Honey, the Alternative Remedy

From Sunburst, a Singapore Technologies publication, September 2001 issue

 

Mention honey and a sweet, golden liquid comes to mind. But honey as a remedy? Here are some of the therapeutic uses of nature’s original sweetener.

 

Insomnia

Honey is a mild sedative with minerals, vitamins, amino acids, etc. A dessert spoon of honey in a mug of hot milk aids sleep and works wonders!

 

Nasal Congestion

Place a dessert spoon of honey in a basin of hot water and inhale fumes after covering your head with a towel over the basin.

 

Wounds

The next time you burn or cut yourself, reach for that pot of honey. With properties that inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, honey is an effective salve and antibiotic that aids in fast healing – without scarring. Simply apply onto wounds and cover up with a bandage.

 

Beauty

Why buy expensive beauty products when you can pay a fraction of the amount for an all-natural one? Mix an equal amount of honey with oatmeal or live oil, and there you have it: your home-made facial deep cleanser or a hair-conditioning treatment!

 

Poor Digestion

To aid in digestion, mix an equal quantity of honey with apple cider vinegar and dilute to taste with water.

 

Sore Throat

If your throat’s bothering you, let a teaspoon of honey melt in the back of your mouth and trickle down the throat. Honey, with its soothing qualities, eases the inflamed raw tissues.

 

Stress and Fatigue

Honey is a unique natural stabilizer. Ancient Greek athletes took honey for stamina before competing and as a reviver after competing. Add honey to water in a 4:1 ratio, and use it to relive stress and fatigue.

 

Anaemia

Honey is the best blood enricher by raising corpuscle content. The darker the honey, the more minerals it contains.

 

Hay Fever

Chewing the tops of a honey comb stimulates immune system due to minute amounts of pollen. During the season, chew a teaspoon of bee capping (tops) for 20 minutes five to six times a day. This method is highly effective and useful for asthma sufferers as well.

 

Teething

Research has shown that a teaspoon of honey per day aids in calcium utilisation and prevents osteoporosis. So pick up that pot of honey now!

 

 

Did you know?

One common fact worldwide is that the most long-lived people are regular users of honey. An interesting fact yet to be explained is that beekeepers suffer less from cancer and arthritis than any other occupational group worldwide.