Honey would definitely be the one that would come first in your mind when you think about natural sweeteners.
This sweet liquid is made by bees from the nectar of flowers. Organic honey is collected from wild bee colonies or domesticated beehives. It is a rich source of natural sugars and contains antioxidants and flavonoids that are beneficial for health. Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, honey can keep bacterial and fungal infections at bay.
Some other nutrients you can find in honey are calcium, vitamins B12, and C, iron, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
With its nutritional profile, there is no doubt that honey is nature’s answer to many health issues.
Listed Below Are Some Of The Uses Of Honey
Helps Treat Sore Throat and Cough
You don’t need over-the-counter medicines if you’ve got a sore throat or a cough. Instant relief can be provided by a spoonful of honey.
Honey works as a cough suppressant and also helps clear out the mucus and soothe your throat.
Have 2 teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed to enjoy less coughing and better sleep at night.
You can also drink a cup of hot milk or soothing herbal tea with 1 tablespoon of honey twice daily to soothe a sore throat.
Helps Soothe Minor Burns
There is nothing to worry about experiencing minor burns. Raw honey can soothe and heal your skin. It can also effectively prevent infection due to its antibacterial properties.
After getting a burn, rinse it with cool running water and dab some honey on it. Lightly cover the affected area with a gauze bandage. Repeat as needed until the wound is healed.
Helps Combat Insomnia
Do you want to get quality sleep? Or want to treat sleep apnea? Honey is the right solution.
While you sleep at night, honey ensures that there is an adequate supply of liver glycogen. If your body has an inadequate supply of liver glycogen, your brain will trigger an emergency search for fuel, which can lead to disturbed sleep.
Moreover, honey also stimulates the release of insulin and allows tryptophan to enter the brain easily, thereby contributing to the release of melatonin in the brain. Melatonin is a hormone necessary for restorative sleep.
For those suffering from sleep apnea, honey can help reduce swelling around the throat area that can obstruct airways. It also prevents snoring, one of the common symptoms of sleep apnea, by lubricating the throat.
Helps Heal Wounds
Honey can be used in treating minor wounds or cuts. It works as a natural antiseptic and has many antimicrobial properties that can sterilize wounds and promote healing, while also reducing odor, pain, and the size of the wound. It contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which adds to honey’s wound-healing capabilities.
Just put a layer of pure honey on the site of the wound. Cover it with gauze and a bandage, if needed. Replace it a few times a day, as needed.
Helps Boost Immunity
When it comes to boosting the immune system, honey works effectively.
Found in high-quality honey are important antioxidants, such as phenols, enzymes, and compounds like flavonoids and organic acids. They help protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals, which accelerate aging and contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Honey’s antibacterial and antiviral properties also help the body fight and kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
Mix 1 tablespoon of organic honey into a glass of lukewarm milk. Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder and mix well. Drink it once daily before going to bed.
Helps Fight Digestive Problems
Honey can rescue you from discomfort, such as gas, diarrhea, acid efflux, and indigestion. It helps clean the colon by eliminating the toxins and promote good bacteria in the colon, thus resulting in better digestion. Through these, symptoms of bloating, gas, and acid reflux are prevented and treated.
You can just simply take 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey on an empty stomach to soothe abdominal pain and prevent gas and bloating.