More than 180 different substances have been identified in honey, with unique biological interactions, creating a product with amazing properties. Honey cannot be considered a complete nutriment because it contains only small quantities of vitamins and proteins, but in terms of energy, it can be compared to any food.
- Honey is composed mainly of sugars, which are rapidly absorbed by the human body. Thus, honey is ideal in situations when we need an immediate source of energy, as for example when exercising, óôéò in illness,pregnancy and generally for worn-out individuals.
- The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of honey help conditions such as ulcers and in wound healing. There are special honey-containing compresses available for cleaning and protecting small injuries. These properties are due to:
- The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide ( Ç2Ï2)( Ç2Ï2)
- The high concentration of sugars.
- The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide ( Ç2Ï2)( Ç2Ï2)
- The vitamin concentration in honey is not high and thus is not sufficient for our daily requirements, however the vitamins present help in the absorption of sugars and nutrients absorption of sugars and nutrients growth in children by improving the calcium and magnesium absorption in bones.
- Honey contains a large variety of oligosaccharides, which support bifidobacteria, viability and action. These bacteria play a significant role in maintaining the microfloral equilibrium in the digestive tract. Consequently, honey acts as a probiotic.
- Honey¢ssynergistic action , that is the multiplying of the synergy/action of two or more substances, is currently one of the topics in the discourse on Apitherapy, which has led to positive conclusions.
- The trace elements (inorganic salts) contained in honey play an important role in human metabolism and nutrition, are components of our skeleton and our cells, adjust stomach acidity and aid in the functioning of endocrine glands. In addition, the trace elements in honey contribute to healthy hair and nailformation. Dark-colored honey contains these trace elements in higher concentrations.
- Due to the iron and vitamins B6 and B9 present, honey helps to restore health in cases of anemia.
- Honey has a high content of choline, which is useful against constipation.
- Due to its sugar content, honey is remarkably important in the metabolism of ethanol, resulting in a faster recovery from hangovers.
- Honey is also beneficial to heart and coronary artery function due to its acetylcholine content.
- Honey contains a small amount of pollen and thus can help individuals with seasonal hay fever by gradually introducing small amounts of allergens likely originating from the pollen from local flowers into the individual. In such cases, the honey should be from the area where the person lives in order to insure that the pollen originates from the flowers causing the allergy.
- The application of bee stings has been used for centuries, and is still used today, for the treatment of arthritis. In addition, individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis have also seen improvement in their health with apitherapy. Generally, the patient undergoes three bee stinging sessions per week for six months. When an area, already inflamed, is stung and then swells, the body¢s natural anti-inflammatory substances act on the swelling, simultaneously reducing the original inflammation as well.
Bee poison is also beneficial to individuals with multiple sclerosis, since the poison is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty founds these patients lack.
Apitherapy has short-term side effects, such as itching, swelling and reddening of the skin. In addition, serious allergic reactions and death by allergic shock have been reported. Before initiating any therapy, you should consult your physician in order to control whether or not you are sensitive to bee stings.
Honey is not by any means a drug, according to the modern definition of the term. However, it does have therapeutic activity for many illnesses and auxiliary activity for others.
Honey Remedies
Many traditional honey-based folk remedies are still used today. None of these are dangerous, with the exception of possible allergic reactions to particular foods. Please find below some of these traditional remedies.
- Seasonal hay fever. Two months before the onset, two spoons of honey should be consumed daily. For best results, use local honey. You can also chew on a piece of the honey comb for 5-10 minutes (without swallowing), twice daily.
- Decongestant. Boil grapefruit, orange and lemon peel, together with the white pith, in water mixed with honey. Stir until the peels look like sponges. Don¢t over boil - you are not making marmalade. As soon as symptoms appear, eat a piece every evening before bed during the crisis period.
- Insomnia-Anxiety. Warm milk with honey or chamomile or linden tea with a spoonful of honey.
- Canker sores. A spoonful of honey should be applied to the sore and left in place as long as possible. Repeat 2-3 times daily.
- Eustachian tubes. Ayurveda practioners massage the lymph glands near the ears. Supplement with Amala tea mixed with raw honey.
- Cough. You can prepare an effective expectorant with a large onion and raw honey. Cut the onion in rounds, put them in a bowl, cover them with honey and let stand for 10-12 hours. Strain the mixture and take one spoon of the liquid every 5-6 hours. Another remedy includes a mixture of equal parts of honey, olive oil and tsipouro (strong, clear alcoholic drink made from grapes).
- Constipation. One spoon of honey, morning and evening.
- Minor burns. Spread a thin layer of honey on the burned area and cover with a light gauze bandage. Change daily.
- Wounds. Cover the superficial wound with honey. Honey-containing compresses are also available over the counter for minor cuts.
The information presented on our site, www.gousiaris.gr, is based on related bibliography, but cannot substitute a physician¢s medical opinion.
