Healing, Topical Use, Immune Boost

Raw honey has historically been known to heal wounds, help digestion, and soothe a sore throat. Aside from being delicious, there are other ways raw honey is good for you.

Raw honey has been used as a remedy throughout history and has a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s even used in some hospitals as a treatment for wounds. Many of these health benefits are specific to raw, or unpasteurized, honey.

Most of the honey you find in grocery stores is pasteurized. The high heat kills unwanted yeast, can improve the color and texture, removes any crystallization, and extends the shelf life. However, many of the beneficial nutrients are also destroyed in the process.

If you’re interested in trying raw honey, you might consider buying it from a trusted local producer. Here are some health benefits raw honey has to offer:

Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.

Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Research shows that antioxidant compounds in raw honey called polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial in protecting against a number of conditions associated with oxidative stress.

The raw version of honey can also contain bee pollen and bee propolis, which may have added benefits. A 2017 review of studies suggested that raw honey may have potential protective effects for the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, and even has potential in cancer treatment.

Raw honey’s nutrition content varies by its origin and other factors. Generally, one tablespoon or 21 grams of raw honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Raw honey also contains smaller amounts of the following micronutrients (or, vitamins and minerals):

• calcium
• magnesium
• manganese
• niacin
• pantothenic acid
• phosphorous
• potassium
• riboflavin
• zinc

In addition, raw honey is a source of varying amounts of amino acids, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds.

Research has shown that the propolis in raw honey has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The potential for both internal and topical treatments using raw honey is significant. Honey’s effectiveness as an antibacterial or antifungal varies depending on the honey, but some varieties are being studied for specific therapeutic uses such as against Candida-associated infections.

A 2018 review of studies found that honey has antimicrobial properties. A 2017 review of studies also suggested that honey, propolis, and royal jelly may have potential health benefits for microbial inhibition and wound healing.

Keep in mind that the honey used in research settings is medical grade, meaning it’s inspected and sterile. It’s not a good idea to treat cuts with honey you buy from a store. Always speak with your doctor before using honey for any medical purposes.

Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help protect the plant from harm. For example, some keep insects away or shield the plant from ultraviolet radiation.

The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. They’re also thought to be the reason raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits. Heavy processing in regular honey can destroy these valuable nutrients.

Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, though research to show that it works is limited. It may have potential as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, though, a common cause of stomach ulcers.

It also contains beneficial prebiotics, meaning it nourishes the good bacteria that live in the intestines, which are crucial not only for digestion but overall health.

Honey is an old sore throat remedy that soothes the ache and can help with coughs. Add it to hot tea with lemon when a cold virus hits.

Though more research is needed, a 2021 review of studies suggested that honey could be superior to other forms of care for the improvement of upper respiratory tract infections.

A 2016 study also suggested that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are effective for helping a sore throat.

There may even be some cognitive benefits to raw honey. The polyphenols in honey may be able to counter inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can benefit many parts of the body, including brain health.

In addition to beneficial prebiotics and nutrients, raw honey can also carry harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. This is particularly dangerous for babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that honey should never be given to an infant younger than a year old.

Symptoms of botulism poisoning in infants may include:

• constipation
• slow breathing
• sagging eyelids
• absence of gagging
• loss of head control
• paralysis that spreads downward
• poor feeding
• lethargy
• weak cry

In adults, symptoms can include an initial short period of diarrhea and vomiting, followed by constipation and more severe symptoms, such as blurred vision and muscle weakness. Speak with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after eating raw honey.

You’ll also want to avoid honey if you have an allergy to honey or bee pollen.

You’ll want to look for honey that says “raw” on the label or comes from a farm that can verify that it hasn’t been pasteurized. Honey comes in many varieties with labels like “natural,” “organic,” and “pure,” but none of those indicate that it’s raw.

Look for a label that says “raw” specifically and look out for any added ingredients like artificial sweeteners. Mainstream and organic grocery stores, health food stores, and farmer’s markets are all places to look for raw honey.

Honey doesn’t expire very easily but it can become contaminated in certain circumstances. Store honey in a tightly sealed container away from light and extreme temperatures.

After a while, your honey may start to crystallize. This is completely safe but can make it look grainy and sugary. You can warm it just slightly to melt the crystals, but know that higher temperatures can cook the honey, removing its raw properties and causing it to darken in color.

