Honey – an Ancient Remedy
The benefits of honey have been in use throughout the world for eons, long before science was a thing. Beyond an incredible nectar to delight any palate, honey has been used to treat a wide array of issues both internally and externally.
The benefits of honey are tremendous in capacity and scope, from healing wounds, remediating allergies to reducing the risk of serious diseases.
Honey is one of the oldest traditional medicines.
SOURCE: April 2011 study on medicinal properties and antibacterial activity. PMC3609166.
Science Proves What Our Ancestors Knew
The benefits of honey are numerous and extensively researched. That paired with wonderful flavor makes honey a popular choice for those looking for a more natural approach to their health.
First, let’s get into some of the many benefits of honey, which are a lot more than just sweetness!
Honey Nutrients
Honey contains only trace amounts of vitamins and minerals at less than 1% of recommended daily values (RDA) per one tablespoon serving.
However, honey’s primary health contribution — and the reason honey is beneficial to so many ailments — is that it is a powerful antioxidant.
Now remember, honey will vary in nutrient density and values, even from the same hives, depending on the time of harvest, weather conditions, available flora and the health of the beehives.
For more on nutritional benefits of honey, see the section on honey antioxidants.
The Benefits of Honey
Studies have found what ancients knew: more than a golden nectar of the gods (and bees!), honey is beneficial for a wide array of ailments and preventatives. We’re listing many of these here and including links to actual scientific research as well.
- Allergic diseases:[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7870997/
- anaphylaxis
- asthma
- atopic dermatitis
- seasonal allergies –
- popular usage believes local honey to reduce or eliminate seasonal allergies
- Some studies reveal that consuming raw local honey over time definitely improves seasonal allergies.
DOSAGE USED: This study applied 1g of honey per kg of body weight per day in separate doses for 4 weeks. 1 Tbsp. = 20 g, so approx. .05 Tbsp. (1 gram) of honey per kg. of body weight; (1 lb. = 0.453592kg). So for 130lbs I calculate 2.95 Tbsp. (so basically 3 Tbsp. per day) [2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6074882/
- Antibacterial – beneficial for wound healing and infection prevention
- is also an in vitro bactericidal
- Anticancer – honey has been shown to reduce tumor growth and cell proliferation [3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865795/ [4]https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/829070/
- Antidiabetic[5]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3399220/[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5817209/[7]file:///Users/leaura%20alderson%20laptop/Desktop/nutrients-10-01009.pdf
- Antifungal[8]https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/44/3/289/970394?login=false
- Antimicrobial – With the rise in antibiotic resistance, alternative antimicrobial solutions are needed.[11]https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/9/11/766/htm
- Antioxidant – Honey exhibits strong antioxidant activity[12]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5822819/
- Antiviral[13]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7750705/[14]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24880005/
- Atherosclerosis* – reduces risk of hardened arteries [15]https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/1/167/htm[16]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356546/
- Burns – honey is so well established as one of the best natural treatments for burns and wounds that there are numerous options from honey imbued bandages to ointment and salves. One of the more popular brands is Medihoney.[17]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188068/
- Cough suppressant – in studies, honey appears to be as effective as a common cough suppressant ingredient.[18]https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/expert-answers/honey/faq-20058031
- Emollient – moisturizes and softens
- Humectant – preserves moisture
- Immunomodulatory – stimulates immune response
- Obesity[19]file:///Users/leaura%20alderson%20laptop/Desktop/nutrients-10-01009.pdf
- Wounds – promotes healing, protection and antibacterial properties
* Difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis [20]