In order to receive the full benefits of honey, it needs to be raw, unfiltered and local.
Raw honey is made from the nectars of flowers. Worker bees gather the nectar and place it in their honey sac where it mixes with acid secretions. Bees reduce the moisture content from 40-80% to 18-20% before the cell is sealed and the honey is complete.
Most processed honey today has been heated and filtered, robbing it of its nutritional value and resulting in a product no more valuable than a simple sweetener. Honey is an instant energy-building food containing all the essential minerals necessary for life, all of the B complex group, amino acids, enzymes, and other vital factors. Honey is virtually free of bacteria and rarely spoils.
Raw honey contains up to 80 different substances important to human nutrition. Besides glucose and fructose, honey contains: All of the B-complex, A, C, D, E, and K, minerals and trace elements: magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, and manganese. The live enzyme content of honey is one of the highest of all foods. Honey also contains hormones, and antimicrobial and antibacterial factors.
Uses of Honey:
- Honey contains antioxidants, a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
- Heals wounds, burns, cataracts, skin ulcers, sores and scrapes.
- Provides a protective barrier for wounds.
- Kills bacteria and germs.
- Reduces inflammation.
- It's amino acids and vitamin C speed the growth of healthy tissue.
- It's a natural source of energy. It enlivens the body, makes muscles stronger, refreshes nerves, cheers up, sharpens the mind, and gives sound sleep.
- Soothes sore throats.
Bee Pollen contained in raw honey contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and a spectrum of vitamins. Raw honey contains over 5000 enzymes including amylase, a digestive enzyme for carbohydrates. The benefit of ingesting naturally occurring enzymes such as amylase is that it reduces the burden on the body to produce these enzymes itself to digest the food. Raw honey has an exceptionally high concentration of enzymes and provides an outstanding source of energy for the body.
Antioxidants, found in raw honey are compounds that provide natural defenses against cell damage by neutralizing unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidant compounds in raw honey are believed to aid the body in fighting cancer and heart disease as well as a host of other degenerative diseases. Honey contains high antioxidant levels equivalent to that of spinach, or even strawberries, and unique to honey is pinocembrin, an antioxidant associated with improved brain functioning.
Skin and Rashes
For skin rashes, burns and abrasions. Apply a small amount of Raw Honey lightly over the affected area; may cover with a dressing or a dusting of cornstarch to reduce any stickiness.
The Ultimate Moisturizer
Smooth a small amount of Raw Honey lightly over the skin; easily remove later with splashes of cold water or comfortable warm water. Leaves skin baby soft.
As a Bath and Antibacterial Soap.
Wash Raw Honey straight from the jar and enjoy sparkling clean skin. Facial blemishes and acne caused by cosmetics or allergies will clear up quickly using a nightly treatment of Raw Honey. A small amount needed.
Colds and Coughs
Raw Honey is remedial in cases of persistent coughs and sore throat. The strong antibiotic properties it contains coats the throat and reduces throat irritation.
- For a sore throat, mix 6 oz. liquid honey, 2 oz. glycerin with juice of 2 lemons. Bottle and cork firmly. Use as required.
- For blocked noses, Place a dessert spoon of honey in a basin of hot water and inhale fumes after covering your head with a towel over the basin.
How to Select and Store
Raw honey that has not been pasteurized, clarified, or filtered - provided it is of the highest organic quality - is your best choice. Look for honey that states “100% pure.” While regular honey is translucent, creamy honey is usually opaque and is made by adding finely crystallized honey back into liquid honey. Specialty honeys, made from the nectar of different flowers, such as thyme and lavender, are also available. Remember that the darker the color, the deeper the flavor.
It is important to keep honey stored in an airtight container so that it doesn’t absorb moisture from the air. Honey stored this way in a cool dry place will keep almost indefinitely. One reason for this is that its high sugar content and acidic pH help to inhibit microorganism growth. Honey that is kept at colder temperatures tends to thicken, while honey that is kept at higher temperatures has a tendency to darken and have an altered flavor.
Honey and Cinnamon
When natural ingredients are combined together in certain proportions, they work great to cure many conditions. One of such amazing combination is honey and cinnamon. This combination has been used for centuries to promote general well being and cure many conditions and ailments. Although, there is a lack of scientific evidence, many people swear by this simple home remedy.
This natural treatment is well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani Medicine (Greek), ayurvedic and Tibb (which means the science of medicines based on natural treatment in the East).
According to experts in Chinese Traditional Medicines, cinnamon is hot. It produces heat in the body which is known as “yang”. Yang cures “yin” which means coldness. Honey, on the other hand, is neutral and it balances both “yang” and “yin”.
Before I list the curing properties of honey and cinnamon combination, it is extremely important to know the true cinnamon and distinguish it from cassia. True cinnamon is also known as Ceylon cinnamon. The fake or cassia type is toxic and is not recommended for medication or regular use. It is even banned in some countries.
1. Anti-bacterial paste
Honey possesses anti-bacterial properties. This claim is supported by numerous studies. It fights against external and internal infections. Cinnamon also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. When combined together, they form a great potion for external infections.
2. Good for Heart
Healthy diet, active lifestyle and moderate exercise are great ways to maintain a healthy heart. Taking a drink of cinnamon and honey on a regular basis can prevent heart diseases by clearing the clogged arteries.
