The Healing Powers of Honey (17 page)
Read The Healing Powers of Honey Online
Authors: Cal Orey
20 EYE HEALTH (Guard your eyes):
Feeling energized is a good thing, but having good eyesight is not to be taken for granted, either. I've had two middle-aged friends who fell victim to macular degeneration (deterioration of the macula in the eye, which can lead to blindness). Eyesight is a precious thing and often we forget how important it is until our own eyes are affected in one way or another.
Feeling energized is a good thing, but having good eyesight is not to be taken for granted, either. I've had two middle-aged friends who fell victim to macular degeneration (deterioration of the macula in the eye, which can lead to blindness). Eyesight is a precious thing and often we forget how important it is until our own eyes are affected in one way or another.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Include dark honeys in your daily diet teamed with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
Include dark honeys in your daily diet teamed with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Holistic doctors believe that flavonoids in foods can protect your eye health. We know that darker honeys contain antioxidants and when included in the daily diet couldn't hurt your eyesâbut, of course, large governmentfunded scientific studies have not been done to prove consuming honey can help eye disorders. But
Honey: The Gourmet Medicine
author Joe Traynor points out how a small group of people with conjunctivitis applied honey under the lower eyelid as any eye ointment would be applied. Improvement was the end result, with Traynor saying that it may be the flavonoids in honey that have the properties to access the lens. He adds, “Antioxidant and osmotic properties of honey could also be a factor. Certainly the potential benefits of honey to treat cataracts deserve more study.”
Holistic doctors believe that flavonoids in foods can protect your eye health. We know that darker honeys contain antioxidants and when included in the daily diet couldn't hurt your eyesâbut, of course, large governmentfunded scientific studies have not been done to prove consuming honey can help eye disorders. But
Honey: The Gourmet Medicine
author Joe Traynor points out how a small group of people with conjunctivitis applied honey under the lower eyelid as any eye ointment would be applied. Improvement was the end result, with Traynor saying that it may be the flavonoids in honey that have the properties to access the lens. He adds, “Antioxidant and osmotic properties of honey could also be a factor. Certainly the potential benefits of honey to treat cataracts deserve more study.”
21 FIBROMYALGIA (Lose the aches and pains):
Maintaining healthy eyes is a big deal, and so is keeping aches and pains at bay. If you've got chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness at specific sites in the body, you may have fibromyalgia syndrome or fibrositis. Today, medical people get it: They acknowledge the pain linked to the nervous system and there is relief provided from both conventional medicine and nature.
Maintaining healthy eyes is a big deal, and so is keeping aches and pains at bay. If you've got chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness at specific sites in the body, you may have fibromyalgia syndrome or fibrositis. Today, medical people get it: They acknowledge the pain linked to the nervous system and there is relief provided from both conventional medicine and nature.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Try 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of hot tea three times per day. For relieving tight muscles, try a massage with a honey and milk moisturizing cream and/or a hot tub soak.
Try 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of hot tea three times per day. For relieving tight muscles, try a massage with a honey and milk moisturizing cream and/or a hot tub soak.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Honey is an energizing liquid that can give you a lift so you'll be more apt to be happy to exercise (which releases feel-good hormonal endorphins that'll lessen pain). Honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties, and both honey and tea, especially calming chamomile, can help you to fight stress and relaxâa must-do. And the massage and hydrotherapy can help relax you and your muscles, which can reduce pain.
Honey is an energizing liquid that can give you a lift so you'll be more apt to be happy to exercise (which releases feel-good hormonal endorphins that'll lessen pain). Honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties, and both honey and tea, especially calming chamomile, can help you to fight stress and relaxâa must-do. And the massage and hydrotherapy can help relax you and your muscles, which can reduce pain.
22 GALLSTONES (Prevent these little guys):
Aches and pains in the muscles can come and go, just like gallstones. The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to this health ailment, which is more common in older people. Obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes are all causes of gallstones, which can be a painâbut the good news is that you can be proactive and keep gallstones away with a healthful diet and lifestyle.