If your honey has changed color drastically or smells off, throw it out.

Healing, Topical Use, Immune Boost

Raw honey has historically been known to heal wounds, help digestion, and soothe a sore throat. Aside from being delicious, there are other ways raw honey is good for you.

Raw honey has been used as a remedy throughout history and has a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s even used in some hospitals as a treatment for wounds. Many of these health benefits are specific to raw, or unpasteurized, honey.

Most of the honey you find in grocery stores is pasteurized. The high heat kills unwanted yeast, can improve the color and texture, removes any crystallization, and extends the shelf life. However, many of the beneficial nutrients are also destroyed in the process.

If you’re interested in trying raw honey, you might consider buying it from a trusted local producer. Here are some health benefits raw honey has to offer:

Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.

Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Research shows that antioxidant compounds in raw honey called polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial in protecting against a number of conditions associated with oxidative stress.

The raw version of honey can also contain bee pollen and bee propolis, which may have added benefits. A 2017 review of studies suggested that raw honey may have potential protective effects for the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, and even has potential in cancer treatment.

Raw honey’s nutrition content varies by its origin and other factors. Generally, one tablespoon or 21 grams of raw honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Raw honey also contains smaller amounts of the following micronutrients (or, vitamins and minerals):

• calcium
• magnesium
• manganese
• niacin
• pantothenic acid
• phosphorous
• potassium
• riboflavin
• zinc

In addition, raw honey is a source of varying amounts of amino acids, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds.

Research has shown that the propolis in raw honey has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The potential for both internal and topical treatments using raw honey is significant. Honey’s effectiveness as an antibacterial or antifungal varies depending on the honey, but some varieties are being studied for specific therapeutic uses such as against Candida-associated infections.

A 2018 review of studies found that honey has antimicrobial properties. A 2017 review of studies also suggested that honey, propolis, and royal jelly may have potential health benefits for microbial inhibition and wound healing.

Keep in mind that the honey used in research settings is medical grade, meaning it’s inspected and sterile. It’s not a good idea to treat cuts with honey you buy from a store. Always speak with your doctor before using honey for any medical purposes.

Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help protect the plant from harm. For example, some keep insects away or shield the plant from ultraviolet radiation.

The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. They’re also thought to be the reason raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits. Heavy processing in regular honey can destroy these valuable nutrients.

Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, though research to show that it works is limited. It may have potential as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, though, a common cause of stomach ulcers.

It also contains beneficial prebiotics, meaning it nourishes the good bacteria that live in the intestines, which are crucial not only for digestion but overall health.

Honey is an old sore throat remedy that soothes the ache and can help with coughs. Add it to hot tea with lemon when a cold virus hits.

Though more research is needed, a 2021 review of studies suggested that honey could be superior to other forms of care for the improvement of upper respiratory tract infections.

A 2016 study also suggested that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are effective for helping a sore throat.

There may even be some cognitive benefits to raw honey. The polyphenols in honey may be able to counter inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can benefit many parts of the body, including brain health.

In addition to beneficial prebiotics and nutrients, raw honey can also carry harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. This is particularly dangerous for babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that honey should never be given to an infant younger than a year old.

Symptoms of botulism poisoning in infants may include:

• constipation
• slow breathing
• sagging eyelids
• absence of gagging
• loss of head control
• paralysis that spreads downward
• poor feeding
• lethargy
• weak cry

In adults, symptoms can include an initial short period of diarrhea and vomiting, followed by constipation and more severe symptoms, such as blurred vision and muscle weakness. Speak with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after eating raw honey.

You’ll also want to avoid honey if you have an allergy to honey or bee pollen.

You’ll want to look for honey that says “raw” on the label or comes from a farm that can verify that it hasn’t been pasteurized. Honey comes in many varieties with labels like “natural,” “organic,” and “pure,” but none of those indicate that it’s raw.

Look for a label that says “raw” specifically and look out for any added ingredients like artificial sweeteners. Mainstream and organic grocery stores, health food stores, and farmer’s markets are all places to look for raw honey.

Honey doesn’t expire very easily but it can become contaminated in certain circumstances. Store honey in a tightly sealed container away from light and extreme temperatures.

After a while, your honey may start to crystallize. This is completely safe but can make it look grainy and sugary. You can warm it just slightly to melt the crystals, but know that higher temperatures can cook the honey, removing its raw properties and causing it to darken in color.

