Folk Remedies Using Honey

Bees have been around for millions of years---in fact, they were fully developed in their present form long before mammals had evolved. And throughout history the fruit of their labor, namely honey, has been used as a preventative and curative treatment for a variety of ailments. Along the way many folk remedies have been created and perfected. Here are a few for you to consider the next time you're nursing a burn or feeling under the weather.

Burns

• Honey contains potassium, and its antibacterial properties speed up the healing process when applied to a burn. It is known to absorb moisture, which also aids in the healing process. In addition, honey's anti-inflammatory properties help minimize swelling, pain and scarring. So the next time you've been burned try a little honey on your wound, and then cover it with a clean cloth or bandage.

Energy

• Honey is a great natural source of carbohydrates, glucose and fructose. Carbohydrates increase endurance and reduce muscle fatigue, while glucose is quickly absorbed by the body and offers a quick energy boost. Fructose, which is absorbed more slowly into the blood stream, provides longer term energy.
  For a great natural energy drink, mix a half tablespoon of honey with a dash of powdered cinnamon and eight ounces or more of water.

Insomnia

• Having trouble sleeping? Add three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of honey. Take two teaspoons at bedtime and two teaspoons more an hour later if you have not fallen asleep. Another recipe to cure insomnia calls for adding a teaspoon of honey to a glass of hot milk, which you should drink just before bedtime.

Impotence

• Eat two tablespoons of honey to cure impotence.

Hangovers

• For those mornings when you wake up and realize you celebrated too much the night before, try honey to help your system oxidize the alcohol and remove it from your system.
  Spread honey on bread or crackers or make a honey smoothie by blending it with orange juice and natural yogurt and you'll be feeling a whole lot better in no time.

Allergies

• Chew local honeycomb during allergy season to alleviate allergies. It should be chewed like gum for at least 30 minutes two weeks before, and then daily during, allergy season.

Sore Throats

• Treat your sore throat with honey, as it has antimicrobial properties that will soothe your sore throat and kill the infection-causing bacteria. Try this quick-acting antidote: Mix two tablespoons of honey with four tablespoons of lemon juice and add a pinch of salt, then gargle to cure your sore throat.

Arthritis

• Honey has anti-inflammation properties, and folk remedies indicate it can be used to treat arthritis and other diseases resulting in joint inflammation. Combine two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and mix them into a cup of green tea. Drink twice a day.
  Another folk remedy suggests mixing two teaspoons of vinegar and two teaspoons of honey in a glass of warm water and drinking that concoction three times a day.