Aches and pains in the muscles can come and go, just like gallstones. The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to this health ailment, which is more common in older people. Obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes are all causes of gallstones, which can be a painâbut the good news is that you can be proactive and keep gallstones away with a healthful diet and lifestyle.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Incorporate honey in your diet in a variety of ways and forms, including taking a teaspoon of the golden liquid each day, putting it in a cup of tea or low-fat milk, and drizzling it on nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Incorporate honey in your diet in a variety of ways and forms, including taking a teaspoon of the golden liquid each day, putting it in a cup of tea or low-fat milk, and drizzling it on nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
If you keep your weight in check, you up the odds of beating high cholesterol and diabetes. Honey used in moderation can help you stay clear of sweet junk food because it beats sweet cravings. It also gives you energy to stay physical, so you'll be more apt to rev up your metabolism and keep gallstones where they belongâout of your life.
If you keep your weight in check, you up the odds of beating high cholesterol and diabetes. Honey used in moderation can help you stay clear of sweet junk food because it beats sweet cravings. It also gives you energy to stay physical, so you'll be more apt to rev up your metabolism and keep gallstones where they belongâout of your life.
23 HANGOVER (Sip away the blahs):
Enjoying a healthful diet and lifestyle can help you avoid the dreaded hangover due to overindulgence of the spirits. A killer headache and the hypersensitivity to noise can be enough to cause you to seek a hangover helper that works, even if you have to find the nearest beehive and plead with the bees to let you have a bit of their brew.
Enjoying a healthful diet and lifestyle can help you avoid the dreaded hangover due to overindulgence of the spirits. A killer headache and the hypersensitivity to noise can be enough to cause you to seek a hangover helper that works, even if you have to find the nearest beehive and plead with the bees to let you have a bit of their brew.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Try a spoonful or two of honey in a cup of hot chamomile or ginger tea. If you can stomach it, a piece of whole-grain toast spread with honey may be helpful, too.
Try a spoonful or two of honey in a cup of hot chamomile or ginger tea. If you can stomach it, a piece of whole-grain toast spread with honey may be helpful, too.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Simply put, honey is chock-full of fructose and enzymesâa godsend to folks who overindulge in spirits of any kind one night or weekend because it can rev up the metabolism of alcohol, according to the
Honey: The Gourmet Medicine
author Joe Traynor.
Simply put, honey is chock-full of fructose and enzymesâa godsend to folks who overindulge in spirits of any kind one night or weekend because it can rev up the metabolism of alcohol, according to the
Honey: The Gourmet Medicine
author Joe Traynor.
24 HEADACHE (Bye-bye, pain):
Hangovers and headachesâboth are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, tension, cluster, migraine, and sinus related. Personally, I am prone to sinus headaches, and these can be worse than getting a root canal.
Hangovers and headachesâboth are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, tension, cluster, migraine, and sinus related. Personally, I am prone to sinus headaches, and these can be worse than getting a root canal.
What Honey Rx to Use:
One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.
One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
I went straight to the New York Headache Center in New York to ask Alexander Mauskop, M.D., if honey can help reduce tension headaches. “The way honey might work for tension headaches,” he says, “is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines, although it is more advisable to avoid getting hungry and eat small frequent meals.” But caution is advised, because the good doctor warned that honey can cause reactive hypoglycemia and worsen the headache.
I went straight to the New York Headache Center in New York to ask Alexander Mauskop, M.D., if honey can help reduce tension headaches. “The way honey might work for tension headaches,” he says, “is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines, although it is more advisable to avoid getting hungry and eat small frequent meals.” But caution is advised, because the good doctor warned that honey can cause reactive hypoglycemia and worsen the headache.
But can a teaspoon of dark antioxidant-rich honey or a cup of herbal tea with a teaspoon or two of honey help alleviate the ache? The doctor's response gave me hope for those pesky headaches that sneak up on me like a time traveler: “Yes, some antioxidants can help prevent headaches, as can magnesium and vitamin B.” So, I quickly turned to a brewed cup of honey and tea (2 cups) and 2 teaspoons of light buckwheat honey, and yes, my sinus headache for the day did subside.