If your honey has changed color drastically or smells off, throw it out.

Useful properties of honey and what harm it can do to the body

What are the beneficial properties of honey? Who is not recommended to eat this product? These and other questions are answered by an expert.

Oksana Mikhaleva

endocrinologist, nutritionist of the medical center “SM-Clinic”, candidate of medical sciences

– Calorie content of honey is approximately 330 kcal per 100 grams. Honey contains about 180 different compounds. The nutritional value of honey is represented mainly by carbohydrates – fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. Honey contains B vitamins, as well as micronutrients such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and cobalt, in very small amounts.

Roskachestvo examined honey for safety and quality.

The nutritional biological value of honey is more important. It contains many polyphenolic compounds, some of which are unique to this particular product. Honey polyphenols have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They protect the body from chronic inflammation, are a prophylactic against cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis.

• Honey is a powerful antimicrobial agent with a wide spectrum of action. The antibacterial components of honey work synergistically to effectively fight a variety of microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant bacteria.

• Honey also has antiviral and antiparasitic effects.

• It plays a role in the anti-inflammatory effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, and also has a beneficial effect on the respiratory organs and the nervous system.

• Honey has found its use in athletes, as it allows you to quickly inactivate free radicals generated during sports activities.

• Honey contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process.

• Due to the high content of polyphenols, honey helps prevent vascular atherosclerosis, that is, it has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

• Honey is good for the digestive system. It promotes the healing of the gastric mucosa, therefore, with stomach diseases, you can eat honey on an empty stomach, but in the absence of contraindications, such as diabetes. Also, some polyphenols in honey are food for beneficial bacteria in our intestines, so in general, honey is good for the gastrointestinal tract. However, if you are not a fan of honey, then, of course, it is not necessary to eat it.

• Honey is quickly absorbed by the body and provides an instant boost of energy, which is why it is often recommended to eat during recovery from illness or during periods of high mental or physical stress.

• The composition, taste and color of different honey depend on the type of plant source, geographic area, climate and different types of bees involved in the production of honey, as well as due to processing and storage methods.

Which honey is healthier

On the Internet, you can easily find information that certain types of honey have special healing properties. In fact, no studies have been conducted to confirm such an effect. Different types of honey contain a different set of polyphenols, but the general mechanism of their action remains similar regardless of the type of honey.

How to store honey

Honey is stored at a temperature of no more than 20 degrees, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is not allowed to store it together with products that can give honey an unusual smell.

When storing honey in tightly sealed containers, its shelf life is 1 year, when stored in hermetically sealed packaging – 2 years from the date of packaging. After opening the sealed package, the shelf life is no more than a year.

It is important that water does not get into the opened package with honey, because in this case it can ferment.

If honey is candied, it will not become less useful from this. Sugaring (crystallization) of honey is a natural process. The quality of honey does not change from this.

How to buy high-quality honey in the store and at the fair?

How to eat honey

Honey can be used as you like. For example, you can eat a teaspoon of natural honey in the morning or drink a glass of warm water with a spoonful of honey. The only rule: when honey is overheated, its biological properties decrease, so it is not recommended to heat it above 40 degrees.

You can eat honey on its own or add it to salad dressings made with fresh vegetables or fruits. You can eat honey with cottage cheese, yogurt, add to ice cream and cocktails, pastries.

It’s a good idea to add natural honey to homemade barbecue marinades. Honey polyphenols reduce the formation of carcinogens when frying meat, so barbecue marinated in this way will be healthier.

And one more important fact. We all know that sweets negatively affect the condition of the teeth. Please note: in this sense, honey is no better than refined sugar, as it contains many different sugars that are a breeding ground for oral bacteria. Therefore, after drinking honey, you should brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth.

Honey during pregnancy and while breastfeeding

Pregnant and lactating women can eat honey if the mother and child do not have an allergic reaction. Do not eat more than one teaspoon of honey per day.

At what age can honey be given to children

You can try honey from the age of two in the absence of allergic diseases.

When is honey not recommended?

Honey is a useful product, but there are still conditions in which it is not recommended to eat it.

To begin with, the glycemic index of honey is quite high, meaning it raises blood glucose levels quickly and significantly. Therefore, with uncompensated diabetes, it is worth excluding it completely or eating it with great care, in minimal quantities.

