Honey Recommended for Colds, Burns, Bedwetting, Hyperactivity, Stress

The Healing Power of Honey
Stella Gray, Jamaica Observer, 12/8/2008

Natural raw honey which has not been filtered or pasteurised is one of nature's natural medicines.

Honey contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which makes it a powerful healing gift from nature. It also contains both internal and external healing properties.

There are many different types of honey that are created as a result of the flower chosen by the bee to provide its nectar. In Jamaica we are famous for our fragrant Logwood honey...

Most of us when we feel a cold coming on will run for the bottle of honey (our favourite remedy) as honey is known for both its antiseptic and antibiotic qualities, which shows that this is not just an old wives' tale.

Honey has been used in the past to heal infected wounds and surgical incisions. Additionally, for gangrene it helps to draw out the poison from bites and stings; it's especially good for stings as it is a natural antidote.

When used internally, honey increases the absorption of calcium and helps to treat and prevent anaemia; combined with apple cider vinegar it helps to relieve arthritic joints and aids digestion. Honey is good for colds and other respiratory infections and gastrointestinal ulcers.

Whereas sugar shuts down our immune system, honey stimulates it. It works also as a gentle, natural laxative and is very good for constipation…

Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture, hence it helps to prevent dry skin and dull, lifeless hair, making it an excellent choice to use topically in beauty treatments. Its antiseptic healing benefits make honey great for all types of skin, as bacteria cannot live in honey.

Here are a few other uses of honey:

1. Burns - apply to soothe and heal without scarring

2. Bedwetting - try a teaspoon of honey before bed as honey helps aid fluid retention and calms fears in children.

3. Hyperactivity - replace all sugar with honey as honey gives us energy without the "spike" of sugar.

4. Conjunctivitis - dissolve honey equally with water and use as eyebath. It can also be used directly to heal sties on the eyelids.

5. Stress - mix 25% in water. Honey is a natural stabiliser for both emotional highs and lows.

6. Hair conditioning - mix honey equally with either cold pressed coconut or virgin olive oil. Leave on your hair for - an hour, then shampoo. This will nourish both your hair and scalp.

7. Facial cleanser - Mix honey with oats and use as a face mask. Leave on for - an hour and rinse. This is excellent for acne and blemishes.

We can also make our own simple natural medicines by infusing honey. Thyme infused with honey is good for coughs and sore throats. Infusing ginger can strengthen our immune system and can help to relieve chills and fevers.

Instructions:

To make infused honey, first have a clean jar. Wash and dry thyme and put in a bottle and completely cover with honey to avoid mould. Leave for a few weeks before using.

For ginger honey, first clean, peel, chop and crush ginger then cover with honey. Put in the refrigerator and leave for four days before using…