A spoonful of honey a day keeps the doctor away.
Honey has been known for its ability to heal everyday ailments and its many medicinal benefits have been employed throughout the history. Today, we know more than ever about its scientifically backed healing properties.
Maybe some of the reason people doubt the truth of honey’s healing abilities lies in its variability. Lab tests reveal that multiple types of honey contain different amounts of vitamins and minerals as every honey sample is made up of a different compilation of nectars.
Depending which plants bees are bumping into, honey can take on “supercharged” levels of certain nutrients and beneficial phytochemicals.
Herein some effective ways to use honey to heal daily ailments:
Allergies: Local honey can decrease symptoms of allergies or prevent them altogether by taking only a teaspoon a day of raw honey. For optimal results, start this regimen a month before your symptoms typically begin to appear.
Arthritis: It may be the alkalinizing effect of a mix of vinegar and honey that seems to alleviate the pain and inflammation of arthritis when used over a period of time. Use internally or externally.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Mix equal parts warm water and honey and stir to mix well. Allow the combination to cool, then apply as an eye wash. Honey can sting a bit.
Cough: Combine equal parts vinegar and honey, and add a twist of lemon. Drink a bit of this mixture every 2 to 3 hours.
Cuts: A dab of honey underneath a bandage can do you good more than any antibiotic cream on the market.
Diabetic sores: Honey has a unique healing ability that can help an unresponsive diabetic wound. Apply to the sore and cover it with light gauze.
Diaper rash: Honey is the best remedy for diaper rash no matter how bad it is; just a thin coating and a bit of naked time and it heals up like magic.
Diarrhea: Honey has a balancing effect on digestion, therefore it is useful for relieving both constipation and diarrhea.
Immune support: A regular intake of raw honey increases B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, two types of white blood cells that enhance immunity.
Insomnia: A spoonful of honey before bed can help prevent insomnia.
Leg cramps: A combination of vinegar and honey rubbed onto the legs before bed improves circulation and can help prevent leg cramps.
Minor burns: Spread honey over the damaged skin of a burn and leave it open to the air. You are advised not to apply anything more than a light gauze.
Nasal congestion: Add honey to steam or simply spread it over the sinus areas on your face. Sinus congestion will drain so quickly!
Sinusitis: Add a teaspoon of honey to a cup of saline water and use it in a neti pot. Do not use a neti pot while you are congested.
Sore throat: Drink a spoonful of honey in a cup of hot tea or let it melt in your mouth for a quick relief from a scratching throat.
Stomach ulcer: Honey prevents H. pylori, the culprit behind most ulcers; eat 2 to 3 ounces a day for a period of 3 months.
This article is only meant to be a home remedy guideline as per the recommendations listed in Mother Earth Living. LBCI urges you to consult your doctor prior to engaging in home remedy trials.