Honey is nothing exciting. It’s a substance everyone is familiar with and most people eat it on a regular basis. But could honey secretly be one of the greatest health products of all time? The more I learn about it, the more I think of honey as Clark Kent, quietly saving the world without any fanfare. It’s the superhero hiding in plain sight. Here are some of the most surprising health benefits honey has to offer.
Antibacterial Properties
Raw honey has powerful antibacterial properties when it hasn’t gone through an intense pasteurization process. It contains both hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase, which are both known for their ability to kill harmful bacteria. Manuka honey is especially desirable for its antibacterial properties and can kill the following:
Helicobacter pylori (also known as H. pylori). This bad boy causes ulcers, chronic gastritis and other serious digestive issues.
Staphylococcus aureus (which is known to cause skin infections).
Escherichia coli (also known as E. coli). This well-known pathogen is one of the most common causes of food poisoning and can be deadly.
While you shouldn’t rely on honey alone to help cure you if you fall victim to illnesses caused by any of these harmful bacteria, it certainly won’t help. Plus, including honey in your regular diet may prevent you from getting ill from these bacteria in the first place.
Wound Healing
Honey is probably the last thing you think of when you cut yourself or experience a minor burn, but it can help! If you apply raw honey directly to minor cuts and burns before putting a bandage over the top, it will help the wound to heal more quickly.
Sore Throat and Cough Relief
Honey coats the throat and can soothe that scratchy sensation you get when you’re sick. It also fights the microbes that cause you to cough. These two benefits make honey a great remedy during cold and flu season. Stir half a Tablespoon of honey into a warm mug of water and lemon juice to help you recover from a sore throat and cough more quickly.
Diarrhea Relief
Many people can experience relief from mild diarrhea by mixing a teaspoon of raw honey in warm water. Don’t use more honey than this, since the sugar content can make diarrhea worse if consumed in excess.
Who knew honey could be so valuable as a medicinal ingredient? If you don’t currently have any honey in your cupboards, now is a good time to stock up so you can use it to combat common ailments and illnesses.