8 Health Benefits of Honey That Will Have You Buzzing

Honey is one of the most versatile natural remedies used in traditional medicine. In ancient times this ‘liquid gold’ was effectively used to treat anaemia, skin diseases (injuries, eczema and dermatitis), tuberculosis, heart diseases, neuroses, gastro-intestinal diseases, liver disorders, coughs and sore throat. It is a great source of energy and a reliable immune booster as well.

During the Jewish New Year, it's traditional to eat honey to toast to a sweet New Year. Honey has all kinds, myths, facts, and benefits. It's also known as one of the best natural remedies. So here's a few we've came across recently.

Immune booster: Honey’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help your immune system defend you against illness, including the common cold.

Weight loss aid: Honey may help dieters lose weight when used in moderation as a replacement for other sweeteners. Keep in mind that one tablespoon of honey has about 63 calories, so use it in moderation.

Digestion Aid: Honey is a popular home remedy (though the science behind this isn’t conclusive) for all kinds of digestive problems, including constipation and ulcers. For a homemade digestion aid, try tea with honey and lemon.

Cold remedy: Many people swear by honey’s cold and throat-soothing properties. Add honey to tea or hot water with lemon for an instant throat soother.

Anti-Inflammatory agent: In a 2005 study, topical application of honey was found to reduce mucositis, or inflammation of the digestive tract, in 85 percent of patients studied. A drink made from honey and apple cider vinegar is popularly used as a home remedy for arthritic pain or joint inflammation.

Anti-bacterial treatment: Honey has long been used as a topical anti-bacterial treatment for minor cuts, burns, and scrapes. Although the scientific community is still undecided about how effective this treatment is, preliminary data suggests that honey, applied in bulk to a wound, may indeed help prevent infection.

Skin soother: Honey is a popular ingredient, along with beeswax, in natural lotions and lip balms. Its antimicrobial properties are thought to make it a good choice as a home acne treatment. Combine honey with warm water and oatmeal for an all-natural skin scrub.

Energy booster: Honey, like all sugars, can provide a temporary energy boost and spike in blood glucose, and it’s a healthier option than many sugar substitutes. Research shows that diabetics can eat limited amounts of honey, too, provided they’re closely monitoring blood sugar levels.