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Health Benefits of Honey

| Modified on Jun 07, 2023
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Honey Health Benefits

Often considered a sweet treat, honey is much more than just a natural sweetener. With approximately the same relative sweetness as granulated sugar, honey possesses a variety of nutritional benefits that typical sugar does not. With a medicinal history that dates back to ancient Egypt, honey can be used to treat and prevent a wide variety of health conditions.

What is Honey?

A sweet liquid, honey is made by bees from the nectar of flowers. While other varieties of honey exist, the most common form is that produced by honey bees. Honey bees transform flower nectar into honey using a process that involves regurgitation and evaporation. As it is created, the bees store the liquid in wax honeycombs inside the beehive as a primary source of food.

Organic honey is collected from wild bee colonies or domesticated beehives. The honeycomb is carefully removed from the hive, and then the honey is extracted from that, typically using an extractor. Following extraction, the honey is filtered and then stored for use.

Health Benefits of Honey

An effective concept to live by is Hippocrates’ statement, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Honey is one such substance that exemplifies this statement. Considered nature’s energy booster, honey is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries. A rich source of natural sugars, honey also contains a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Riboflavin, Niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium are among honey’s most prevalent nutrient resources. However, the golden liquid contains a variety of others as well. As such, honey can be thought of as one of the most effective yet simplest forms of nutrition and health support.

The substance is effective for treating variety of conditions including skin disorders and ulcers, the common cold, sore throat, acne, eye infection and others. Consumed daily, the substance also helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and inflammatory diseases.

While the sweet liquid actually contains more carbohydrates and calories per serving compared to regular table sugar, honey possesses a variety of health benefits whereas sugar has none. Used as a medical treatment and preventative, honey is considered the simplest yet most effective option available.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Acid Reflux

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Posted by David (Europe) on 07/30/2006
 ★★★★★

just having a spoon or 2 of raw honey every time the burning starts and just before you go bed seems to work for me but eating everything slowly and not drinking coffee alchahol (dunno spelling) or soda and always follow a meal with a glass of water and if it goes away which it did for me u can resume your normal diet and if the reflux comes back just go back to doing all of these and you should be fine.

Replied by Redcairo
(Miami, Ok, Usa)
11/20/2011

I used to have acid reflux so bad I thought I'd die of it. I also had severe asthma, severe allergies, lethargy, and sometimes complexion issues. By accident (for a completely different reason) at one point I quit ingesting any gluten grains (this is not so easy as there are a few names for this and it's in tons of packages and processed foods. I happened to shift to a totally whole-foods grain-free diet for other reasons, so I just happened to exclude it). Within 2 weeks my allegedly incurable asthma, allergies, and acid reflux were GONE, my complexion was clear and my energy level was much higher. It wouldn't hurt anybody just to try it for 3 weeks -- you would be amazed how many people I know who had only minor or different issues, let alone powerful issues they were taking drugs for, who found that completely removing gluten from their diet wiped out all symptoms. Just a suggestion. PJ

Replied by Earthmember
(Owego, Ny)
01/06/2012

I had acid reflux... Very bad... Worst I ever experienced, for over 24 hours... I do not have chronic acid reflux... But boy... That acid was coming up, burning my throat and making me cough. I was taking Pepto Bismol, and Pepcid... haven't eaten anything because the acid was making me very nauseous...

Went to work... Reluctantly... I also have a major lower lumbar spine issue by the way.. So I really felt like... Well you can imagine... I had to leave work early...

I came home, and sat at the computer, where I'm most comfortable... Not moving at all... My Honey calls on the phone and suggests I take a tablespoon of honey... I took at least 2 tablespoons as I just shot that little bear into my mouth so I'm not sure about the exact amount.

In a short while... 15 minutes maybe... I was feeling better... Not a hundred percent... but definitely better.

