Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has been used as a home remedy for a long period of time. The use of Honey is mentioned several times in the Bible and the Quran. Honey is made up of Fructose, Glucose and minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron. Honey is slightly acidic. Here are some health benefits of Honey.

Honey (photo credit:permaculture)

1 Healing of Burns    

Honey is effective in healing burns. It is topically applied over the burn. In folk medicine, it is a very popular first aid measure for burns at home. it reduces the swelling and pain that results from burns especially those resulting from hot oil, hot water or hot irons. 

2 Treatment of cough

Honey is a natural home remedy for cough. It can be taken empty or mixed with ginger or lemon juice. Honey is also able to suppress night time cough in children aged 1-5 by giving them two teaspoons of honey before they go to bed.

3 A remedy for pimples

Honey contains anti-bacterial and anti fungal properties. It is a home remedy for pimples. It should be applied on the affected areas and washed after 10 minutes.

4 A better choice of sweetener for diabetics

Honey is not able to raise blood glucose levels the way that sugar does. Since honey is very sweet, less of it will be used as a sweetener. Honey is also healthier than sugar.

5 Honey is an instant energy source, like an energy drink

The natural unprocessed fructose and glucose found in honey is easily absorbed in the body once it is consumed. This gives an instant energy boost to the body.

6 Honey can improve memory loss

Honey has been shown by some studies to improve the memories of menopausal and post-menopausal women.

7 Honey aids in digestion

Honey can act as a mild laxative and thus it helps in relieving constipation, bloating and some intestinal discomforts.

8 Honey can help relieve mild skin infections and dandruff.

Some studies have shown that natural honey is able to combat mild skin and scalp infections. This is achieved by applying honey on the affected areas of the skin or washing the hair with water and honey.

Side effects

Honey should be kept sealed and not exposed to the environment. However, when honey was being extracted from bee hives, it was exposed to the environment. If the honey gets contaminated with spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria which is found in dust, it may cause infants to have botulism, which can lead to muscle weakness and affect the muscles of respiration and interfere with respiration. It is advisable to give honey to children who are above 12 months of age since their digestive system can fight these spores.

Sources:

http://www.medicaldaily.com/liquid-gold-7-health-benefits-honey-could-heal-your-whole-body-325932

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264667.php

http://www.ishafoundation.org/blog/lifestyle/health-fitness/health-benefits-honey-uses/

http://www.well-beingsecrets.com/health-benefits-of-honey-ultimate-guide/