mouth infections, throat discomforsts and intestinal discomfort, while the candy is sold as a good therapeutic substitute to the traditional throat lozenges and an aid to curing flu, colds, throat discomfort, cough and bad breath.

Note of Caution: Propolis is generally non-toxic, though allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling, redness, eczema or fever have been reported. As the effects of this bee substance during pregnancy and breast-feeding have not been sufficiently evaluated, women should not use it during these times unless directed to do so by a physician. (benefits-of-honey.com)

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Raise Bees for Your Own Medicine, Antibiotics, Pain Killers , and Engineer New Drugs

This is some of my work and life experience, I have simplified it so the average reader can hopefully understand. If this post can help even one wheelchair bound sufferer walk, or a chronic back pain sufferer return to normal, or cure arthritis in a sufferer, this post is worth it. Links at bottom of page.

Knowledge is key!

Bees are amazing creatures, honey from the tombs in Egypt was heated and it was good as new. What other food thousands of years old could do that?

With the war in Iraq and Afghanistan Medics and Doctors are trying to treat wounds better. What they found is honey from New Zealand where the bees foraged on herbs are a better dressing than any antibiotic. The wounds healed faster without infection. The bandages are treated with the special honey and will be available at local hospitals and practitioners soon. One Doctor when asked when he got back to the states, if his child had a wound what dressing would he use he said, "Honey".

Think about it honey gathered from bees feeding on healing herbs, you could engineer all kinds of drugs from bees by isolating them on specific plants. That's big, the possibilities are exciting.

As for chronic pain, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, and muscular sclerosis, just to name a few bee stings can cure or give relief.

I first saw some crippled wheelchair bound muscular sclerosis patients with bleak prognosis's. They said they would be in those wheelchairs the rest of their lives. After Bee Sting therapy they were walking! This is big! Wheelchair cripples with no hope, walking! Wow!

I have personally experimented with Bee Stings and chronic pain, and they work! I have brought people who have been down for weeks in their backs back to normal! It changes your life if you are suffering.

I call it the shotgun approach to acupuncture. The Nero-toxins work like a magnetic pulse bomb that takes out the magnetic fields and power stations. This allows the nerves to work properly. It's like the reset on your computer only a lot of people don't know about it. It works!

Bee stings have been used for centuries for relief of Arthritis. One lady was severely stung by a swarm of bees over one hundred stings. She was hospitalized it almost killed her, and later she said one good thing about it, her arthritis was gone!

The power of the sting, one hundred bee stings equal one rattlesnake bite. The bee is amazing it has its own hypodermic delivery system. We have an amazing insect in the bee and I encourage everyone who can raise some bees for the medicine, pollination, and numerous benefits

If you decide to sting yourself or others use common sense. Make sure you are not allergic to bee stings. Swab the area with alcohol, and be ready to wipe the stinger away. This is big! It can save millions of people pain and suffering even the crippled are walking.

If you have any ideas about the benifits of bee research please post. I love our bees and pollinating insects.

Here are some links they not from my work but they might be useful. (scientificblogging.com)

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Honey as an Antibiotic?

As an undergraduate at Cornell, I took a course called "Bee Keeping" mostly because it had the reputation of being a “gut” course (i.e., easy to ace) and I had a passing interest in entomological microbiology. To this day, I will tell you that it is one of the best courses that I have taken in my academic career. It was taught by a practicing bee keeper who maintained hives in Florida during the winter and in Ithaca during the summer (not surprisingly the course was taught in the Spring semester so that his bees could pollinate the local crops).

Not only did we learn a lot about honey bee biology and social insect behavior, we also learned a great deal about honey and its virtues (we even got to sample different types of honey from time to time). One of honey’s lesser known properties is that it is sterile. This is because honey is extremely hygroscopic and has high concentrations of fructose, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria. These properties led me to wonder in those days whether honey would be an effective antibiotic in certain situations.

Over the next 30 years or so, I had all but forgotten about the possible use of honey as an antibacterial. Then, much to my surprise, I came across a recent Canadian study which suggests that honey may be useful to treat a variety of infections. Apparently, honey is surprisingly effective in treating bacterial biofilms which are increasingly implicated in the etiology of many chronic skin, mucosal and wound infections. Previous studies showed that honey is effective in wound healing. The researchers who conducted the study also suggested that a “honey rinse” might be effective for treating "stubborn ear, nose and throat infections."

