The Healing Powers of Honey (19 page)
Read The Healing Powers of Honey Online
Authors: Cal Orey
Honey Power
Honey is an ideal athletic aid for athletes and everyday people who get physical and want to stay fit.
Â
Preexercise:
Sports nutritionists, past and present, have advised and do advise eating carbs before an athletic activity for an energy boost. Pure honey steps up to the plate when eaten before a workout or other activity. How? How does it do it? Simply put, honey is released into the system at a steady rate throughout physical activity.
Sports nutritionists, past and present, have advised and do advise eating carbs before an athletic activity for an energy boost. Pure honey steps up to the plate when eaten before a workout or other activity. How? How does it do it? Simply put, honey is released into the system at a steady rate throughout physical activity.
During exercise:
Turning to honey during a workout helps your muscles stay nourished longer and puts off fatigue.
Turning to honey during a workout helps your muscles stay nourished longer and puts off fatigue.
Postexercise:
Researchers have shown that a combo of carbs and protein after physical activity (within 30 minutes) can refuel and delay the onset of muscle soreness. What's more, carb-protein combos can help keep your blood-sugar levels steady after exercise.
Researchers have shown that a combo of carbs and protein after physical activity (within 30 minutes) can refuel and delay the onset of muscle soreness. What's more, carb-protein combos can help keep your blood-sugar levels steady after exercise.
Power up with honey:
Staying hydrated is important for anyone who gets physical. Add honey to a bottle of water for an energy re-jump-start during your next workout; try mixing peanut butter and honey, or honey and light cream cheese, as a dip for fresh fruits or vegetables. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches on whole-wheat bread will give you a high-energy bite and you'll get carbs, protein, and fat. Honey is a convenient, on-the-go source of energy; take it with you for athletic events to help power up and recharge your energy.
Staying hydrated is important for anyone who gets physical. Add honey to a bottle of water for an energy re-jump-start during your next workout; try mixing peanut butter and honey, or honey and light cream cheese, as a dip for fresh fruits or vegetables. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches on whole-wheat bread will give you a high-energy bite and you'll get carbs, protein, and fat. Honey is a convenient, on-the-go source of energy; take it with you for athletic events to help power up and recharge your energy.
(Source:
National Honey Board.)
National Honey Board.)
44 TENSION (Escape tense times):
If you've got an energetic buzz, you may want to flee tense times due to pressure on the job, at-home conflicts with family, friends or neighbors, or events that cannot be controlled. The key to chilling is learning how to go with the flowâand finding natural ways to help you deal.
If you've got an energetic buzz, you may want to flee tense times due to pressure on the job, at-home conflicts with family, friends or neighbors, or events that cannot be controlled. The key to chilling is learning how to go with the flowâand finding natural ways to help you deal.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Try 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of fresh fruit juice, such as orange, grapefruit, prune, or cranberry, all rich in heart-healthy potassium, your blood pressure's best friend.
Try 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of fresh fruit juice, such as orange, grapefruit, prune, or cranberry, all rich in heart-healthy potassium, your blood pressure's best friend.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
If you include fresh juices teamed with honeys in your day-to-day diet regime, you'll be getting antistress B and C vitamins, and these good-for-you nutrients can help you to stay cool and calm during the roller-coaster times that we all face one time or another. It's the combination of nature's remedies, like these, that can work on those nerves when tension rises and you need a little help from the honey bee's gifts.
If you include fresh juices teamed with honeys in your day-to-day diet regime, you'll be getting antistress B and C vitamins, and these good-for-you nutrients can help you to stay cool and calm during the roller-coaster times that we all face one time or another. It's the combination of nature's remedies, like these, that can work on those nerves when tension rises and you need a little help from the honey bee's gifts.
45 THROAT SOOTHER (Take the sting away):
Tension is a drag, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where you don't feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home cure for centuries to help soothe one of the symptoms associated with a common coldânamely, a killer sore throat. According to the American Association of Family Physicians, many things can cause a sore throat, including infections with viruses, such as colds and flu; sinus drainage; and allergies.
Tension is a drag, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where you don't feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home cure for centuries to help soothe one of the symptoms associated with a common coldânamely, a killer sore throat. According to the American Association of Family Physicians, many things can cause a sore throat, including infections with viruses, such as colds and flu; sinus drainage; and allergies.
What Honey Rx to Use:
For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don't forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.
For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don't forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Let me count the ways. One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of a cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain.
Let me count the ways. One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of a cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain.
46 TICS AND TWITCHES (Dodge muscle quirks):
Sore throat and a twitching muscle can both be irritating. I recall one day my left eyelid twitched off and on for about two hours. There was no reasonâand not only was it annoying, but I was clueless to why it happened also.
Sore throat and a twitching muscle can both be irritating. I recall one day my left eyelid twitched off and on for about two hours. There was no reasonâand not only was it annoying, but I was clueless to why it happened also.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Take 1 teaspoon of honey and chill, whether you are meditating or exercising.
Take 1 teaspoon of honey and chill, whether you are meditating or exercising.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
My choice of cures to chase away that odd eye twitch was taking a teaspoon of honey (I chose an apricot crème) and hitting the swimming pool. After about 30 minutes of lap swimming the eye twitch was history. “Honey contains acetylcholine, which acts as a chemical transmitter of nerve impulses,” explains Traynor. So, I believe the combination of taking honey and destressing is the cure for minor tics and twitches with an unknown cause.
My choice of cures to chase away that odd eye twitch was taking a teaspoon of honey (I chose an apricot crème) and hitting the swimming pool. After about 30 minutes of lap swimming the eye twitch was history. “Honey contains acetylcholine, which acts as a chemical transmitter of nerve impulses,” explains Traynor. So, I believe the combination of taking honey and destressing is the cure for minor tics and twitches with an unknown cause.
47 WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat
): Twitches to tummy bulge . . . if you have a bulging tummy, you'd probably consider a twitch easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flatter tummy. With the right diet and exercise, anyone can tame the bulge and have a young-looking, flatter stomach. And versatile honey can help shrink your tummy.
): Twitches to tummy bulge . . . if you have a bulging tummy, you'd probably consider a twitch easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flatter tummy. With the right diet and exercise, anyone can tame the bulge and have a young-looking, flatter stomach. And versatile honey can help shrink your tummy.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watching your fat and sugar intake.
Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watching your fat and sugar intake.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium, as does produce. But eating smaller, more frequent meals is also key to getting a trimmer waist and keeping your metabolism revved up. Plus, cutting down on high-fat refined carbs, such as candy bars and cookies, will help you to minimize belly fat, too. Turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach.
Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium, as does produce. But eating smaller, more frequent meals is also key to getting a trimmer waist and keeping your metabolism revved up. Plus, cutting down on high-fat refined carbs, such as candy bars and cookies, will help you to minimize belly fat, too. Turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach.
48 WOUNDS
(
Heal Wounds):
Once you've got a flat stomach, what do you do if you stub your toe or cut your finger? Honey is believed by scientists, such as Dr. Peter Molan (refer to chapter 3), to be one of the nature's most powerful wound dressings, which really works. As I've noted many times already, honey has antibacterial properties. But that's not all....
(
Heal Wounds):
Once you've got a flat stomach, what do you do if you stub your toe or cut your finger? Honey is believed by scientists, such as Dr. Peter Molan (refer to chapter 3), to be one of the nature's most powerful wound dressings, which really works. As I've noted many times already, honey has antibacterial properties. But that's not all....
What Honey Rx to Use:
Try manuka honey, available in many forms. It's available online in lotions, creams, and bandages. Apply as directed.
Try manuka honey, available in many forms. It's available online in lotions, creams, and bandages. Apply as directed.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Honey can numb pain. It is osmotic and attracts water. Since bacteria are mostly made of water, they are sucked dry in the presence of honey. Bacteria are further inhibited by honey because the golden liquid produces hydrogen peroxide and is acidic (like vinegar). Honey activates the immune response by providing glucose for the white blood cells. It speeds up the healing process. It creates a moist environment by drawing serum up through the skin tissues that helps “moist scab” formation.
Honey can numb pain. It is osmotic and attracts water. Since bacteria are mostly made of water, they are sucked dry in the presence of honey. Bacteria are further inhibited by honey because the golden liquid produces hydrogen peroxide and is acidic (like vinegar). Honey activates the immune response by providing glucose for the white blood cells. It speeds up the healing process. It creates a moist environment by drawing serum up through the skin tissues that helps “moist scab” formation.
