It’s that time of year again where the bees are out pollenating and creating glorious honey! If you want to know some of the incredible health benefits of raw honey- read up! And, if you are one of the millions of americans who are effected by seasonal allergies, this blog is for you!
Raw honey has been used for thousands of years to treat and heal many illnesses and ailments. It can be applied topically to heal wounds or it can be taken internally to treat infections, boost the immune system and speed healing of various conditions. Raw honey has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties.
WHY RAW?
When choosing honey, it’s important to stick to the real stuff!! Did you know that more than 75% of the honey found on American grocery store shelves is not actually real honey in it’s natural form, but rather a highly processed and filtered mixture of sugar, malt sweeteners, corn syrup and other additives? Raw honey however, is the alkaline-forming food that contains vitamins, enzymes, and powerful antioxidants. In processed honey, these nutrients are destroyed during the heating and pasteurization process – the result is honey that is equivalent to and just as unhealthy as eating refined sugar!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF RAW HONEY.
Excellent remedy for skin wounds and skin infections: Used topically, raw honey can soothe skin, prevent infection, kill bacteria and speed healing. Most types of bacteria cannot survive in honey.
Cold and flu fighter: with it’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, raw honey taken internally is an effective treatment for colds, flu, respiratory illness, bronchitis, asthma, sore throats and other infections. That is why lemon and honey in hot water is not only soothing when you are sick, but incredibly good for you too.
Allergy relief: raw honey purchased from a local source is an excellent way of treating seasonal allergies. It is often used by pollen allergy sufferers to build a tolerance and lessen their sensitivity to pollen by eating 1 to 2 tsp. of it each day a few months prior to allergy season. Remember it has to be local. You can also use bee pollen medicinally to help knock down your seasonal allergies. Take 1/4 tsp under your tongue for 1 week. Then double that to 1/2 tsp for a week. Then hold steady at 1 tsp under your tongue for 4-6 weeks. You will be amazed!
Excellent Source of Antioxidants: Honey not only has a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, but it also contains the flavonoid pinocembrin which is unique to honey. Pinostrobin supports and promotes healthy enzyme activity.
Supports Good Digestion: Promotes the growth of good bacteria in your intestinal tract which is essential for efficient digestion. Honey contains pre and pro-biotics that help the growth and activity of Bifidobacteria. This means the full spectrum of probiotics are getting able to travel to all parts of your small intestine. It doesn’t ferment in the stomach and it can be used to counteract indigestion.
Slows Aging: Part of the aging process is related to the slow depletion of enzymes in the body. After the age of 50, your natural hydrochloric acid production decreases, and raw honey is one of the few foods to help slow the depletion of enzymes through the ingestion of amylase. Amylase is the enzyme that breaks down sugars and carbohydrates.
Acne remedy: Honey is amazing at treating acne by attacking the bacteria that cause outbreaks while moisturizing the skin to aid in rejuvenation. How simple is that!
Nutrient rich: I always teach my clients about nutrient density and raw honey is a treasure chest of nutrients! It contains vitamins B, A, C, D, E, and K, minerals and trace elements magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, and manganese. The bee pollen in raw honey contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and a spectrum of vitamins.
3 WAYS TO USE RAW HONEY:
Heal skin infections: Apply it directly to open cuts, wounds, and burns, and cover it with a piece of gauze. Healing will often occur more quickly than with conventional salves and creams.
Cold and flu fighting tonic: Mix 2 tsps of raw honey into warm water with the juice of one lemon and 1-2 inch pieces of chopped fresh ginger root.
Treat acne: place a small amount of raw honey directly on blemishes and acne. The honey draws out the impurities and destroys bacteria. My FAVORITE way to use honey is as a excellent deep facial cleanser or mixed with oatmeal to make a soothing and hydrating mask.