25 HEARTBURN (Get rid of the burn STAT):
A pounding headache is a pain, but heartburn is like a monster relative that invades your body. Common culprits include tomato sauce, salsa, and alcoholic beverages. Time heals occasional heartburn, but why wait for the pain to go when you can use an all-natural cure that can provide relief perhaps sooner rather than later?
A pounding headache is a pain, but heartburn is like a monster relative that invades your body. Common culprits include tomato sauce, salsa, and alcoholic beverages. Time heals occasional heartburn, but why wait for the pain to go when you can use an all-natural cure that can provide relief perhaps sooner rather than later?
What Honey Rx to Use:
Take 1 teaspoon of honey straight or try it with 1 cup of hot peppermint tea.
Take 1 teaspoon of honey straight or try it with 1 cup of hot peppermint tea.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Move over, ROLAIDS! Honey has properties that naturally ease heartburn symptoms. Thanks to its effect on the bacteria associated with gastric ulcers, it's the “remedy for heartburn, gastric acid reflux or indigestion,” says
The Honey Revolution
author Ron Fessenden, M.D. What's more, “honey consumed is rapidly diluted with saliva and gastric juices, so it destroys bacteria.” Honey is also a probiotic, promoting the growth of the healthy bacteria in the gut.
Move over, ROLAIDS! Honey has properties that naturally ease heartburn symptoms. Thanks to its effect on the bacteria associated with gastric ulcers, it's the “remedy for heartburn, gastric acid reflux or indigestion,” says
The Honey Revolution
author Ron Fessenden, M.D. What's more, “honey consumed is rapidly diluted with saliva and gastric juices, so it destroys bacteria.” Honey is also a probiotic, promoting the growth of the healthy bacteria in the gut.
26 HERPES (Soothe the sting):
Heartburn comes and goes, as does herpes, a virus that plagues millions. It is a painful condition during outbreaks, but there are treatments that can speed up the process of flare-up, whether the sores are on the mouth or in the genital region.
Heartburn comes and goes, as does herpes, a virus that plagues millions. It is a painful condition during outbreaks, but there are treatments that can speed up the process of flare-up, whether the sores are on the mouth or in the genital region.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Apply a dab of medicinal honey to the affected area. Repeat every day until the sore or sores have healed.
Apply a dab of medicinal honey to the affected area. Repeat every day until the sore or sores have healed.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Mainstream doctors will prescribe acyclovir ointment. But research shows that Mother Nature may have a more gentle solution. In fact, some medical doctors and honey proponents believe honey with its anti-inflammatory and healing properties works better than drugs for herpesâand it's natural, available without a doctor's okay, and cheap in comparison.
Mainstream doctors will prescribe acyclovir ointment. But research shows that Mother Nature may have a more gentle solution. In fact, some medical doctors and honey proponents believe honey with its anti-inflammatory and healing properties works better than drugs for herpesâand it's natural, available without a doctor's okay, and cheap in comparison.
27 HOARSENESS (Get rid of the frog):
Sores in the private parts or a raspy voice that everyone can hearâwhat is worse? Welcome to the sound of a voice that has rough notes. The most common causes are acute laryngitis to a cold, flu, or irritation linked to using your voice too much. Other less common and less serious links can be to allergies or sinusitis.
Sores in the private parts or a raspy voice that everyone can hearâwhat is worse? Welcome to the sound of a voice that has rough notes. The most common causes are acute laryngitis to a cold, flu, or irritation linked to using your voice too much. Other less common and less serious links can be to allergies or sinusitis.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Try a cup of hot tea (I recommend chamomile) with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Repeat as needed. Combine this natural honey cure with drinking water. Turn on the humidifier (squeaky clean to prevent bacteria) if you live in a region with low humidity, like I do, and try to talk less rather than more.
