Honey has been used for food and medicine for hundreds of years. It is praised for its natural sweetness and the fascinating properties it holds. The best honey is local and unpasteurized, however it is incredibly important to take care.
Honey is an amazing food, but honey is not safe for children under one year of age. There is a possibility that honey may cause botulism in very young children as their immune systems are not developed enough to fight off that particular bacteria should it be present.
Honey naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, so it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. While it’s no replacement for prescription medicine, honey may offer some help and support. You may use it as a topical skin treatment for acne. It also acts as a natural moisturizer, so it may help hydrate skin and help care for scarring or eczema. You may be able to use honey for protection and treatment of certain, minor issues.
Some research has shown promise with Manuka Honey in particular for healing. In some instances, Manuka honey may help kill germs, protecting and cleaning wounds. It may even have properties that promote tissue regeneration. Honey has been used in home medical practice for hundreds of years to promote healing.
Honey also helps internally as well as externally. Honey contains antioxidants, which may help protect cells from free radicals. Honey has been a common home remedy for coughing and sore throats, as it may help to coat and moisturize a scratchy throat. Again, be careful not to feed honey to kids under one year old, but older kids can safely eat honey, and it may be very beneficial.
Finally, it may also aid digestion. The sugar in honey may act as a prebiotic, so it may feed the good bacteria in the gut. We’ve already talked about how the gut and brain are linked, so you can read more about that here. Probiotics are extremely important, but prebiotics are also necessary. Probiotics may help put good bacteria in the gut, but the prebiotics may help feed it.
Honey is an incredible substance, and it has dozens of uses. It isn’t just a sweetener, but it can also be used for skincare, digestion, and so much more. While honey is not considered vegan, it is okay for vegetarians. Maybe you can use honey in ways you’ve never considered before.
Research
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-raw-honey-benefits
