The ancients called honey “nectar of the gods” and revered it for its natural sweetness and many healing qualities.
While honey is mostly composed of carbohydrates and water it also contains vitamins, minerals, beta-Carotene, antioxidants, enzymes and other substances that act as prebiotics and help to keep the bifidobacteria in the GI tract (the good bacteria) flourishing.
It’s good for digestive problems such as diarrhea, hyperacidity and stomach ulcers as well as most cold and flu symptoms as it helps to soften and break down mucous and ease sore throats and coughs. As an antiseptic, honey is very effective in healing topical wounds, burns, infections, acne and even bee stings.
It has also been used to alleviate allergies. A few of our students have suggested it to me as they witnessed me suffering through the autumn and dreaded Cedar season. One teaspoon a day of local, raw honey over time has helped them by apparently desensitizing the body to the allergens (pollens) that are picked up by the bees as they collect the nectar from the flowers. Like allergy shots you get from your doctor, this requires time to take effect.
Local, raw, unfiltered and unheated honey is clearly the best source to achieve these healing benefits, but please note that untreated honey should not be given to a child under the age of one.