Try a cup of hot tea (I recommend chamomile) with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Repeat as needed. Combine this natural honey cure with drinking water. Turn on the humidifier (squeaky clean to prevent bacteria) if you live in a region with low humidity, like I do, and try to talk less rather than more.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
While show hosts have told me my voice is “soothing,” I give due credit to this honey cure, which coats the throat. Chamomile relaxes me and I've noticed that if you're in a comfort zone your voice will sound less raspy, too. Honey-lemon lozenges have helped me give a smoother performance and also soothe the itchy pain of overworked pipes.
While show hosts have told me my voice is “soothing,” I give due credit to this honey cure, which coats the throat. Chamomile relaxes me and I've noticed that if you're in a comfort zone your voice will sound less raspy, too. Honey-lemon lozenges have helped me give a smoother performance and also soothe the itchy pain of overworked pipes.
28 HOT FLASHES (Run for the cool hive):
A scratchy voice isn't fun, but hot flashes (yes, I experienced my share) aren't a tropical vacation, either, but can feel like one without making travel plans. One time at a Barnes & Noble book signing in Reno, Nevada, out of nowhere a hot flash paid me a visit. My face turned bright red. It was unsettling. I've learned triggers can include stress, heat, and hot beverages.
A scratchy voice isn't fun, but hot flashes (yes, I experienced my share) aren't a tropical vacation, either, but can feel like one without making travel plans. One time at a Barnes & Noble book signing in Reno, Nevada, out of nowhere a hot flash paid me a visit. My face turned bright red. It was unsettling. I've learned triggers can include stress, heat, and hot beverages.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Take 1 teaspoon of honey and pair it with iced tea, preferably chamomile or green.
Take 1 teaspoon of honey and pair it with iced tea, preferably chamomile or green.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
A cold drink will refresh you and keep hot flashes at bay. Green tea is touted by Japanese women, who do not experience hot flashes like we American women do. And honey has a calming effect that will help get rid of that invasive warm rush, sooner rather than later.
A cold drink will refresh you and keep hot flashes at bay. Green tea is touted by Japanese women, who do not experience hot flashes like we American women do. And honey has a calming effect that will help get rid of that invasive warm rush, sooner rather than later.
29 IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST (Get a daily immunity boost):
Hot flashes come and go, as does a fever that may signal you that your immunity is down and a cold or flu is coming on. Did you know that your body is ready to go to war? In fact, it's on alert from the time you're born until the day you die. The enemies are viral and bacterial invaders that attack your health. Although you may not be aware of a potential battle going on, there are things you can do to stay healthy and keep the peace.
Hot flashes come and go, as does a fever that may signal you that your immunity is down and a cold or flu is coming on. Did you know that your body is ready to go to war? In fact, it's on alert from the time you're born until the day you die. The enemies are viral and bacterial invaders that attack your health. Although you may not be aware of a potential battle going on, there are things you can do to stay healthy and keep the peace.
The answer lies in the immune system. The immune systemâthat is, your body's defense system, made up of billions of white blood cells or “warriors” that are ready to destroy potential enemiesâcan protect you against illness, including a cold, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia, if it's fed the right superfoods.
What Honey Rx To Use:
Put a teaspoon of medicinal honey in a cup of immunity-boosting tea for a double effect.
Put a teaspoon of medicinal honey in a cup of immunity-boosting tea for a double effect.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Enter honey with its antibacterial effects. “Honey can stimulate B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply, thus boosting the immune system,” says
Honey: The Gourmet Medicine
author Joe Traynor.
Enter honey with its antibacterial effects. “Honey can stimulate B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply, thus boosting the immune system,” says
Honey: The Gourmet Medicine
author Joe Traynor.
30 INFERTILITY (Up your pregnancy odds):
As a part-time phone psychic advisor who uses her intuitive gift, I often field calls from women who want to know when or if they will be with child. Sometimes I pick up the energy that there may be a need to nudge nature and recommend seeing their doctor to get the help they may need. However, there are folk remedies that also should be considered if you or someone you know needs a bit of a fertility boost.