I believe taking a couple shots of Honey is probably a good thing to do... I certainly don't think it can hurt... I'm impressed... As I took a lot of over the counter stuff that didn't do jack... Oh... I even had those accupressure wrist bands... no luck...

pop a few pepcids, or prilosecs... Or whatever meds you have... And chase them down with the Honey... I'm thinking that the Honey is a nice soothing remedy until the meds kick in.

I hate getting old...

Good Luck With Your Ailments!

John B.

Allergies

8 User Reviews
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Posted by Terry (Big Lake, Maine) on 01/08/2010
 ★★★★★

Local Honey Cures Allergies

I have been taking local honey for years and just recently moved to the great state of Maine and have begun a regimen of local raw honey here.

I use to suffer from allergy problems most severely, I took most sugar out of my diet and replaced it with local honey. Not only am I allergy free, I do not get colds or flu- even as my children were growing up and bringing home all kinds of contagious ailments from school, social activities- folks could be around me dropping like flies from viruses, colds etc.(For many years I worked in an orthodontic office dealing mainly with children with all kinds of germs floating about) I did not succumb because I believe local honey boosted my immune system to the point of immunity from most common ailments. I am 47 years old and have not gone a day without consuming local honey- I cannot recall the last time I became ill with a cold or flu. I believe in this statement most whole heartedly-Local Honey cures allergies. (I do believe it should be local honey consumed and all the better- raw local honey.)Also- raw honey cures many skin ailments, slow healing sores covered with raw honey heal more speedily and have little scarring.

I should mention that I am a sustainable farmer, growing most of the food I eat- I do not have health insurance and have relied on natural aids to healing. I have had lacerations that should have required stitches heal up well before the physicians of today would recommend by using raw honey and epsom salt soakings. I am a firm believer in natural cures- not because of what ifs but because of what is...all that the earth naturally provides can cure most ailments. One last comment- I would not be without Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in my cupboard. It cures almost everything from headaches to sinusitis to dry skin.

Thank you for this wonderful alternative site to RX's that cost an arm and a leg and often provide horrible side effects. To get to the root of any ailment, one should start naturally...

Take care-

Replied by Michelle R.
(Seattle, Wa)
05/11/2014

Has anyone tried using honey for pet allergies? I have a westie puppy that is on anti-histamines and anti-biotics for an extreme allergy reaction. I read up on using apple cider vinegar for allergies, I'm going to try that. Just wondering if anyone had success with it?

Replied by Critterma
(Mt, NJ)
05/12/2014

honey might introduce diabetes to your pet. No sugar is good sugar

Allergies
Posted by Martha (Waxhaw, NC) on 06/09/2008
 ★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I came across your site one night when I was having a terrible sinus/congestion problem and could not sleep. I read where local honey would help my allergies. I also read that ACV would help. I started using the ACV and finally found some local honey. I have been using 16oz. water, 2 tbs of ACV, 1 tbs honey twice a day. I have seen an improvement with my sinuses/allergies. Normally I would be on antibiotics by now. But the only problem I have had is it is giving me stomach cramps and diarrhea. I have for some reason trouble using the honey. Can anyone explain why?

Replied by Aries
(Greenville, Sc)
08/15/2010

To the lady talking about local honey and some side efects such as diarrea (sp). Honey is God's gift to man - remember the land of milk and honey and that the Israelites lived on manna (bread) and honey for 40 years. Honey is also an immediate appetite supressant, as well as a natural upset stomach suppresant. It also is a natural cleanse throughout your digestive system through the small intestines and large intestines. If you have been having stomach cramps/nausea/constipation, honey is excellent to relieve that. When it cleans the colon, it is ridding your body of all kinds of collected garbage in there. I have IBS, and I need the liquid produced to have a normal stool. Remember to also eat your vegetables and fruits with some protein to produce the results you want. Good luck to you! Honey and apple cider vinegar have saved my life! BTW: Apple cider vinegar (1 TBLS) midday has been the only thing to lower my tricylerides and my chloresterol is perfect now. Statin drugs and Lipitor did nothing for me. Aries:)

Replied by Hopefully Helpful
(Pv, Az)
09/12/2010

I had much improvement with my allergies with local honey, UNTIL I got to the mesquite one. I was so allergic to the pollens that are out during that season, that I was also very allergic to the honey. It caused my whole family abdominal issues, and miserable low grade fevers. We switched back to the other seasons' honey production, and were fine. After much prayer and consideration, we started doing NAET. This has helped us much more with the allergies - especially ones that the honey couldn't help with, such as dust mites, other foods, etc. Honey is still great though, and I would recommend people do both! Also, cutting out the refined sugar made a huge difference as well. I hope this helps!

