Honey: Nature’s sweet solution for winter coughs, colds, and more
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Dr. Cass Ingram, author of Foods that Cure, reviews
10 surprising uses for this amazing head-to-toe home remedy
Honey has a long and fascinating history as a germ fighter and natural healer. It is perhaps humanity’s original medicinal food.
The first written reference to the medicinal use of honey was found on a Sumerian tablet dating back to 2100-2000 BC describing its use as a drug and topical ointment for open wounds. Ancient Egyptians later discovered honey to be an effective embalming agent able to prevent the decay of corpses due to its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Jars of honey found in the tomb of Tutankhamen have not spoiled after thousands of years and are still edible.
Today, as more and more drug resistant pathogens develop and spread, many people are cutting back on their use of antibiotics and turning to honey for its soothing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Holistic practitioners consider it one of nature’s best all-around remedies for a long list of health challenges, including:
• Sore throats & coughs
Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat, but honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In a study, 2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime stopped night-time coughing as effectively as OTC cough medications.
• Open wounds, burns, and ulcers
Honey’s antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring
• Acid Reflux
In a clinical review published by the British Medical Journal, researchers suggested that honey’s viscous nature might help keep acids down.
• Acne and Eczema
Honey’s anti-inflammatory effects can decrease acne inflammation, and as an antibacterial it leaves few bacteria to infect pores and cause acne
• Staph Infections (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Honey has been shown to have an antibacterial effect on bacteria commonly present in wounds, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).
• Tooth Decay & Gingivitis
Honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces acid production
• Pink eye
In a 2004 study, honey reduced redness, swelling, discharge, and healing time
• Hair conditioner
Alleviates dandruff and dermatitis, moisturizes hair and scalp.
• Skin hydration
Draws moisture into the skin and forms a protective layer to retain moisture
• Sleeplessness
Adding honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep
