DESCRIPTION
Honey has traditionally been regarded as having therapeutic properties. Certainly, pure honey is one of the few foods that can be eaten today in its near-natural form. Pure honey by its very nature does not contain any additives and is almost always free of herbicides and pesticides.
FOOD USES
Honey’s long recognized antiseptic properties can be utilized to advantage for coughs and sore throats. It is particularly effective when mixed with lemon or vinegar.
Apply a honey compress to cuts and bruises.
Set honey can be helpful in the treatment of ringworm. Smear honey on the affected area as many times throughout the day as possible. Do not cover. Repeat again at bedtime.
Honey is extremely useful for moisturizing the skin and is often a constituent of natural skincare products.
To relieve the irritation of chilblains, make a paste with honey, egg white, and flour; smear over the chilblains and cover the area with a clean bandage.
As a preventive to hay fever, eat a little of the local honev.
CAUTION
Diabetics must avoid honey at ali times.
DATA FILE
Properties
Honey is comprised mainly of the sugars glucose and fructose. It has a very high nutritional value, although it does contain small amounts of minerals – among them calcium, phosphorus, and potassium – and several vitamins: the B complex, C, D, and E. It also contributes some amino acids. Honey is used for both cultnary and therapeutic purposes. It is an antiseptic, which recommends it for the treatment of both internal and external infections, and is reputed to be an excellent food for promoting general good health. A small amount of pollen is usually present in honey Pollen, unlike honey, is a very rich source of nutrients and therefore can be of benefit in itself when taken in large enough quantities.
Special notes
Honey is a healthy alternative to refined sugars.