3. Bladder infections
Honey and cinnamon drink is a super anti-bacterial solution for treating bladder infections and bacterial cystitis. The anti-microbial and healing properties of both the ingredients work great to clean the bladder off all the infections.
4. Treating Arthritis
People report to have significantly improved their conditions in just a few days by drinking the mixture twice a day. For curing arthritis, add a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon and a tablespoon of raw or manuka honey. Drink half a glass before breakfast and half before going to bed.
A study was conducted in Copenhagen University in which patients were given honey and cinnamon for treating arthritis. After a week time, it was found that 73 out of 200 patients were relieved of their symptoms. After a month trial, almost all patients were able to walk and work.
5. Treating Gingivitis
Researchers in New Zealand have found Manuka honey effective in fighting against dental plague, itchy gums, infections and bleeding. Apply honey and cinnamon paste to gums every day is an effective treatment for bleeding gums.
6. Tooth Decay
This is a bit controversial. Researchers in New York suggested that honey can cause tooth decay. However, it has been suggested by scientists in New Zealand that honey can actually prevent tooth decay on account of its anti-microbial properties. Applying the paste to gums regularly and maintaining oral hygiene treat the infected gums as well as avoid tooth decay.
7. Helping Digestion
It cleanses the colon by eliminating the toxins. It helps promote good bacteria in the colon resulting in better digestion.
8. Bloating, Gas and Acid Reflux
It helps protect the stomach wall by coating it. By cleaning the system of bad bacteria, it helps to heal any infection thereby helping to treat symptoms of bloating, gas and acid reflux.
9. Weight Loss
There is huge anecdotal evidence that honey and cinnamon works to reduce weight. When taken together, the solution burns the fat faster. It also regulates eating habits by eliminating food cravings.
10. Mental Alertness
Many people report that honey works great for enhancing memory. When taken with cinnamon, it increases mental alertness and improves memory.
11. Treating Cancer
Like many other claims, this is unproven scientifically. It may prove helpful in reducing the chances of cancer by eliminating free radicals. Some people have even reported to have treated breast and colon cancers by using honey and cinnamon.
12. Boosting Energy
Honey is rich in many minerals and vitamins, while cinnamon contains calcium, iron, vitamin c, vitamin K, manganese and fiber. When combined they make a great immune boosting tonic. Taking honey and cinnamon tea regularly boosts energy levels, physical strength and mental alertness.
13. Treating Acne and Pimples
Applying the honey and cinnamon paste to acne can rid your skins of the acne and pimple problem. Honey is anti-bacterial and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Honey in the paste helps cinnamon stick to skin for longer.
15. Cough
Taking the solution in lukewarm water reduces both dry and phlegmatic cough. It clears the phlegm from the chest and thereby relieving the symptoms of cough.
16. Insect Bites
Great for itching or pain resulting from insect bites. Take one teaspoon of honey and mix it in two teaspoons of water. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and apply it to the affected area. It relives the pain or itching instantly.
17. Hair Loss
Mix one tablespoon of honey in equal amount of extra virgin organic olive oil. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the mixture and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste to the bald areas or patches on your head. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water with an herbal shampoo.
18. Cholesterol
Regular intake of honey in small amount mixed with ground cinnamon lowers bad cholesterol. It lowers blood pressure and clears the clogs in arteries. Replacing other fat intake with extra virgin olive oil works like a tonic reducing bad cholesterol.
19. Toothache
Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoon of honey and apply to the aching tooth several times a day until the pain disappears.
20. Bad Breath
Mix an equal amount of honey and cinnamon and add some lukewarm water and stir to mix well. Gargle with the solution first thing in the morning and your breath will stay fresh all day long.
21. Indigestion
Sprinkle a small amount of the herb on one teaspoon of honey and eat before meals. It helps digest even the heaviest of meals.
22. Impotency and Sex Boost
Try it and see the difference! Add one teaspoon of the herb in to 300 ml hot water. Leave it for 15 minutes to cool down. Add one tablespoon of raw, manuka or organic honey. Drink half of it before breakfast and the remaining half before going to bed.
23. Boosting Immunity System
Keep you immune system strong and diseases will not touch you. Both the ingredients are anti-bacterial and anti-viral making the body strong enough to fight and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Honey also contains vitamins and minerals providing the body with essential nutrients.
24. Treating Excessive Flatulence
There are conflicting reports from users regarding the treatment of flatulence using the cinnamon-honey combination. Some people report increase in wind while others swear by it. Depending upon the individual’s physical health, it may work for some and not for others. Give it a try by eating one tablespoon of honey before each meal and sprinkling one teaspoon of cinnamon on the food to enjoy its perfect taste and reap its true benefits.
25. Other Benefits
The above list is by no means exhaustive and people have been using it for several other conditions such as diabetes, leg cramps, general weakness, memory loss, ulcers, wound healing, herpes, anal itching etc.
How to Take it?
You can take it either in drink form for internal health benefits or use the paste for external applications. It is simple and easy.
Honey and cinnamon can also taking by adding it your fruit juice, smoothie, ice cream, yogurt, coffee, bread, cereals etc.