Honey, Sweet Nectar of the Gods

In Ancient Greece it was known as the food of Gods.

The first story of honey goes back over 8000 years ago, traced back to a cave painting of honey harvesting.  Archaeologists discovered honey combs in Egypt, buried with Pharaohs in tombs, still preserved and edible!  Honey is mentioned in the Bible, Koran, Talmud and scrolls from the Orient.  In Hinduism,  honey is viewed as one of the five elixirs of immortality.  The Romans used honey to heal their wounds after battle.

Honey is a blend of sugar, trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids that has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and high in anti-oxidants. Because these of these properties, unprocessed raw honey helps in treating cuts, wounds and skin infections.

We should all know by now that a healthy and diverse gut biome is the key to a healthy happy life. Helping your gut breed healthy bacteria through the use of probiotics is the answer.  But those probiotics bacteria need prebiotics, (food for the good bacteria to kick the ass of the bad bacteria). The most common prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides. Raw unpasteurized  honey is one of those.

Many other benefits include:

*Counters pollen allergies: raw honey contains Bee pollen, which is a natural antihistamine.

*Natural energy source: being 80% natural sugars,it provides an easily absorbed glycogen.

*Antioxidant powerhouse: boosting the immune system.

*Sleep promoter: by restocking the glycogen levels it prevents the brain searching for fuel, which can wake you up. Also it helps in releasing tryptophan which converts to serotonin and melatonin., helping in better sleep.

*Wound and Ulcer healer: Not only a natural antibacterial it reacts to the body's fluids to make hydrogen peroxide to create an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth.

*Diabetes aid: The combination of honey and cinnamon is beneficial for healthy blood sugar management, gingivitis and acne.

*Natural Cough Syrup: a half of tsp.to 2 tsp helps to control coughing and the healing properties of honey eliminate the causes.

Manuka  honey is made by bees that feed off the Manuka bush(a medicinal plant) which grows in New Zealand.  Clinical studies have found that this type of honey can eradicate more than 250 types of bacteria including MRSA. Thank you Mother Nature.

Try to purchase LOCAL raw honey as it will help with allergens that are common in your area.

Here is a great easy recipe for cough syrup:

     Honey Lemon Cough Syrup

Lemon helps promote health by quickly alkalinizing your body, and honey will kill most bacteria while soothing your throat. This is a perfect choice for a quick cough remedy.

• Put a pint of raw honey in a pan on the stove on VERY low heat (Do not boil honey as this changes its medicinal properties).
• Take a whole lemon and boil in some water in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes to both soften the lemon and kill any bacteria that may be on the lemon skin.
• Let the lemon cool enough to handle then cut it in slices and add it to the pint of honey on the stove.
• Let mixture cook on warm heat for about an hour.
• Then strain the lemon from the honey making sure all lemon seeds are removed.
• Let cool, then bottle in a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.

This syrup will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator. To soothe a cough, take 1/2 teaspoon for a 25 lb. child and 1 teaspoon for a 50 lb. child, about 4 times a day, or as often as needed. Adults can take 1-tablespoon doses.

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd