Honey: nectar of the gods
Honey has often been referred to as the nectar of the gods and the elixir of life. In Ayurveda, Indian holistic medicine, it is considered one of the only two foods (the other being milk) freely given by animals to man. Honey has been used all over the world for hundreds of years as a treatment for wounds and illnesses. It contains an enzyme that releases hydrogen peroxide which prohibits the growth of certain bacteria. Honey enters the bloodstream quickly, which makes it beneficial to take with medicine. In TCM it is considered to be neutral in energy and harmonizing to the liver. Here are just some of its known benefits and medicinal uses:
-
clears toxins; used in alcoholism as a hangover remedy
-
pain reliever, can be applied directly to burns
-
high blood pressure
-
stomach ulcers; constipation
-
menstrual problems
-
dry skin, chapped lips
-
hay fever and allergy
-
dry cough and throat
-
edema and conditions of dampness and mucus
-
weight loss
-
stress and exhaustion from rich foods
Note that raw honey, though preferable, has a drying effect on the body after digestion and should not be used on a regular basis for those with a dry, overheated,condition. In Ayurveda it is believed that honey that is heated turns toxic. Stirring it into hot tea is fine but it should not be used in baked goods or any other dish requiring heating over 108º F.
As with any food whenever and wherever possible, it is best to buy honey that is made by bees feeding on pollen from the local environment.
Leave a reply →