What's more, honey also reduces inflammation, helps shed dead tissue, and stimulates the development of new blood cells. Honey's antiseptic qualities also help prevent infections from moving to other wounds. On a personal note, I did cut my toe on the deck. I turned to manuka honey despite my younger brother's mocking my choice of remedy. Two days later, the once-unsightly wound was nearly healed.
49 WRINKLE AND GRAVITY FIGHTER (Nourish aging skin):
Wounds can heal with the help of honey, and honey can also smooth your skin. Although antioxidant skin nutrientsâfound in honeyâare essential to maintaining antiaging skin, other things play a role, too. During your forties, oil glands are less active, which means moisturizing is more important. Skin is not as firm in your fifties, due to the breakdown of collagen, which gives skin its elasticity. The solution is more moisture, which gives it elasticity.
Wounds can heal with the help of honey, and honey can also smooth your skin. Although antioxidant skin nutrientsâfound in honeyâare essential to maintaining antiaging skin, other things play a role, too. During your forties, oil glands are less active, which means moisturizing is more important. Skin is not as firm in your fifties, due to the breakdown of collagen, which gives skin its elasticity. The solution is more moisture, which gives it elasticity.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Eat vitamin E food sources, which include wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, and legumes, with honey.
Eat vitamin E food sources, which include wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, and legumes, with honey.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
Antioxidant skin nutrients are essential to maintaining antiaging skin. Also, using honey moisturizers (refer to chapter 13) can provide more moistureâa must-have for smoother skin. At every age, dermatologists stress using sunscreen daily with an SPF at all times when outdoors; wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and to stave off squinting that worsens crow's-feet; getting as much sleep as you can (honey can help here); and exercising regularly to boost circulation, which will improve skin texture and tone (energizing honey will give you that urge to go do it).
Antioxidant skin nutrients are essential to maintaining antiaging skin. Also, using honey moisturizers (refer to chapter 13) can provide more moistureâa must-have for smoother skin. At every age, dermatologists stress using sunscreen daily with an SPF at all times when outdoors; wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and to stave off squinting that worsens crow's-feet; getting as much sleep as you can (honey can help here); and exercising regularly to boost circulation, which will improve skin texture and tone (energizing honey will give you that urge to go do it).
50 UNIVERSAL EMERGENCY AID (Opt for an all-purpose worker):
A sore throat can hurt, but an untimely event, such as a blizzard, earthquake, hurricane, or wildfire, is much worse. Imagine grabbing a few of your belongings, including a first-aid kid, and getting the heck out of Dodge. Or staying put. Either way, having honey on hand in time of disaster can be a godsend if you must endure a cut, or stomachache, need an energetic boost, or even suffer from dry skin.
A sore throat can hurt, but an untimely event, such as a blizzard, earthquake, hurricane, or wildfire, is much worse. Imagine grabbing a few of your belongings, including a first-aid kid, and getting the heck out of Dodge. Or staying put. Either way, having honey on hand in time of disaster can be a godsend if you must endure a cut, or stomachache, need an energetic boost, or even suffer from dry skin.
What Honey Rx to Use:
Put a basic honey, such as clover or alfalfa,
and
medicinal manuka honey into sealed plastic containers and store these honey products with your emergency supplies.
Put a basic honey, such as clover or alfalfa,
and
medicinal manuka honey into sealed plastic containers and store these honey products with your emergency supplies.
Why You'll Bee Happy:
If you experience a major quake, hurricane, tornado, or flood or are stuck in a car during a snowstorm, having honey can help, from keeping a cut from getting infected to soothing frazzled nerves. During a natural or man-made disaster, honey just may be the essential lifesaver that you'll be glad you packed away for emergency preparedness. Eating honey can help boost the immune system, which is vital during a stressful event, and lower the risk of heart disease (yes, it calms, and that can prevent your blood pressure from skyrocketing). Also, honeyâin a variety of formsâcan help relieve insomnia (often a problem after a traumatic happening) as well as give you energy when you're feeling tired and challenged. During WW II soldiers had honey, and back in the ancient times Greek and Roman warriors used honey for cuts and wounds. It is the ultimate cure-all in time of need and should be part of your first-aid kid in the home, office, and car.
