As a beekeepers' wife, honey is a staple in our home. My husband and daughter use it for anything from fighting off a cold to a cough suppressant. There are so many benefits of raw honey, we learn new uses for it all the time. Buying honey from a local beekeeper is ideal, as store bought honey has little nutritional value because it has been processed so much. Honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which is why it has so many health benefits.
NEVER give any kind of honey to children under the age of one, it can lead to a disease called botulism.
I helped my husband write a short blog about the benefits of honey, which you can find here: Wonderful Benefits of Honey , but I would like to build on that and share the benefits and uses with you.
-You can apply a thin layer to minor burns to help with the burning sensation and have an anti-inflammatory effect. It may also prevent infection, and could help with quicker healing time because of the anti-bacterial properties.
-A few teaspoons of honey each day can give you relief from seasonal allergies.
-Natural alternative to cough medicine, soothes a sore throat and reduces cough.
-One or two teaspoons can help fight indigestion.
-Honey contains vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 and vitamin C. These vitamins also have many health benefits.
-A spoonful of honey before bed helps you relax and fall asleep faster.
-Apply a thin layer to minor cuts and scrapes and cover with a band-aid. Honey will sterilize the wound and aid in the healing process. If the wound appears to be infected or is deep, please seek medical advice.
-A natural source of energy, honey refreshes nerves, strengthens muscles and sharpens the mind.
Raw honey mixed with other ingredients can have even more health benefits.
-Honey and Cinnamon have been reported to help with the following:
-upset stomach
-weight loss
-bladder infection
-arthritis
-Mixing raw apple cider vinegar and honey with hot water to make a tea can be helpful with:
-migraines
-stomach aches
-constipation
Raw honey is also a great natural beauty product for the hair and skin. Try using these hints in your beauty routine.
-Moisturizing Mask: apply 1 teaspoon of honey on dry, clean skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
-Pore Cleanser: Stir 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons coconut oil until its spreadable. Gently massage in circular motion into clean, dry skin. Rinse with warm water.
-Exfoliation: Mix 2 parts honey and 1 part baking soda and rub into your face. Also can be used for an all over body scrub.
-Milk and Honey bath: 1/4 cup honey mixed with 2 cups milk and a few drops of essential oil. Add to hot bath water.
-Glossy hair: Coat hair with raw honey and let sit for 10 minutes then wash as usual.
-Acne Treatment: Apply a dab of honey to affected areas and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Other things honey may help with:
-lower blood sugar levels
-stabilize blood pressure
-relieve pain
-calm nerves
-ulcers
-asthma
Honey has so much usefulness in our everyday lives. I hope you found some of this helpful. Leave me a comment on what you would like to get out of using honey, and in what way you plan to introduce it into your home.