Allergies
Posted by Racheal (Irvine, CA) on 07/02/2007
 ★★★★★

Honey has healing properties. Using local honey from where you live should relieve your allergies. I live in a polluted place and recently tried the local farm honey. To my surprise, I have stopped coughing and my sinus has been healed. I can breathe better. In addition, dates and walnuts are a better source of fiber and iron.

Replied by Beverly
(Elkhart, In)
02/06/2016
★★★★★

Local honey is the very best in vitamins and minerals, I too also healed my sinusitis and breathing freely.

Allergies
Posted by Heather (Ashville, NC) on 02/22/2007
 ★★★★★

It was recently suggested to me that I try the "Honey Therapy" for my severe allergies. Honey therapy being- RAW honey that is made locally with local bees. That being bees that take pollen from the same sources that I am apprently allergic too. I started this and two days later noticed a difference. While getting a SEVERE allergy attack, the same person suggested adding ACV apple cider vinegar to the honey. I mixed 3 oz. acv and 3 oz raw honey. Hard to drink, but then realized adding a bit of spring water helped the taste. I instantly got relief from my allergy symptoms, it lasts about 12 hours and then I repeat. Only drinking about 3 oz of the mix at a time. I am going to continue with this therapy and try some of the ACV/Honey/Baking soda mixtures for my acne and see how they work. I will repost to let everybody know how that and the acv/honey taken internally is working. Good luck to everybody. Am now a FIRM believer that God gave us what we need to cure what ails us.

Allergies
Posted by Stacie (Galena, KS)
★★★★★

Honey has been a miracle cure for allergies in our family

Allergies
Posted by Bob (North Carolina)
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Yes honey worked for me but--- I progressed through three sources of increasingly "raw" and minimally processed to totally unprocessed honey & honeycomb. Each time, I experienced allergic reactions and several days of mild vertigo, that could only be abated with large doses of pure powdered MSM. My third experience was with totally wildwood honey & comb that had never been heated, nor had the bees been fed any sugar water. In combination with organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother), I conquered and eliminated all of my allergies (yes I had allergy testing) and stopped taking all antihistamines.

Replied by Honey
(Midway City, Ca)
01/27/2011
★★★★★

First and foremost, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this entire thread! Everyone's input and advice and expertise were very informative and non-critical or judgmental. I love how you are all here to help each other. KUDOS to Richard, Lisa, T, Dr. Shaheen, Ivory Coast AND Janie D!

This thread has made me want to throw out any and all products made with artificial sweeteners and or refined sugar and only use Raw Organic Honey for everything! I believe Honey is Liquid Gold, Serum from God, Nature's Miracle Elixir. I also believe that the old adage, "An apple a day, keeps the Doctor away" is true! Thus, the many healthy benefits of ACV! Apples have to be the ultimate fruit in the Garden of Eden!

I want to suggest to Janie D, or reiterate what Richard and one other said about the pollens and antigens from allergens that honey bees are exposed to.

Raw Organic Honey works like a vaccine. It exposes the body to a small amount of the allergen which is too small to cause a reaction to the individual whom has a particular allergy to that pollen. (There are significantly fewer spores in the honey, compared to sniffing a flower or plant directly.)

The cause of your itching could be that the particular honey that you are eating has significantly higher amounts of the particular trigger that you are allergic to. However, this reaction of severe itching is a rather severe reaction to an allergy and I would definitely suggest getting tested by an allergist.