If you experience a major quake, hurricane, tornado, or flood or are stuck in a car during a snowstorm, having honey can help, from keeping a cut from getting infected to soothing frazzled nerves. During a natural or man-made disaster, honey just may be the essential lifesaver that you'll be glad you packed away for emergency preparedness. Eating honey can help boost the immune system, which is vital during a stressful event, and lower the risk of heart disease (yes, it calms, and that can prevent your blood pressure from skyrocketing). Also, honeyâin a variety of formsâcan help relieve insomnia (often a problem after a traumatic happening) as well as give you energy when you're feeling tired and challenged. During WW II soldiers had honey, and back in the ancient times Greek and Roman warriors used honey for cuts and wounds. It is the ultimate cure-all in time of need and should be part of your first-aid kid in the home, office, and car.
UN-BEE-LIEVABLE HEALING HINTS TO CATCH
If the following chart doesn't specify which variety of honey to use, go ahead and use your own preference: all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results.
| Ailment or Other Purpose | Form of Honey | What It May Do |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Honey facial with other superfoods | Clear your skin |
| Allergies | Alfalfa honey | Relieve sneezing and congestion |
| Anemia | Honey | Boost red blood cells |
| Anxiety | Honey and tea | Soothe frazzled nerves |
| Bad breath | Honey | Freshen mouth |
| Bedsores | Honey | Aid in healing |
| Bed-wetting | Honey | Relax nervous system |
| Blahs | Honey | Boost feel-good endorphins |
| Bone loss | Honey and yogurt | Strengthen bones |
| Burns | Manuka honey | Soothe smarting and inflammation |
| Cavities | Honey | Aid in healthier teeth |
| Colds/flus | Cranberry, wildflower or acacia | Speed recovery |
| Cold sores | Honey | Help healing |
| Constipation | Honey | Aid in regularity |
| Cough | Honey | Soothe tickle |
| Depression | Honey | Uplift spirit |
| Detoxifcation | Chestnut honey | Cleanse body toxins |
| Diarrhea | Honey | Help regulation |
| Digestive problems | Honey | Soothe stomach upset |
| Energy drain | Honey | Boost energy levels |
| Eye health | Honey | Protect vision |
| Fibromyalgia | Honey | Lessen aches and pains |
| Gallstones | Honey | Prevent gallstones |
| Hangover | Honey | Speed recovery |
| Headache | Acacia honey | Relieve pain |
| Heartburn | Honey | Alleviate the burn |
| Herpes | Honey | Aid in healing |
| Hoarseness | Honey | Soothe raspy voice |
| Hot flashes | Honey | Maintain normal temperature |
| Immune system boost | Honey | Maintain strong immunity |
| Infertility | Honey | Enhance fertility |
| Insect bites | Honey | Heal inflammation |
| Insomnia | Honey | Aid relaxation and sleep |
| Interstitial cystitis | Honey | Relax and soothe muscles |
| Lackluster libido | Honey | Rev up sex drive, energize, calm, and enhance stamina |
| Morning sickness | Honey | Help queasiness |
| Muscle cramps | Honey | Relax nervous system |
| PMS | Honey | Lessen cramps and crankies |
| Pregnancy | Honey | Lower high blood pressure |
| Scars | Manuka honey | Heal scar tissue |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder | Honey | Boost mood and energy and lessen simple carb cravings |
| Sinusitus | Honeycomb | Relieve stuffed-up nasal passages |
| Skin dryness | Manuka | Help dry skin |
| Sluggish sports performance | Honey bar | Energize and increase stamina |
| Tension | Honey | Calm nervous system |
| Throat soother | Honey | Soothe the throat |
| Tics and twitches | Honey | Calm nervous impulses |
| Universal emergency aid | Honey | Act as cure-all |
| Waist whittler | Honey | Help get rid of belly fat |
| Wounds | Manuka honey | Heal |
| Wrinkle and gravity fighter | Honey | Aid in smoothing skin |
In chapter 12, “Honeymania: Honey for the Household,” you'll find out about the sweet buzz that has stuck around for centuries thanks to its versatile, natural uses in the home.
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