We just can’t stop talking about raw honey. This incredible natural remedy has so many uses, we feel like we can’t live without it! Here are 15 of the best uses for natural, unpasteurized honey.
Soothes allergies: One of the best ways to soothe allergies is with locally sourced, unpasteurized honey. It is said that the compounds in the honey improve one’s tolerance to the pollens found in the local area. Try mixing the honey into cooled nettle tea for an excellent remedy.
Fights infection: Feel a sore throat coming on? Have a teaspoonful of honey; its natural antibacterial properties will help fight the bad bugs.
Clears acne: Honey fights infection, balances moisture, and heals wounds effectively, so it’s basically the ideal acne fighter! Simply dab a small amount of raw honey onto affected areas to help prevent and heal acne.
Natural energy drink: We recommend avoiding commercial energy drinks which are laden with sugar and artificial ingredients. Drink water with raw honey instead. Or try this amazing natural elixir recipe — it is packed with electrolytes and enzymes which help boost energy levels and keep you hydrated.
Assists with memory loss: Studies have indicated that consuming raw honey can help prevent hormone-related cognitive decline in older people.
Suppresses a cough: If you have a dry, tickly cough, there is no better cure than a spoonful of raw honey. This amazing remedy also reduces inflammation and fights infection, so a respiratory infection or even chronic asthma will certainly benefit from regular honey consumption.
Supports better sleep: Raw honey promotes blood sugar stability to keep you sound asleep all night long. It also increases the production of the brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin to assist with well-being and overall healing.
Natural shampoo: Did you know that you can wash your hair with raw honey? Try mixing a tablespoon with a little warm water to create a gentle shampoo that is moisturizing and smells great. Don’t worry, it rinses clean and won’t leave hair sticky.
Antibiotic for wounds: Honey has been used on wounds since ancient times. It fights infection naturally and can be used as an antiseptic. Hospitals even use honey on bandages to prevent infection.
Natural face wash: There is no need to buy expensive skin-care products, which are full of chemicals and perfumes. Raw honey cleanses the skin while also providing moisture. In addition, it contains antioxidants that fight the signs of aging. What’s not to love! Honey is the best natural face wash. To use, wet your face with warm water, then smooth on about half a teaspoon of honey. If you want an exfoliating scrub, mix a little baking soda, salt or sugar into the honey before applying in circular motions. Leave on for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water.
Healthy baking ingredient: Try sweetening recipes with honey instead of refined sugar or other “healthy” sweeteners. Honey is a functional food — it’s our top choice for a naturally healthy sweet flavor. Use in coffee, tea, grain-free baked goods and smoothies.
Reduces inflammation: Raw honey is known to reduce levels of an inflammatory marker called homocysteine. This is considered to be an important indicator of protection against chronic inflammatory illness such as heart disease.
Treats dandruff: Since honey is known to be antibacterial and antifungal, it is effective against flaky skin conditions such as dandruff and eczema.
Preserves food: Honey’s natural antibacterial properties make it the perfect food additive to prevent spoilage.
Improves digestion: Raw honey is rich in prebiotics, which provide fuel for healthy bacteria in the lower digestive system. It is also known to fight nausea and indigestion because it does not ferment in the stomach. Try making a digestion-boosting drink by mixing a teaspoon each of lemon juice, raw apple cider vinegar and raw honey into a tall glass of water and drink two or three times daily. Add a little freshly squeezed ginger root juice if nausea is an issue.
Dangers of raw honey
Sometimes, eating raw honey can cause a form of food poisoning called botulism, which results in muscle weakness and breathing problems. This is due to bacterial spores that can contaminate unpasteurized honey.
However, this is only a concern with infants younger than 12 months old, or people with a compromised immune system. Children and adults can safely consume raw honey because they have a more robust digestive system, which is not disturbed by the presence of spores.
Do you use raw honey in your everyday natural wellness routine? Click here to discover more great reasons to eat raw honey daily!
—Liivi Hess
Liivi is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and is training to become a doula. She inspires women to find peace and personal power by taking control of health and fertility naturally. Liivi‘s passion is ancestral nutrition and primal lifestyle design. She and her partner Will live between Toronto, Canada and Queenstown, New Zealand.
Sources:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814605003262
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/btri/2011/917505/abs
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691508005607
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160504002053