Interestingly, not all of the honey that was tested exhibited potent antibacterial properties. Canadian clover and buckwheat honey didn’t exhibit any antibacterial properties at all. This suggests that the plant nectars that the bees use to make honey might influence the antibiotic properties of various honeys. It is important to note that the results of these experiments are very preliminary and additional studies will definitely be required to support or refute the use of honey as an antibiotic. Nevertheless, I thought the results were exciting and worth mentioning.

Until next time….don't forget to eat your honey!

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting (try beekeeping…its lucrative these days)!!!!!!

Source: biojobblog.com

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Honey: The Antibiotic of the Future!

By Nora Belfedal


Ali (raa) once said, " The Muslim is like the bee who eats only good things and only good things come from them."

Last week we learned about the benefits of honey. This week we will explore other bee products.

Bee pollen:

Pollen is the ultra-fine powder that makes up the male element of a flower. Honeybees, who collect it, pass by poor pollen and collect only that which is nutritious and healthy. Some experts even say that the bee chooses " by instinct " those good flowers. This can be explained by the verse, "And your Lord taught the bee…" (16:68).

Bee pollen contains all the elements humans need in a form easily assimilated by the body. For this reason, bee pollen is called "the perfect food". Indeed, it contains all the minerals (14), vitamins (13), trace minerals, proteins, amino acids (15), enzymes, co-enzymes (over 5,000) and hormones known to man and probably many more known only to Allah (Pollen Power, p.3).

Pollen is a prime source of proteins, which cause elevation of the gamma globulins of the body and increase its immune defense reactions. Known as a "Fountain of Youth", it has linoleic acid, which is the only fatty acid for the nutrition of the hair and skin, and which slows the aging process and increases capillary strength. "Drs. Louveave and E.L. Mand of France report that experiments showed that Honey Bee Pollen can reverse the aging, darkening, wrinkling and blemishing of the skin" (New Horizons, p.1).

Bee pollen is also very helpful for fatigue (psychological or physical), immune system deficiencies, anemia, sleep disorders, diabetes, cholesterol, diarrhea, constipation, prostate disorders, and rheumatism. Cartson Wade said, "Bee Pollen is a natural way to improve metabolism and help control and take weight off." He recommends eating pollen before meals for those who want to lose weight or eating it after meals to increase weight (Pollen Power, p.3)

Many cases of stress and nervous disorders also respond to this miracle food because of the high concentration of micronutrients, particularly zinc and selenium. A stressed body needs an enormous amount of vitamins, especially vitamins B and C. If the body does not have them regularly, it can cause long-term damage to the glandular system. This can be solved or avoided by taking bee pollen that is easily and quickly assimilated. For this reason, bee pollen is actually used by many athletes to increase energy, endurance and performance.

In addition, the Women's Clinic at the University of Vienna, Austria, led by Hermuss, found that bee pollen could also be an effective complimentary treatment for cancer. They gave a bee pollen supplement to women who have cancer and found that they suffered fewer side effects from their radiation therapy. In another study at the University Hospital of Wales, a trial on 60 men showed that pollen extract is an effective treatment for prostate enlargement and that it increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy. However, unlike chemotherapy, pollen does not attack the tumor but stimulates the immune response (National Honey Board, p.2).

Propolis:

Bees make propolis from the resinous sap of the trees. They use it to protect their hive from viruses and bacteria. For humans it is an excellent antibiotic, eliminate toxins and pollutants and helps stop the dependence on drugs. It is very rich in flavonoids and in acids like phenolic, caffeic, cinnamic etc. Rao, of the American Health Foundation in NY, reported that caffeic acid helps prevent colon cancer (Challem, p.2).

Propolis has also been found to prevent the growth of bacteria, especially those strains responsible for surgical infections and pneumonia. Other scientific researches have shown that propolis inhibit the activity of bacteria causing dental caries and protects against several other species of bacteria. It may also act on blood pressure, stomach ulcers and sexual strength too (Challem, p.2).

Propolis works as many antibiotics drugs do. Effectively, it inhibits the bacterial cell division and destroys their protective envelop-like cytoplasm. However, unlike antibiotics, bee propolis works not only against viruses but it also prevents their reproduction, thanks to its cinnamic acids. A study published in the Journal of Ethno-pharmacology (Challem, p.1) showed that the antioxidant properties of propolis have the same function as vitamin E, which is very important for skin treatments and degenerative diseases like, cancer, diabetes, senility, and strokes (Challem, p.1).