A large amount of honey is not recommended for obese people, as the product is very high in calories.

In addition, honey itself and all its derivatives should be excluded for those who have an allergic reaction or individual intolerance.

honey for weight loss

If in general you adhere to a balanced diet, then in small quantities (one teaspoon per day) you can eat honey, but, of course, taking into account the total daily calorie content.

Sometimes you can see such a recommendation: when losing weight, completely replace the added sugar in the diet with honey. I will comment as follows: with a reasonable approach, this is possible, since natural honey is a source of not only a sweet taste, but also useful substances. In any case, the recommended intake of honey is no more than 1-2 teaspoons per day.

How honey is used in medicine

Honey is used for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. And, of course, it is a good remedy for the prevention of various diseases.

Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which is why it is often used in home remedies for wound healing. However, such formulations can only be used for small wounds that do not require the intervention of a doctor.

In addition, honey can be used in the treatment of cough. Studies have shown that this product is a good remedy for the symptomatic relief of nighttime coughs and sleep problems due to upper respiratory infections. It reduces the hyperactivity of the cough center and reduces cough through central regulatory mechanisms, as well as improves the quality of sleep, which is important for recovery from infections. Honey with warm milk is the best option in this case.

How honey is used in cosmetology

• Honey is used in cosmetics for its emollient and moisturizing properties. It helps retain moisture in the skin. The high content of carbohydrates, the presence of fruit acids and trace elements determine its nutritional and regenerating effect. Thanks to osmosis, microcirculation in the tissues of the dermis is stimulated, which leads to its better nutrition and oxygenation. Thus, metabolic processes are also stimulated, which leads to the elimination of harmful metabolites and the enhancement of regenerative processes. In addition, honey has hygroscopic properties, absorbing metabolites and detoxifying the skin tissue. As a result, the tension of the skin, its elasticity increases, the color is revived, wrinkles are smoothed out.

• Due to its nourishing and regenerating properties, honey is often used in homemade cosmetics. It can be added to face or hair masks – such treatments will nourish and moisturize.

• In addition, honey can be used in homemade scrubs and wraps aimed at detoxification: in this case, it will improve microcirculation, smooth the skin, and start regeneration processes.

The effect of honey on the gastrointestinal tract

Due to the content of a large amount of sugar and organic acids, honey has some irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and causes a slight laxative effect. To do this, it is recommended to take inside 50-100 g of honey in pure form or mixed with water. You can put an enema with 10-20 g of honey.

Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers

Daily moderate consumption of honey has a regulating effect on the intestines. Honey is part of the so-called “Viennese drink”, prescribed to this day as a gentle laxative. In the past, honey was prescribed as part of laxative porridges. Now there is no doubt that honey reduces the increased acidity of gastric juice (due to the presence of alkali-forming elements). Therefore, honey can be used as a remedy for gastritis and gastric ulcer, accompanied by high acidity. Many authors speak about the effectiveness of honey as a remedy for peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. X-ray studies of patients showed that with the usual methods of treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, the ulcer heals in every third patient, and with the use of honey – in every second.

With peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, it is more expedient to take honey one and a half to two hours before breakfast and lunch and 3 hours after dinner. Honey should be dissolved in a glass of warm water, since in dissolved form it helps to thin the mucus in the stomach, relieves pain, eliminates nausea, heartburn. The general strengthening effect of honey on the patient’s body was also noted. When using honey, patients gain weight, increase the amount of hemoglobin, decrease the excitability of the nervous system, improve mood, sleep, etc. Therapeutic dose of honey for peptic ulcer, according to different authors, is different. So N. P. Yoirish recommends taking 30-60 g of honey in the morning, 40-80 in the afternoon and 30-60 in the evening.

Professor F. K. Menshikov suggests adhering to the following prescription: divide the daily dose of honey, equal to 400-600 g, into three parts and take each part slowly on an empty stomach in a heated form (for this, the dishes with honey must be placed in a bowl for 5-10 minutes before use). hot water at 60 degrees). The course of treatment is approximately 15-20 days. It should be noted that not every patient is able to tolerate honey in such large quantities. Unfortunately, this method of treatment is not suitable for everyone, as the patient involuntarily develops an aversion to honey and may vomit. If honey is used immediately before meals, then, on the contrary, it promotes the secretion of gastric juice, and therefore it will not be superfluous to use it in the treatment of patients with low acidity of gastric juice. In this case, it is recommended to use honey in the form of a cold aqueous solution (1 tablespoon per glass of water).

