In this series we have been seeing about usage of honey as a medicine. There is an old saying that "Bee keepers live longer than others." Bee keepers understand the significance of honey and use it on a regular basis. In the last article we saw about the nutritional aspects of honey. In this article we will see in detail about how honey can help us medicinally if consumed directly. Indian way of medication mainly focus on prevention than cure. The same has been insisted in the ancient scriptures of Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. The food practices and routine in India is to make sure, we stay healthy and lead a happy life. The routine is designed in such a way that we don’t get exposed to any disease. Honey is prescribed for daily consumption as it is capable of preventing a person from any disease or disorders.
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Medicinal aspects of direct consumption of honey
Honey can be consumed either directly or with a combination with other medicines depending upon the necessity. It need not necessarily be any home-made medicine but there are also some good effects when honey is mixed and consumed with milk and hot water. As we are focusing on staying healthy without any disease, it is good to use honey as a tool for healthy life. Usually children are very much fond of honey. Mothers can give honey to their kids from childhood and explain them the medicinal properties of honey. Health benefits from direct consumption of honey are as follows:
Digestion
Honey is very helpful in digestion. People who have problems with digestion can solve their problems with the consumption of honey every day. It doesn’t really end with digestion problem. When consumed regularly, honey is capable of curing all types of problems related to stomach such as stomach ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The antimicrobial properties present in honey is helpful in inhibiting the toxic effects created by mycotoxins. There were researches conducted to prove the effect of honey on intestinal microflora. [1]
Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder commonly seen in 10 - 20 % of population. Irregular Bowel habits is a major contributor for this syndrome with comes with abdominal pain. Researches have proved that honey can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of IBS. Honey is collected from different types of flowers with medicinal values. People who have irritable bowel syndrome can consume honey directly in right quantity every day to see good change. Dietary recommendations which include honey have provided positive results on many people. [2]. Not just honey, even pollens collected by the bees are also recommended by the researchers. [3]
Constipation and Loose motions
Honey has been prescribed as an effective health supplement for constipation or loose motion problems. With respect to constipation one should we very careful with the quantity of honey. When honey is consumed in minimal quantity, it is capable of stopping loose motions. If honey is consumed in larger quantity, it can lead to constipation. As honey works in both ways, it is important to be careful with the quantity. You can do this on an experimental basis with proper advice from your doctor. [4]
Nervous weakness
Honey plays a therapeutic role in treating various disorders. People with nervous weakness can consume honey to increase proper blood flow to all the organs and all parts of the body. Nerves can gain good strength with continuous usage of honey. Researches describe the therapeutic effects of honey against conditions like Asthenia. [5]
Honey against sleeplessness
People reporting sleeplessness can use honey as a good medicine. Honey has been traditionally used for generations together to induce proper sleep. Though the results may not be immediately visible, if consumed daily for over a week restlessness and sleeplessness will gradually vanish. More than direct consumption of honey, when it is mixed with hot milk and consumed before bed can give you good sleep.
Urinary Infections
Urinary infections or Irritable bladder syndrome is quite common among people who use public washrooms. People suffering from problems related to Urinary infection can consume honey every day to see good results. Honey helps in blood purification and helps in removing toxins from the body. It also regulates the temperature of the body. Honey helps in adding strength to immune system by fighting against some germs.
Honey for weight gain and weight reduction
Honey when consumed in right quantity helps in reducing weight of a person and when consumed in larger quantity will also help in gaining weight. If consumed regularly, honey can balance air energy, fire energy and water energy in the body. When these three energies are balanced, a person can stay healthy and be free from any disorders. Asthenia symptoms can be completely eradicated when honey is used as a proper medicine. [5]
Honey against poisoning
As honey is the collection of nutrients from different flowers with different medicinal value, it is also helpful in reducing the toxin level in the body and breaking down of poison. If a person is bit by an insect or a creature, even though treatment is given, the effect an last for more than a month. By consuming honey daily, the effect will gradually reduce from the body earlier than usual.
Longevity
Honey not only helps a person stay away from diseases but it also helps a person live longer than usual. May be that is the reason why bee keepers stay more healthy and live longer than others. Not just longevity, the nutrients in honey are also capable of increasing hormonal secretion in the body thus increasing the fertility of a person. [6] It keeps a person active throughout the day without any tiredness.
External application of Honey
We all have heard enough about internal consumption of honey and a lot about their medicinal aspects. Apart from internal consumption, honey can also be used as an external applicant for certain problems. People with some specific skin related problems can apply honey in the affected area. Honey can be applied on fire burns, infections in the skin and other skin rashes that takes time to heal. [4]
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Disclaimer: This article details only a high level of information about honey and medicinal aspects of honey. Direct consumption of honey without knowing the quantity or effects is not recommended. Please consult a medical practitioner before you start using honey as a medicine.
Previous articles in this series:
Honey as a Medicine #1 – Introduction to Honey and Types of Honey
Honey as a Medicine #2 - Quality and Composition of a good Honey