6 Surprising Honey Uses Most People Don't Know About

For many centuries, people have found many uses for honey. They have used it for cooking, as well as for medicinal purposes. Honey is known for its natural sweetness and its ability to help fight off bacteria. This has made it a popular choice for treating wounds and various health issues. In this article, we will take a look at some lesser-known ways in which honey can be used. This includes a way to improve the health and appearance of the skin and as a natural energy booster. 

1. Honey As A Healing Agent 

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound care because of its antibacterial properties. Its high sugar content creates an environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to survive, preventing the growth of microorganisms and the spread of infection. Manuka honey from New Zealand, in particular, contains compounds such as methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide that are particularly effective against bacteria.

Studies have shown that using honey to treat burns, cuts, and other wounds can lead to faster healing times and reduced scarring. Additionally, honey has also been found to reduce the risk of infection and improve healing rates when used on wounds compared to traditional treatments.

2. Honey As A Digestive Aid

Honey is also a natural sweetener that has been used as a digestive aid for centuries. It is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm an upset stomach. Additionally, the enzymes present in honey aid in the digestion of food, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Consuming honey before a meal has been found to stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can help the body to break down food more effectively. 

In Ayurvedic medicine, honey is considered to be a "tridoshic" food, which means it is believed to balance all three doshas or energy types (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). It is considered heavy and oily, which makes it grounding and nourishing for the body. It is said to calm Vata and Kapha doshas while pacifying Pitta dosha. Additionally, Ayurvedic practitioners believe that honey can help to promote digestion and remove toxins from the body, and it is also considered to be beneficial for the immune system.

3. Honey As A Natural Energy Booster

It is known that honey with no sugar added is also quite sweet. Honey is believed to be a natural energy booster because of its high sugar content, which is easily absorbed by the body and quickly converted into energy, providing a quick boost to energy levels. Additionally, honey contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, iron, and zinc, which may also contribute to the energy boost. 

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, recognizes the benefits of honey as a natural energy booster and recommends consuming it in the morning on an empty stomach to boost energy levels and improve digestion or mixed with warm milk or water before bed to improve sleep and increase energy levels the next day.

4. Honey As A Natural Sleep Aid

Consuming honey before bed can also help promote better sleep. Being a natural source of glucose, it helps to raise blood sugar levels, which can prevent the release of hormones that can wake a person up and promote a deeper, more restful sleep. 

In Ayurveda, honey is considered a "sattvic" food, which means it is believed to promote balance and harmony in the body. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend honey as a natural remedy for fatigue, lack of energy, and general weakness.

5. Honey As A Natural Skin Care Product

Honey is a natural product that can be used to moisturize and care for the skin. It works as a natural humectant, which means it can attract and retain moisture in the skin when applied topically. Honey also contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and bacteria. 

In Ayurveda, honey is used as a treatment for various skin conditions like acne, eczema and dryness. Its antibacterial properties can combat the bacteria that cause acne, while its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. It is also known to balance the doshas in the body, which can bring balance to the skin. Additionally, the natural sugars in honey can exfoliate and nourish the skin. It can also be combined with other Ayurvedic ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, or liquorice root to create a nourishing treatment for the skin. 

6. Honey As A Natural Remedy For Allergies

Another way honey is used is as a natural remedy for allergies. The theory behind it is that by consuming honey made from the pollen of plants that cause allergies in a specific area, people can build immunity to those allergens. However, scientific evidence is limited and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. 

It is recommended to start consuming local honey in small amounts and gradually increase the dose to see if it works for you. If your symptoms worsen, it's best to stop consuming it and talk to your allergist about other treatment options. Ayurveda suggests utilizing honey to strengthen the immune system in various ways:

• The properties of honey, known as "Rasayana" in Ayurveda, are believed to bring rejuvenation and overall wellness.
• It is supposed to have "Vira-Kalyana" characteristics, which means it can enhance the body's ability to fight against illnesses and infections.
• It is also perceived as a natural aid to digest impurities in the body, one of the primary causes of diseases.

Conclusion

Honey is not just a sweetener. It has various unexpected benefits and uses. One such example is its ability to promote wound healing, and it can also aid in digestion. Additionally, it serves as a natural substitute for sugar and can be used in multiple culinary ways. 

In this age and era, you can buy honey online. So, If you're interested in incorporating more honey into your daily routine, you may consider trying some of the ways outlined in this text. And for high-quality Ayurvedic products, look no further than Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan, the leading producer of Ayurvedic products globally. With a wide range of over 700 different formulations available, you are sure to find one that suits your needs.