The test is fairly simple. You go in to the office, lie on your stomach and the Practitioner will write approximately 60 numbers on your back. They will then drop a single drop of each different plant based reactor on your back and slightly scratch your skin. (This is more of a tickle than a prick, since they do not have to break the skin for it to react. ) They also put a control drop in a separate area on your back, which will definitely positively react with your skin. They will wait 20 minutes and come back to see which number reacts and that is what you are allergic to! I guarantee it will be the plant that was visited by the honey bees that produced the organic honey that you are reacting to! Problem solved.

Solution, DO NOT GIVE UP HONEY! Find another brand of Organic Honey, or stick to Raw honey. The only difference is Organic honey must be produced, processed and packaged in a way that follows the regulations for organic guidelines. Natural honey is produced using traditional methods. Both are good.

Raw honey is the best, it has not been pasteurized, filtered or heated. Pasteurization is Americas way of making the Honey 'pretty & smooth' by overheating it. Thus, removing the honey's natural capability to crystallize (which is not a bad thing, meaning, crystallized honey is GOOD! ) Pasteurization also removes many of the natural enzymes, antibodies and antigens that honey is known for it's positive benefits. America has a weird thing with ruining natural foods, like milk, oats, wheat, flour, sugar, etc. by over-processing it.

Just try raw, natural, organic, (even crystallized) honey. To make it pour better, heat the 'glass jar' that it should come in, in hot water. (NOT MICROWAVE! )

HTH!

~Erin, a Honey advocate!

Bee Stings

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Posted by Sandy (Bethlehem, PA) on 09/28/2007
 ★★★★★

I have found that nothing works better for me for a bee sting than pure raw honey. Just dab a little bit on the sting and cover with a bandaid. The enzymes in the honey neutralize the bee venom and the pain from the sting will subside within 1-5 minutes. No lie! It also helps to draw out the stinger. Works for wasp and hornet stings as well.

Broad Benefits

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Posted by Dee (Taft, Tennessee) on 03/13/2010
 ★★★★★

I was suffering from anemia, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, horrible acid reflux, fatigue, heart palpitations,( I would have to go to the ER about once a week for injections to convert my heart) anxiety and obesity. My body was in such an awful condition. My mouth was cracked on both sides to the point I could not get a spoon in my mouth. I had became so frustrated with going to the doctor, trying at all these medicines and still feeling horrible. I spent so much money but was only getting worse. I had went for a week without eating from pain in my stomach. Laying in a bed ridden state I began to pray about 3:30 one morning. I remember praying and saying that if God didn't help me I was going to die. I remember asking God to lead me to something that would help me. I got up, staggered to the computer and typed, how to build your blood quickly. I was due a blood transfusion. I was directed to Earth Clinic and the healing properties of honey. With my legs weak and shaking I went to the cabinet, found a little bottle filled with the sweet golden honey.. I took a dose as I prayed, Lord. please help me.

That was Saturday morning at about 3:45. Saturday I took about 3 doses of the golden liquid. I went to bed Saturday night... I slept 11 hours. I felt instant relief in my stomach. Sunday I ate glazed ham, potato salad and buttermilk pie! I went into the hospital for a transfusion... my blood had increased from a 7.1 to a 7.5 in 72 hours! I was so happy that I put the honey on the corners of my mouth....24 hours later... no cracks! I am a believer! Honey works. I take it daily and I've also lost 20 pounds in a month. I am able to eat full meals now without any abdominal pain. The anxiety is gone, I've not had any heart palpitations. I feel stronger and my mind seems clear. I've been a nurse for over 20 years and I did NOT support the use of herbs or home remedies...until I had ran out of hope. Since I started taking the golden miracle, many of my family, friends and church family now take honey as well. My restless leg syndrome has completely stopped and I rest so well. All my symptoms have stopped!! I encourage you to try this. It's inexpensive and it taste wonderful however, before starting any home remedy or natural herbal supplement ...CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR!! EARTH CLINIC, you are an answer to my prayer.. thanks for being here.*smiling

Replied by Bippie
(Ashland, Ky.)
03/13/2010

What are you calling a dose?