As a part-time phone psychic advisor who uses her intuitive gift, I often field calls from women who want to know when or if they will be with child. Sometimes I pick up the energy that there may be a need to nudge nature and recommend seeing their doctor to get the help they may need. However, there are folk remedies that also should be considered if you or someone you know needs a bit of a fertility boost.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Eat royal jelly. Follow the instructions on the label for how much and how often you should indulge in the “food of royalty.” It can be taken straight or in a smoothie. It's available at health-food stores.
Eat royal jelly. Follow the instructions on the label for how much and how often you should indulge in the “food of royalty.” It can be taken straight or in a smoothie. It's available at health-food stores.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Royal jelly is the stuff that a queen bee indulges in, and her fertility record is off the charts. This pricey bee product is chock-full of good-for-you essential minerals, B-complex vitamins, proteins, amino acids, collagen, essential fatty acids, and more nutrients. Sarah Ferguson (“Fergie”) was noted to eat royal jelly while she was trying to become pregnant.
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Royal jelly is the stuff that a queen bee indulges in, and her fertility record is off the charts. This pricey bee product is chock-full of good-for-you essential minerals, B-complex vitamins, proteins, amino acids, collagen, essential fatty acids, and more nutrients. Sarah Ferguson (“Fergie”) was noted to eat royal jelly while she was trying to become pregnant.
10
31 INSECT BITES (Take the itch away):
Getting pregnant can be a surprise, as can getting bit by an insect. The skin can become red and inflamed. Worse, if you're bit you'll want the pain to go away STAT. Honey may come to the rescue. Just ask me. I was bitten by a spider one winter. My cheekbone was painful and red. If I had known that there was a natural remedy to keep the swelling at bay I would have used it in between icing the area.
Getting pregnant can be a surprise, as can getting bit by an insect. The skin can become red and inflamed. Worse, if you're bit you'll want the pain to go away STAT. Honey may come to the rescue. Just ask me. I was bitten by a spider one winter. My cheekbone was painful and red. If I had known that there was a natural remedy to keep the swelling at bay I would have used it in between icing the area.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Put a light dressing of manuka honey on the bite(s) a few times per day.
Put a light dressing of manuka honey on the bite(s) a few times per day.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Medicinal honey, such as manuka, “has anti-inflammatory properties independent of its properties that combat bacterial infection. Inflammation has been reduced by honey when there were no infections involved,” says former beekeeper Traynor. So, if you use honey and experience the inflammation diminishing from a painful insect bite, you won't be complaining.
Medicinal honey, such as manuka, “has anti-inflammatory properties independent of its properties that combat bacterial infection. Inflammation has been reduced by honey when there were no infections involved,” says former beekeeper Traynor. So, if you use honey and experience the inflammation diminishing from a painful insect bite, you won't be complaining.
32 INSOMNIA (Find sweet dreams):
Getting bit hurts, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term hurtful effects, too. Ever hit the hay and discover that when your eyes shut they open up again? You toss and turn or even turn on the tube. The clock is a barometer of your lack of shut-eye. Counting sheep, thinking of pleasant thoughtsânothing seems to help you fall asleep and enter Slumberland.
Getting bit hurts, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term hurtful effects, too. Ever hit the hay and discover that when your eyes shut they open up again? You toss and turn or even turn on the tube. The clock is a barometer of your lack of shut-eye. Counting sheep, thinking of pleasant thoughtsânothing seems to help you fall asleep and enter Slumberland.
What Honey Rx to Use:
To try it, just take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Want a doubleduty potion? Try sipping a cup of hot 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.
To try it, just take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Want a doubleduty potion? Try sipping a cup of hot 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
So, can honey help you to doze off? Yes, it can. It's magic trick, according to
The Honey Revolution
author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn't go in search of extra fuel in the early
So, can honey help you to doze off? Yes, it can. It's magic trick, according to
The Honey Revolution
author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn't go in search of extra fuel in the early
A.M.
hours when you should be in Dreamland. “Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate,” adds the honey guru.
hours when you should be in Dreamland. “Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate,” adds the honey guru.
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