18 March 2016
About HoneySince ancient times honey has been hailed as a top notch food in India.
Honey consumption makes the body healthy, strong and long lived. Bees collect nectar from flowers and store it in their body which they later fill in the honeycombs. Essentially what originally was a thin, watery, tasteless nectar is transformed by the bees into a thick, sweet and healthy liquid. Honey therefore is a naturally made wholesome, unadulterated and complete food almost akin to milk. Ayurveda lists 8 types of honey and of this 6 types are named on the bees which collect them. The difference in the types of honey, vis-a-vis their properties, like colour, smell and taste depend, on both the variety of bees, and the flowers from which they collect nectar. It also depends on the location and time of the year it is collected. Interestingly, honey procured from honeycombs attached to some medicinal trees like Neem, Harad etc has many of the medicinal effects of these trees incorporated in it. In India, the best honey is obtained from the Himalayan ranges followed by Kashmir. Also, honey from colder climates and countries having large number of trees is superior in quality to that obtained from hot areas and countries that have lesser trees. Old honey, that is honey over a year old is good for therapeutic use Signs Of Pure HoneyYou can check if the honey that you have is pure or not by the following signs :
A fly that falls down into pure honey is able to come out of it and fly away some time later as the honey does not stick to its wings. A cotton wick that has been dipped in pure honey burns without a sound when lighted. Dogs do not eat pure honey. In fact, they do not consume any food that has pure honey mixed in it. A drop of pure honey when dropped in a glass of water falls to the base of the glass without dispersing in the water. Some Benefits Of Honey In GeneralHoney removes anemia since it is rich in Iron. It gives warmth and strength to the body.
It is beneficial in breathing troubles, hiccups and respiratory diseases. Its consumption relieves skin infections like itching, boils etc as it is rich in Vitamin B Complex. It also acts as a good carrier for other medicines. Honey increases the beneficial qualities of the medicines it carries. It is for this reason that honey is used as a base for a lot of medicines. In food, honey can be used wherever sugar and ghee is used. It can be added to milk and ghee combination. It is of interest to note that excessive consumption of sugar leads to indigestion, flatulence, acidity, boils, diabetes etc but this does not happen when honey is replaced for sugar. Honey is a boon for those physically weak. Regular consumption makes the heart strong. Those suffering from diabetes can also consume honey if the need arises. Honey is good for little children, those who are sick and those who are having vata or problems due to excess wind in the body. Honey is cooling, light, removes wastes and toxins from the intestines. It is beneficial to the eyes, reduces body heat, improves the voice, cleans the arteries, improves complexion and brain power. Some Specific Health Benefits Of HoneyTo Increase Strength
Mix 1 tsp honey in 1 cup of milk and drink daily. To Relieve Cold & Increase Digestive Power Mix 1 tsp each of honey and ginger juice. Consume in the morning and evening. To Remove Phelgm & Cough Lick 1 tsp honey 4 times a day. In Tuberculosis 1 tsp of honey added to butter and given to a patient of TB benefits much. To Reduce High Blood Pressure Add 1 tsp lemon juice to 2 tsp honey and take 2 times daily. In Enlarged Tonsils Mix honey in water and gargle with this water to get relief. To Relieve Skin Infections Like Boils, Itching, Burning Etc To cold water add 20 grams honey and drink in the morning daily for a few months. To Get Relief From Constipation Add 1 tsp honey to 1 cup tepid or warm water in the morning and drink. or Add 1 tsp honey to 1 cup of milk and drink at bedtime. To Treat Indigestion & Constipation Add 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ginger juice and 2 tsp honey to a glass of warm water and drink. For Relief In Burns Keep a cloth that has been dipped in honey on the burn area for relief from burning sensation and to heal it faster. Insect Bites & Scorpion Bite Apply honey on the bite to relieve pain and burning. To Reduce Weight Add 1 tsp honey to lime juice and drink. Drink daily and regularly. Some Precautions With HoneyHoney should never be heated nor added to hot things. Also, do not drink hot water after eating honey. Honey is cooling and hence this precaution of not using it with hot foods.
Do not eat honey in excess. Bad effects of honey can be relieved by eating fresh coriander and pomegranate. Daily dose for children is 20-25 grams and adults is 40-50 grams. Store honey in glass or china containers only. Never store in metallic containers. DisclaimerThis article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please take the advice of your health practitioner or medical doctor before embarking on any new health regime. Here are some useful videos:
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