Broad Benefits
Posted by Raquel (West Palm Beach, Florida) on 07/19/2009
 ★★★★★

Honey - Stomach Ulcer, cuts, hair rinse.

After spending 6 very stressful weeks in the Dominican Republic helping to care for my sick mother, a few weeks after being back home I began having a lot of indigestion and finally acute pain in my stomach. I didn't go to a doctor but did a "symptom search" and it pointed towards a stomach ulcer, I also asked two of my cousins who had had gastritis and one of them a diagnosed ulcer and their symptoms seemed to be the same as mine. Many years earlier I'd heard from my mother that honey had cured my godfather's ulcer so I did a search online and read about Manuka honey curing ulcers. Since I'd just brought some raw Dominican honey I figured it would be just as good and started eating about 1 oz. before each mail. The minute it started to go down I could feel my stomach relax and the pain begin to subside. At first I still had some pain after eating but much less than before; the next day I was even better and very soon (can't remember exactly how many days) I had NO more pain anymore.

When my son was born over 26 years ago there was no warning about honey so I gave it to him and, thankfully, he had no problems. I also dabbed it on his lip and later on my daughter's when they started walking (by then they were about 1 y.o.) but fell on a tiled floor and split their lip, it stopped the bleeding instantly and apparently the pain too because they stopped crying right away, the sweet taste was a bonus too! I myself, because of problems with blood clotting (before I started taking Vit. K) would bleed a lot from a tiny finger cut but honey would usually stop the bleeding fast.

One teaspoon diluted in a cup of warm water makes an excellent final hair rinse to give the hair a lot of shine; it can also be added to conditioners for extra moisture too.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Nichole (Stanton, Ca) on 12/07/2008
 ★★★★★

Honey Rocks!!

I came down with the flu one day while eating dinner, it hit me pretty fast. I had just started eating and felt very nauseous, within minutes I was feeling very warm and had a fever and my body began to ache all over. I went upstairs and laid down to try and sleep but I couldn't I just felt so awful... finally I asked my hubby to get me a biscuit and the jar of honey. I dipped the biscuit in the honey trying to get as much down as I could, probably a quarter cup. I laid down again and fell asleep, a few hours later my fever broke and I woke up at that point I felt fine, great even! So I was so excited about how fast the honey worked but of course I began to be doubtful, thinking maybe it was just a quick flu. Well a month and a half later my husband came down with a stomach flu he was nauseous and had the runs for a couple days, he didnt take any honey. Then I came down with it, again I felt horrible really quick so I went downstairs feeling faint and nauseous and grabbed the honey and some soup. I filled my mouth with as much honey as I could and swallowed, then ate my soup and again swallowed a big mouthful of honey. Within a few hours I was feeling great again! My husband was still sick! So now I know for sure it was the honey I took! Just so you know I took Sue Bee's Raw honey, I can get it here for only $5 for 2 pounds... I have become an advocate for all things natural and tell everyone about some remedies I've found on here and others I found at different sources on the net.

A couple other honey stories to share, I use honey on my daughters diaper rash and its gone sometimes by the next diaper change and others the next day! I also used it on myself after I gave birth for the tearing and it not only felt soothing but it did indeed help my tears to heal much faster.

My sisters friend Chante was in a very bad accident 6 months ago and had a severe injury to her foot. The did surgery on it but it wouldnt heal closed, so they did a skin graft and again it wouldnt close, in fact they did 4 skin grafts that wouldnt take. So for 6 months she's been going through this and I told my sister to tell her about Manuka honey, she did but Chante didnt want anything to do with it. Well after this last graft they told her if it didnt heal they would amputate!!!! So she finally conceded to try it. She put it on at 4pm and checked it at 8pm, already the skin was healing! She was so excited she applied a new bandage with more honey and checked it in the morning. Again it was looking even better! I cant tell you how amazing her foot looks now and its only been three days! I have pictures of before and after and after again and again, if anyone is interested email me and I will send you the pictures!

