The Buzz about Honey

Winnie the Pooh was one smart little bear. Honey, it appears, may be able to cure what modern medicine cannot. I was going to share how wonderful my skin feels after using a honey mask. But, after reading some incredible stories about how honey has saved limbs and lives, that seemed a tad shallow. Thankfully, most of us will never have to face a life-threatening injury. Still, it's reassuring to know that something as natural as honey can come to the rescue.

Healing Honey
The healing ability of honey has been recognized since ancient times and was regularly used to treat wounds and fight infections before the discovery of penicillin.  However, you may not want to rely on today's over-processed honey (that's been stripped of its antioxidants, enzymes, and antibiotic properties) to do the same.  Instead, look for raw honey, and if you want the very best, you may want to splurge on a jar of Manuka.

Super Manuka Honey
So what makes honey from the manuka bush in New Zealand so exceptional?  And why people are paying upwards of $30 a jar!  Although all honey is antibacterial (from naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide), Manuka has an additional, more powerful antibiotic, known as "non-peroxide activity" or NPA.  To ensure you're getting the real deal, look for the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) trademark.  You'll also see a number next to this, which rates the NPA potency of the honey.  Anything labeled UMF 10+ is considered strong enough to be therapeutic.  Hospitals use a sterile grade of Manuka on serious wounds, burns, drug-resistant staph infections, and even MRSA.  However, If you're not dealing with a dire injury and just want to enjoy good honey that's a lot more affordable, then stick with raw honey.

How to use Honey

• ​Eat it! Use raw honey as a natural sweetener, or as an emulsifier in salad dressings and marinades.  It's also delicious spread on wholegrain pancakes or toast.  Don't forget that children under 12 months should never be given honey: their digestive and immune systems are not yet fully developed.  And if you're diabetic, check with your doctor, before consuming.
• Boost your immunity with honey tea.  Combine 2 tsps of honey, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional) in a cup of hot water.  If you're already sick and feeling awful, add a shot of whiskey for a delicious toddy that should knock you right out!
• Reduce the pain of a sore throat by drinking hot water with honey.
• Soothe a cough with a spoonful of honey.  It 's been shown to work as well or even better than over the counter cough medicine.
• Treat minor cuts with a thin layer of honey, which may help them heal more smoothly and fight infection.  Cover with a band-aid if needed.
• For minor burns, apply a little honey for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.  It should also relieve the pain.
• Use to stop the itch of bug bites - it works!
• Sleep a little better after eating honey. It has been shown to facilitate the action of the amino acid tryptophan - the same compound that makes you so sleepy after Thanksgiving turkey.

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Beautifying Honey
Cleopatra was renowned for her flawless skin and was said to have bathed in milk and honey.  As well as being an effective moisturizer, honey also contains glycolic acid, which loosens dead skin cells and brightens your complexion.  The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can also work wonders on acne, eczema, and other skin irritations.

• Moisturizing Mask: Smear a blob of honey on damp skin (or mix with a little water) and leave on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off.
• Exfoliating mask: Mix 2/3 cup of pumpkin puree and 1/4 cup of honey. Apply to face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
• Face cleanser: Combine honey and coconut oil in the palm of your hand and use it to cleanse your face at night. You may find this cleanser a little too oily in the morning if you're applying makeup after.
• Honey Bath: Add a couple of tablespoons of honey to running bath water, or mix with some sea salt and a little oil (such as olive or jojoba) to make a body scrub to use in the shower. Apply a honey mask while doing either of these, and you'll be glowing all over!

"The secret of my health is applying honey inside and oil outside" 
Democritus - Greek philosopher and contemporary of Hippocrates