How to take

Thus, the effect of honey on the body depends on the method and time of its intake. According to these two conditions, honey is able to increase or decrease the acidity of gastric juice. Patients with hyperacid gastritis (increased acidity of gastric juice) take honey (1 tablespoon) 1.5-2 hours before meals in a solution of warm water, and patients with hypoacid gastritis (low acidity) – before meals in a solution of cold water. All of the above recommendations for patients with gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum require one addition: medical treatment will only be effective when it is combined with other therapeutic drugs. A comprehensive treatment in each case is determined by the doctor.

Traditional medicine offers the following recipes:

• Use plantain juice with honey to treat the stomach. However, it is recommended only for reduced and normal secretion of gastric juice. Method of preparation: mix 500 g of honey with 500 g of plantain juice and cook on very low heat for 20 minutes. Cool down. Take before meals 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day.
• For the treatment of gastric ulcer Mix 100 g of honey, 100 g of butter, 11 g of aloe leaves, 100 g of cocoa powder, heat in a water bath and take 1 tbsp. spoon in a glass of hot milk 2 times a day for a month.
• For the treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum take 250 g of honey, 350 g of dry red wine, 150 g of aloe juice. The mixture is infused for 7 days in a sealed dark glass container. Take 3 times a day 2 hours before meals: the first 7 days – 1 teaspoon, in the following days – 1 tbsp. spoon.
• As an anti-inflammatory agent for peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, an infusion of cudweed with honey is used. Cooking method: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of marsh cudweed pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist for 30 minutes. Take 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day.
• In case of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, the following recipe is also recommended: keep aloe leaves 3-5 years old in the dark at a temperature of 4-8 degrees for 12-14 days, then rinse the leaves in water, grind and pour boiled water in the ratio 1:3. Leave this mixture to infuse for 1-1.5 hours. Then squeeze the juice, mix 100 g of aloe juice with 500 g of chopped walnuts and add 300 g of honey. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
• Well eliminates the symptoms of belching, heartburn, nausea, reduces the acidity of the stomach potato juice with honey. 5 st. tablespoons of honey mixed with 1 liter of potato juice. Take 1 glass 2 times a day – on an empty stomach and at night.
• With increased acidity, take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, 1 glass of chamomile juice, squeezed from the entire flowering plant, mix and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals.
• For colitis and constipation, dissolve 80-100 g of honey in apple juice or cold water. Divide into 3 parts and take before meals.
• For bloating, take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, diluted in 1/2 cup of warm water. Taken 30 minutes before meals.
• For pain in the abdomen, drink a mixture of 15 g of elderberry (leaves, flowers, fruits), 15 g of peppermint, 15 g of yarrow and a small amount of crushed ginger, boiled in 1.5 liters of water over low heat. Strain and drink with honey 1/2 cup 6 times a day.
• For abdominal pain 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, 1 glass of valerian juice, squeezed from fresh roots in September-October, mix and take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. (3rd time is mandatory at night).
• Pumpkin porridge with honey improves intestinal motility, enhances urination, excretion of salts from the body. It is necessary to peel the pumpkin from the skin and seeds, cut it into small cubes, put it in butter, then add semolina or millet, pre-steamed, add honey, salt and cook until tender. For 500 g of pumpkin – 1/2 cup of water, 60 g of semolina, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of honey and 50 g of butter.
• A mixture of 300 g of heated (but not boiling!) honey and 150 g of aloe juice, infused for a day, is used as a laxative. The resulting remedy is taken 1-2 teaspoons in the morning 1 hour before meals.

Recommended:

You can get acquainted with the varieties and buy honey in bulk and small wholesale online in our online store. We have our own delivery service. Each batch has a veterinary certificate and a quality certificate, confirmed by the Research Institute of Beekeeping. All products comply with GOST.

In addition to honey, there are propolis, royal jelly and beeswax on sale. The price of products is updated daily, see our price list.

Interesting facts:

If you want to start using honey at home, there are two things you need to think about:

• firstly, you should use natural honey, not cooked, because it has all the antibacterial benefits;
• secondly, you shouldn’t use the same honey you used to treat your wounds on your cereal or toast.