Royal Jelly:

Royal Jelly is sometimes difficult to find because of its high demand and difficulty of manufacture. This white gelatinous substance is secreted by the salivary glands of worker bees. It is the food for the queen bee, who is the only bee in the hive that lives for several years (worker bees only live for a few weeks). Royal Jelly, which is synthesized during the digestion of bee pollen, is a mixture of various proteins and water and has a reputation of maintaining youthfulness in people as well as bees.

"… there issues from within their bodies [the bees] a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a sign for those who give thought" (16:68-69).

The collagen of bee propolis helps moisturize the skin and soothe dermatitis. Royal Jelly also contains B vitamins - especially B5 - which eases stressed nerves; amino acids; and minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium, iron and manganese. Royal Jelly is also rich in pantothenic acid - part of a B vitamin complex, which may enable it to treat some bone disorders and assist many metabolic processes (Barret, p.3).

Some studies have shown that it has more benefits when injected. Royal Jelly possesses an excellent and powerful antibacterial protein called royalisin, which has proven to protect against several species of bacteria. Royal Jelly may also have effects on tumors. In a study on mice done in Japan, it also appeared that Royal Jelly reduced and inhibited the tumor. The mice treated with Royal Jelly lived longer than the ones who were not treated with Royal Jelly (Challem, p.4).

However, although this product is miraculous, it should not be consumed by people who have asthma or anaphylaxis without the advice of a doctor. This is because some products made of Royal Jelly and other herbs, such as BeeAlive and BeeSweet, have been the objects of condemnation for false claim by the federal court (Rhoades, p.1).

Bee products, especially honey, are usually considered only as food. However, it is time to include them in our medicine and daily diets. Scientists of our time are now accepting this "old remedy" which was already beautifully mentioned in the Holy Quran and in the Sunnah, 14 hundred years ago! We should finally embrace it as well.

"Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Quran is a remedy for all illnesses of the mind, therefore I [The Prophet] recommend to you both remedies the Quran and honey" (Bukhari).

source: islamonline.net

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Natural Antibiotic Found In Honey

By Nicola Bradbear, Peter Martin and David Wainwright, UK


In 2003, two consignments of honey being brought in to the EU from Zambia were found to contain low levels of the antibiotic streptomycin. According to EU law, honey must not contain any antibiotic residues. Tetracyclines are the only antibiotics that can be used to treat the honeybee disease European Foulbrood, but only under veterinary control and supervision, and procedures must be followed so that any honey produced during the treatment period cannot enter the honey market.

The imported honey was harvested by beekeepers living and working in the forests that cover Zambia's remote North Western Province. It is very unlikely that these beekeepers are using antibiotics in their beekeeping. The honey is harvested from local style hives made from cylinders of bark and placed high in trees of the miombo woodland. No honeybee diseases are known, and beekeepers do not have the resources, possibility or necessity to use antibiotics in their beekeeping.

So how could streptomycin have become present in the honey? Is it possible that it is a natural constituent of honey, carried into the hive by foraging bees? Streptomycin is produced by bacteria belonging to the genus Streptomyces: these bacteria are common and widespread. Streptomycetes have been discovered in samples collected from the miombo woodland, in places frequented by bees, such as hollows in trees, water holes and leaf mould.

Early indications are that the streptomycin could indeed be occurring naturally. This has implications for honey legislation and the world honey trade, as well as for understanding of honeybee biology and honey's long-known role in health and healing.

It is also known from research that ants and Streptomycetes have a highly evolved relationship: some leaf cutter ants have white spots on their bodies ­these spots are colonies of a Streptomyces species, producing an antibiotic to protect the ant colony's food sources from other pathogens. Could bees also have evolved a way to harness the benefits of the antibiotic streptomycin?

Clearly, research was needed to investigate this amazing discovery, and to provide scientific data concerning the streptomycin and its possible origin. Aware that the presence of antibiotics in honey could adversely affect Zambian and other developing countries' trade in honey, Bees for Development applied for a grant from DFID (The UK Government Department for International Development), and gained support under the Business Link Challenge Fund, which enables research on issues with implications for trade with developing countries. Partner organisations working with BfD in the Project are North Western Bee Products of Zambia, Casa Mel of Mozambique, and Tropical Forest Products of Aberystwyth, UK.

Research is now underway in co-operation with Professor Elizabeth Wellington and her team at the University of Warwick, towards proving the genetic origin of the streptomycin in the Zambian honey. Results so far are providing the evidence that we need to prove that this streptomycin is occurring naturally, and preliminary data will be published in scientific research journals later in 2004. [Bees for Development Journal #72]

Source : beesfordevelopment.org

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