Honey: Nature’s Healing Nectar

Did you know that it takes about 60,000 bees, collectively travelling up to 55,000 miles and visiting more than 2 million flowers, to gather enough nectar to make one pound of honey? This sweet, magical substance was a staple of Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years. Because of its abundant medicinal and nutritional properties, it was used extensively in Ayurveda as ‘healing nectar’. There are various uses of honey including medicinal, wellness, beauty and culinary needs.

Health benefits of honey

Immunity boosting property: Honey is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which are very effective for the removal of free radicals from the body and helps strengthen the immune system from within.

Cuts & wound healing: The wound healing property of honey is due to the fact that it offers antibacterial activity, maintains a moist wound condition, and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection.

Natural energy source: Honey’s natural unrefined sugars are easily absorbed by the body and are a great source of energy. In fact, honey was even used by runners in the Olympic Games in ancient Greece as an energy source.

Weight management: Honey when consumed with lukewarm water and lemon on an empty stomach in the morning regulates metabolism, improves digestion and aids in weight management. Honey is also a healthy natural substitute for sugar for regular use. You can add it to your desserts and tea.

Home remedy for cough: Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, honey not only soothes the throat but also kills certain bacteria which cause the infection. If you don’t wish to consume honey directly, you can have it with lukewarm water or add it to your tea.

Good for hair & skin: Honey acts as a natural moisturising and soothing agent for hair and skin when applied topically. It helps restore the natural lustre to your hair and benefits oily and acne-prone skin. That’s why it’s a commonly used ingredient in DIY hair and skin remedies.

Aids in sleep problem: Honey releases serotonin (a hormone that improves your mood), and the body converts serotonin into melatonin (a hormone that regulates sleep). 2 tsp. can be taken with a glass of lukewarm milk before bed. Adding a dash of cardamom & cinnamon makes this beverage delicious.

Prevents anaemia: Honey is a potent source of iron, copper and manganese. When these elements are combined they aid in haemoglobin synthesis and combats iron deficiency in the body.

Despite having so many properties and uses, there are a lot of myths about honey, especially when it comes to the crystallisation of honey. Crystallisation is honey’s natural process of preserving itself. The main reason for this phenomenon is honey’s composition. Typically, honey contains 80% natural sugar and around 20% water. Hence, the glucose may separate from the water and form crystals. However, the honey is largely unchanged and remains just as tasty. All you need to do is liquefy the honey by placing the jar in warm water or sunlight. Do not heat honey directly. If you are confused whether which honey to buy or how to check if honey is pure, you can try Jiva Honey. It is sourced from a multi-flora environment and does not go through the micro-filtration process to offer you, honey, in its pure, natural form.