Honey, for the Health of It – better uses for honey

Honey for the Health of It!

Stephanie Mullani

Honey has been used around the world as a healing medicine. It’s only been reduced to a flavor substitute in the recent 60 years. Understanding honey means knowing it can be applied as a salve, treat burns, is a natural healer in ulcer treatment, sooth sore throats and coughs, and is used as a beauty treatment is the mental power women need.

Honey contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants though exact amounts depend on the floral variety from which the nectar was extracted.

Simply put, there is so much more to honey than its sweet, edible goodness. However, to boost your health, it’s all about health in honey. If you aren’t already using honey as a sweetener, try these delectable ideas for getting this health food into your diet:

Quick Energy Nuggets
5 minute, 5 ingredient Energy Nuggets -  Make a quick and nutritious energy boosting snack for hiking and other outings with this simple recipe:

Ingredients
1/3 cup natural peanut or almond butter
1 and 1/3  cups whole oats
1/3  cup honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Toppings: crushed nuts, dried fruit, coconut  flakes, cocoa nibs or small chocolate pieces

Combine everything in a medium size bowl, mixing with a fork to begin then thoroughly mix with your hands.  Use a teaspoon or melon baller to roll mixture into one inch balls and then coat with optional toppings.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to eat or take along on an outing.

Whipped Honey Non-Dairy spread

Make an excellent non-dairy whipped topping or spread by mixing one part liquid honey and one part crystallized honey (the parts of honey that have hardened) in a stand mixer on low to medium speed for approximately  20 minutes.   The more you mix the honey, the creamier and lighter in color it becomes.

Additional Tips:

• Make sure the honey you buy is raw & organic if possible.  Keep it of the highest quality.   It is best to buy from a local beekeeper or from a local food co-op to assure the quality.  If you cannot do this, read the ingredient label and make sure you are not buying “junk” honey.  Some brands on the market are actually caramel colored corn syrup without a trace of honey, so be aware!  You want to obtain all the beneficial health properties contained in REAL honey.  Also, it is not recommended that children under one year of age consume honey as their intestinal tract is not considered mature enough to handle the natural presence of certain endospores in the honey.
• The only worldwide standard for measuring the antibacterial strength of honey is known as the Unique Manuka Factor, or UMF.  If you are looking for the highest standard in antimicrobial honey for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, cold sores, fever blisters, or wound healing, you may want to purchase Manuka honey from New Zealand.  Luckily, our local Boise Co-op carries 100% raw certified, bio active Manuka honey.  Thank you, Boise Co-op!

Whether you decide to use honey for an energy boost, sweetener to drinks or food, skin cleanser or as an addition to your first aid kit, Honey is one incredible “tasty medicine” you won’t want to be without!

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By doing a “honey” search on this site, you will find skin care, ointment use and other helpful information.