11 HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF HONEY

Honey has been used as a home remedy for a long period of time. The use of Honey is mentioned several times in the Bible and the Quran. 

Honey is made up of Fructose, Glucose and minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron. Honey is slightly acidic. Here are some health benefits of Honey.

1 Healing of Burns    

Honey is effective in healing burns. It is topically applied over the burn. In folk medicine, it is a very popular first aid measure for burns at home. 

It reduces the swelling and pain that results from burns especially those resulting from hot oil, hot water or hot irons. 

Studies have favored honey over silver sulphadiazine for the treatment of superficial burns (1).

Honey has also been shown to be effective in preventing infections associated with burns (2).

2 Treatment of cough

Honey is a natural home remedy for cough. It can be taken empty or mixed with ginger or lemon juice. 
A combination of honey and coffee have also been shown to be effective in treating cough (3).

3 A remedy for pimples|acne

Honey contains anti-bacterial and anti fungal properties. A study confirmed that natural honey and cinnamon bark extract are effective in eradicating bacteria that cause acne (4). 

4 A remedy for cold and flu
A study has confirmed that honey, especially manuka honey is effective against influenza virus that is responsible for cold and flu(5).


5 A remedy for type-2 diabetics

Natural honey is able to lower blood glucose levels and blood lipids in healthy diabetic subjects (6). 
Honey is not able to raise blood glucose levels the way that sugar does. Since honey is very sweet, less of it will be used as a sweetener. Honey is also healthier than sugar.

6 Honey is an instant energy source, like an energy drink

The natural unprocessed fructose and glucose found in honey is easily absorbed in the body once it is consumed. This gives an instant energy boost to the body.

7 Aids weight loss
Natural honey is able to promote lower weight gain,lower the rate at which fats are being stored and lower triglyceride levels that sucrose in rats (7).
Those who are losing weight can use honey as an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. 

8 acts as an analgesic

Analgesics fight against pain. Therefore, natural honey can help with head ache and mild body pain 

9 Honey aids relieves indigestion (dyspepsia)

One study revealed that honey can be effective against dyspepsia upset stomach especially when combined with N. sativa (8).

Honey can act as a mild laxative and thus it helps in relieving constipation, bloating and some intestinal discomforts.

10 Honey can help relieve mild skin infections and dandruff.

Some studies have shown that natural honey is able to combat mild skin infections such as dermatitis and dandruff (9). 

This is achieved by applying honey on the affected areas of the skin or washing the hair with water and honey.

11 Prevention of dental plaques
One study has revealed that manuka honey is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in preventing the formation of dental plaques (10).