I Love My Honey

The name "Honey" comes from an ancient Hebrew name meaning "enchant". Even though honey has been used for ages as a culinary sweetener, its value far reaches into the healing aspect as well. To use honey as a treatment, it is called Apitherapy. This type of treatment includes both replenishing energy and enhancing physical stamina for those suffering from stress or weakened by illness.

I remember when I was a child, hearing my mother say that warm honey and milk before bed helps you sleep better. I never questioned why because she was a smart lady and I knew she was right. It is a fact that honey helps to calm the mind and promote rejuvenating sleep. Honey also helps to relieve indigestion and is used to aid and treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems. A thin layer of honey applied to the skin will disinfect and heal minor wounds. If you can't find your chapstick; Honey soothes and heals chapped lips also.

The main constituents of honey are the simple sugars of glucose and fructose. The other main principles include water, pollen, enzymes, organic acids, and proteins.

Honey is a healthful pick-me-up. The glucose and fructose in honey has been predigested by the bees that produced it, thus allowing it to be quickly and easyly absorbed into the human digestive tract. Although honey is a healthy treat, when using it as a sweetenting alternative, remember 1 teaspoon of honey has about 64 calories as opposed to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar which only has about 46 calories.

Because bees filter out environmental toxins, only small traces of residue from industrial emissions, automobile exhuast, and agricultural chemicals are present. The bees act as biological filters and would die if they came into direct contact with toxins. Therefore they do not carry pollutants into a hive.

Important Note for parents with infants: Never give unpasteurized honey to infants because it contains a bacteria that is harmless to adults and older children, but can be dangerous to children less than a year old.

Honey To Heal Wounds- When a thin layer of honey is applied to a wound it immediately begins to drwa out excess water from skin tissue, thus reducing any swelling that may be present. Honey also contains ainhibine, which is a germ-killing substance that prevents infections. After honey is applied, cover with a bandage.

Respiratory Health- For bronchitis, asthma, or other respiratory problems that have wheezing and coughing symptoms; Mix 1 teaspoon of thyme, chopped finely in a small amount of honey. Drink orally as needed to soothe airways.

Hay Fever- Since honey contains grains of pollen, overtime it may have a desensitizing effect, therefore making it useful in relieving allergies. People who suffer from hay fever are urged  to eat honey that is harvested in proximity to where they live.

Spa Honey Bath- First make a mixture of 3 ounces of honey and 6 drops of lavender oil. Add this mixture to your bathwater to soothe and relax and keep insomnia away.

Disclaimer: I want to be up front with everyone before I end this Hub; I have always had one true Honey Love  and wouldn't have it any other way.