Go HONEY!!!!

Replied by Joyjoy
(Queens, Ny)
05/12/2010

I would like to see the pictures of your sister's foot. Thank You.

Broad Benefits
Posted by John W. (Deer Park, NY, USA) on 10/21/2008
 ★★★★★

HONEY & DIABETES & ARTHRITUS

THANK YOU FOR HAVING SUCH A GREAT WEBSITE..... I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT I WAS ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKING HONEY FOR MY ARTHRITUS EVERY DAY... NOW YOU HAVE CONFIRMED IT FOR ME.... I TAKE A TEASPOON OF HONEY IN MY COFFEE TWO OR THREE TIME A DAY...ALSO READ AND FOUND HONEY IS GREAT FOR MINOR BURNS AND IT ALSO DISINFECTS THE AREA OF THE BURN. I HAVE TYPE TWO DIABETES AND THE HONEY HAS LITTLE OR NO EFFECT ON MY DIABETES, ALTHOUGH I HAVE READ IN DIABETES MAGAZINE THAT HONEY IS CONSIDERED TO BE JUST ANOTHER FORM OF SUGAR...THEY SHOULD TELL THAT TO THE BEES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Replied by Kelly
(Seattle)
03/14/2023

While I realize your post is 15 years old, it should be noted that John W doesn't mention which type of honey he used. Manuka honey is absolutely 100% detrimental for diabetes or anything remotely related (pre-diabetes, blood sugar problems, etc). It forms HIGH amounts of advanced glycation end-products -- the things that cause every problem with circulation, neuropathy, etc., in diabetes.

Broad Benefits
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 10/08/2008
 ★★★★★

Honey is Great. Yeah, Honey works. I make a tea of 1 tsp ginger, and a tbsp of raw honey. Works for illness, Colds, etc. Store bought Honey is not the same as Raw. Even though Raw is a little more expensive, it's worth it. Tastes better too.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Annette (Lambertville, Michigan) on 06/16/2008
 ★★★★★

We have had remarkable healing with Manuka honey, It is effective for bites, boils, acid reflex ect It will draw the the infection right out. It is antibacterial and antiviral and will heal out wounds where nothing else will. Also effective on MRSA and other staph infections. Just put a light coat on a bandage and change every 24hrs. Also will dry up poison ivy. Plus it tastes great!

Replied by Kelly
(WA)
03/14/2023

Manuka honey however has been shown to DELAY the healing of wounds compared to other agents. There are studies that back this up, but of course they're not mentioned by those who make millions on selling the honey.

Deirdre
(Asheville)
03/15/2023
★★★★★

Manuka honey does NOT delay the healing of wounds, in my experience. Manuka honey bandages were incredible at healing a 2nd degree burn when nothing else was helping a number of years ago. AND, more recently, when I sliced open the top of my fingertip on an oven door. Should have gotten stitches on that but opted not to because I promptly went to the pharmacy and bought small manuka honey bandages. Stopped the excruciating pain almost immediately. Same with my burn. I used one a day. After a few days, I opted for liquid bandaid on my fingertip, but could not have done that without the first few days of a manuka honey bandage. Highly recommended for tricky wounds and burns.

Broad Benefits
Posted by CP (Huntington Beach, California, USA) on 04/22/2008
 ★★★★★

Manuka honey is an amazing remedy for M.R.S.A. wounds, as well as for diabetic skin ulcerations. It comes in several strengths, so contact customer service on websites to see which is best for you. It is a little pricey, but I think it is worth it. It's delicious and healthful when taken internally and is wonderful when applied externally to the face. I am taking one teaspoon of Manuka honey and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon each morning and evening. It has lowered my blood pressure from 156 to 125 in a very short period of time. It also improves my sleep! I love this website and it makes me happy to give back for all the help I've received. Good luck to all.


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