Honey is a natural food that contains health benefits, thus known as a “functional food”.  Its healing abilities are derived from its biological make-up. Honey contains many antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals all in their most natural form.  However, many honey products in the grocery store are so processed and filtrated that, essentially, they aren’t real honey at all – and with that, it is assumed that any health benefits that come along with honey are lost in production.

The most advantageous form of honey is raw honey.  Raw honey has a cloudy, opaque appearance, unlike what you might see with commercial brands.  Commercial brand honeys are golden and clear, this is caused by excessive use of heat while being processed.  Heat is what destroys most of the naturally occurring enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found in the raw form.  The majority of honey products you’ll find on the shelf don’t contain pollen at all,  and pollen is the one component that differentiates between the categories of raw and commercial honey.  In other words, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says if the honey product does not contain pollen, it’s not truly honey.

So, what is honey?  Mainly, sugar.  In fact, about  70-80 percent of honey is sugar, and the rest is water and its nutrient composition.  But, the sugar from honey is very different from white, cane sugar.  Honey will not cause a sugar spike or elevate insulin-releasing levels, making it a safer choice for everyone, including individuals with diabetes.  But diabetes isn’t the only thing honey helps keep in check. Years of compiled research has shown honey to be the body’s most organic care-taker.  Since the late 19^th century, honey has been found to have antibiotic properties, aiding ingredients, and healing potentials.

Sniffles and Cough Suppressor

Honey has been shown to outperform over-the-counter cough medications with the active ingredient dextromethorphan.  Honey helps soothe the back of the throat by breaking up mucus, thus relieving congestion, coughing, and increasing restful sleeping.

Squeeze the juice of 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 grapefruit into a kettle.  Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir while bring to a boil.  Take off stove, add one 1 shot of brandy or whatever you prefer.

Skin

For centuries, honey has been proven effective in treating wounds, whether it’s a surface cut, a burn, or acne.  Due to its anti-microbial and anti-fungal elements, honey has the potential to kill off multiple bacteria strains without leaving a scar behind.

Problem Area Remedy: Bring 1/3 cup of buttermilk to a boil.  Take off stove immediately, add honey until a thick paste forms.  Allow to cool. Dab onto problem area.

Honey Mask: Spread honey onto face. Wait 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Keeping Regular

Honey helps rehydrate the body allowing diarrhea to clear up more quickly.  Because of its peroxide and non-peroxide properties, honey can effectively fight against MRSA strains and other bacteria that may be causing the unpleasant, frequent trips to the bathroom.  On the flip side, honey also acts a mild laxative for those days when you’re feeling a little backed up.

Consume 2 teaspoons of honey 3 times per day OR combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in warm water. Drink every morning.

Constipation Specific: Blend 3 chopped rhubarb stalks, 1 cup apple juice, 1/4 peeled lemon, and 1 teaspoon of honey.

Diarrhea Specific: Combine 1 teaspoon raw garlic and 1 teaspoon of honey.  Take 3 times per day 2 hours after each meal.

Exercise Performance

Honey contains 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon making it an exceptional source of energy in a natural form compared to sugary sports drinks and gels.  It can be used before, during, and after workouts as a generous energy and muscle recovery source.

Add preferred amount of honey to water bottle and shake.

Weight Reduction

Honey has many anti-inflammatory and antibiotic-resistant properties that help cleanse the liver, detoxify the body, and cut away unwanted fat.

Add 1 tablespoon honey plus the juice from 1 lemon to warm water and drink every morning before breakfast.

These are just a few things honey can have a healthful impact on.  The list goes on with boosting memory, strengthening your immune system, reducing heart disease risk, relieving menopausal symptoms, and so much more.  So, don’t be afraid to open your heart to mother nature’s most sweet and remedial gift.  Its many holistic healing powers that have been cherished for centuries, so continue the tradition with yourself and your loved ones by keeping a jar in the pantry all year round!

Resources:

www.mnn.com

www.mindbodygreen.com

www.naturalrevolution.org

www.mayoclinic.org

www.motherearthnews.com

www.draxe.com

Bader, Dr. Myles H. (1997). Grandmother’s Home Remedies. Philadelphia, PA: TelAmerica Media. 

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Make life easy with our list of top 10 life hacks every mom should know and use.

1.  Faulty Zippers: Zipper won’t stay up? Here’s a quick fix: try spritzing it with hairspray after every wash. If the zipper is stuck, try rubbing a bar of soap, a candle or some paraffin paper over the metal teeth.

2.  Blood Stains: Bloody noses and cuts and scrapes seem to be synonymous with childhood. If blood transfers onto clothes, sheets or any other fabrics, simply squirt some shampoo on a wet washcloth and rub it out.

3.  Deodorant Stains: There are several ways to remove embarrassing white streaks from deodorant on your clothes, but here are the two easiest ways:

• Fabric Dryer Sheet – rub in a circular motion on marked area until streak disappears
• Socks – turn a clean sock inside out and rub in a circular motion on marked area until streak disappears

4.  Sticky Situations: Don’t freak out when your kid gets gum stuck in his/her hair. Instead, grab an ice cube to harden the gum, making it easier to remove or rub peanut butter over the gum and comb out with a fine tooth comb.

5.  Bath Time: Put baby in a laundry basket in the tub along with his/her favorite bath toys so everything is within reach.

6.  Forget Fuzzies: Have a sweater you can’t wear because of too much fuzz? Invest in a $3 pumice stone and gentle sweep over such areas.

7.  Bugs Be Gone: Keep babies safe from mosquito and bug bites by placing a crib sheet over playpens when spending time outdoors.

8.  Cabinet Locks: Forget to invest in child safety locks for reachable cabinets? Not to worry, slip cookie cutters over them in the meantime.

9.  Squirt Bottles: Make breakfast fun by using a traditional mustard or ketchup squirt bottle filled with pancake batter to create fun shapes and words.

10.  An Apple a Day: If you pre-slice an apple for your kid’s lunch, keep the pieces from turning brown by wrapping a rubber band around the whole fruit until it’s time to eat.

The post 10 Life Hacks Every Mom Should Know appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.