Is Honey the Healthiest Natural Substance in the World?
The medicinal properties of honey were
first recognized by the ancient Egyptians, and ever since it has been
used as a natural home-remedy solution. Honey contains powerful
anti-inflammatory components that help strengthen your immune system and
protect you from diseases.
Honey can soothe an upset stomach, prevent fatigue, repair sore muscles,
treat toothaches, get rid of fungus in athlete's foot, and even aid in
weight loss. Suffice to say, you should always have a jar of honey in
your cupboard.
Here are 7 natural home remedies you can prepare using a
dash of honey.
1. Ginger and Honey: Treating an Upset Stomach
Ginger helps alleviate symptoms of
inflammation while promoting proper blood circulation. Honey contains
many essential enzymes that prevent harmful bacteria, such as E. coli
and candida, from entering your body.
What you will need:
• 1 cup of honey
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger root
• A pinch of ground ginger (optional)
Directions:
1. Pour 1 cup of honey into a saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of finely
chopped ginger root.
2. You can add a small pinch of ground ginger if you’d like as well, but
it does have a strong flavor.
3. On low heat let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
4. When it’s done let it infuse for 2 hours or up to 2 weeks in a glass
jar with a tightly fitting lid.
5. Strain when it’s finished, if you’d like.
6. Alternatively, you can also add chopped ginger root to herbal tea.
2. Homemade Cinnamon Mouthwash: Bad Breath
Cinnamon is widely used to calm upset
stomachs and treat other gastrointestinal disorders. Cinnamon also
contains the carminative herb, which is used as a flavoring agent in the
production of toothpaste and mouthwash to kill off bacteria.
What you will need:
• 2 lemons
• ½ tablespoon of cinnamon
• ½-1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons of honey
• 1 cup of warm water
• A bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid
Directions:
1. Add ½ tablespoon of cinnamon into a bottle or jar with a tight
fitting lid.
2. Add the juice of the 2 freshly squeezed lemons along with 1½
teaspoons of honey.
3. If you’d like you can also add ½-1 teaspoon of baking soda and leave
out the honey, or use both.
4. Pour 1 cup of warm water, which is used to melt the honey, into the
jar, and stir well.
5. When you need to freshen up your breath, give it a quick shake and
swish/gargle 1-2 tablespoons for 1 minute.
3. Honey and Coconut Water Drink: Sore Muscles
Coconut water prevents dehydration, which
can lead to headache, fatigue, and a dry mouth. Coconut water helps
repair damaged tissues in the body and keeps your joints functioning
properly at all times.
What you will need:
• 3 cups of coconut water
• 1 cup of strawberries
• 1 cup of fresh water
• 1 cup of ice
• ⅛ teaspoon of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons natural sugar or honey
Directions:
Blend everything in a blender and drink as a healthy shake.
4. Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub: Dry Skin
Honey and brown sugar combine to exfoliate
and moisturize the skin. The mixture fights acne and wrinkles while
cleansing the pores at the same time. Make sure you use a toner after
the treatment process to remove any excess oil.
What you will need:
• 2 ¼ cups brown sugar
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
1. In a bowl combine all ingredients until fully mixed.
2. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
3. Tie the jar with bakers twine, add a wooden spoon, and you have the
perfect sugar scrub gift.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey: Acid Reflux
The natural antibiotics contained in apple
cider vinegar help prevent gastric acid from entering the stomach, which
causes reflux problems. The cider and honey work together to promote
healthy digestion.
What you will need:
• 1 cup of honey
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1. Add 1 cup of honey to a saucepan, and then pour in 2-3 tablespoons of
apple cider vinegar.
2. Allow the mixture to heat over low flame for 10 minutes, stirring
well about halfway through.
3. Place the mixture into a jar and let it sit for a while or until you
are ready to use.
4. It doesn’t need to sit as long as something like cinnamon sticks or
cloves would.
6. Fenugreek Seeds, Honey and Ginger Remedy: Asthma
Fenugreek seeds help fight off respiratory
problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. Honey helps prevent airway
constriction, which occurs when mucus accumulates in the bronchial
tubes. Ginger contains many natural anti-inflammatory properties that
allow you to breathe better.
What you will need:
• 2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste (make it from fresh ginger root)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 4 cups of water
Directions:
1. Add the fenugreek seeds to water, and allow them to simmer for 30
minutes.
2. Strain the water after 30 minutes.
3. Put the ginger paste into a sifter and press to extract it’s juice.
4. Add the ginger juice to the water you just strained.
5. Add honey to this solution and mix well.
6. Drink a glass every morning.
7. Clove and Honey: Toothache
Cloves contain a pain-relieving anesthetic
called eugenol that is used to treat toothaches and gingivitis. Honey
acts as a natural antiseptic that kills germs and bacteria, which add to
the infection.
What you will need:
• 1 cup of honey
• 5-10 whole cloves
Directions:
1. Pour 1 cup of honey into a saucepan, and then add 5-10 whole cloves.
2. Heat for 10 minutes, over a low flame, before letting it infuse for 2
hours or up to 2 weeks, placing it in a jar with a tightly fitting lid.
3. Strain when it’s finished (optional).
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