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Honey is a treat, and is man's oldest sweetener. It is an excellent
substitute for sugar in our drinks and food. It is also good for many
medicinal uses and treating certain conditions. Reliance on
commercialized medicines which contain too many chemicals can become
hazardous to our health.
NATURAL SUGAR |
Honey
is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium,
potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate.
It
contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to
the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine,
and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also
present in it. Approximately one half of the human
diet is derived directly or indirectly from crops pollinated by bees. Today
honeybees are an essential part of a healthy agriculture economy.
ALLERGIES
If
you have allergies, honey can be beneficial. If you eat honey that is local
to your area, it may help prevent your seasonal allergies. Bees use the
pollen from local plants and eventually it ends up in your honey.
SKIN CARE
Honey may also be
good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for
sensitive skin. You can use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well
as your hair. To use it as a conditioner, mix the honey with olive oil.
Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly before you go outside.
ILLNESS AND WOUND/BURN CARE
If you have a sore
throat, take some honey.
[ Honey has powerful antimicrobial properties,
which can soothe your raw tissues. Pour a teaspoon of honey into a large
serving spoon and then top off the spoon with lemon juice. Swallow the
concoction (without water) every few hours until symptoms clear up. Some
people add a pinch of black or red pepper to increase blood circulation to
the throat.]
Due to its natural anti-inflammatory effect, it will
help to heal the wounds more quickly. It also has different phytochemicals--chemicals
found in plants and different foods--that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus
making it a good substitute for wound dressings. The taste may also take
your mind off the pain. There is evidence that honey diluted in water will
help with your stomach aches and dehydration.
Do you have a cut?
Honey is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in
which honey was employed to treat wounds. By applying honey to your wounds,
you prevent infections. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents
infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using
honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound (caution
test the heat before you place it on the wound). Many types of bacteria
can’t survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling eases, and tissue can grow
back.
Honey may also be
effective in the treatment of your ulcers. In Europe, honey has been used
internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers. Burns, too,
heal better with honey, studies show. The advantage of honey is that it not
only prevents infections from occurring, it actually accelerates skin
healing.. Since the sugar in honey absorbs water it helps to trap some of
the moisture so that the bacteria and other microbes can’t grow as easily as
in other food. |