You might be wondering why I would write an article on honey of all things. Well, in my vigilant pursuit for all things good, natural and holistic, I found I simply had to write about it. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t share this with you! And I need to thank my dear friend Helga for her advice, info and support in writing this article. She brought much of this to my attention years ago when I found out that her and her husband were beekeepers. She is now my local supplier of honey each year. Yum!
Did you know that before we found antibiotics in the 1940’s we used honey on wounds to prevent infection and promote faster healing? Its viscosity provides a barrier that creates a moist environment so the wound can heal without scarring or tissue damage. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that work by slowly releasing hydrogen peroxide – which disinfects the wound and kills germs. How amazing is that!!
Honey does not make the blood sugar spike like refined sugar does, because it is released into the body at a steady rate. It helps the body absorb calcium and is great for those who have concerns about osteoporosis. It contains antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals.
A few fabulous ways to use honey every day:
- For shiny hair; a teaspoon in a few cups or warm water and pour over clean wet hair, let dry naturally.
- Use in a bath to relax or for insomnia, for softer smoother skin; take ¼ cup of honey and add a few drops of lavender and mix together – add to the water.
- For pimples; dab them with honey to kill bacteria & speed healing.
- For digestion; the enzymes in honey aid digestion. Eat a teaspoonful next time you get heartburn or if you have ulcers!
- Soothe a sore throat with a spoonful of honey for instant relief.
- Facial mask; combine one mashed avocado, 1 tbsp honey and spread over face and neck for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
- For hay fever; since honey contains pollen, it may have a desensitizing effect over time. It needs to be harvested locally for you to be desensitized to local allergens.
- To sleep better; stir a teaspoon into herbal tea – you’ll fall asleep faster.
- It is antibacterial; dab a little over a cut or scrape before covering with a bandage to promote faster healing.
- Whipped cream; substitute honey for sugar and it will stay firmer longer.
Baking tips:
- Use when warm
- To keep it from sticking, use a bit of oil in the measuring cup first
- Substitute 1 cup of honey for 1 cup of sugar, but reduce liquids by ½ cup.
- Reduce oven temp by 15C or 25F
- Add ½ tsp of baking soda for each cup of honey used
Please Note: Honey has to be the unpasteurized version – not the pasteurized version from the store, otherwise you don’t get the natural benefits. Please support your local producers and get the good stuff! It is an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. (Honey should not be fed to infants under the age of one.)
Listed below are 2 Members of the local Limestone Beekeeper’s Guild:
— For information or to purchase honey: Jim & Helga Elliott: 613-541-0094
— Workshop: If you would like to become a beekeeper for a day: contact Bill Kirby. 613-377-6462 or email: bkirby@kos.net.
The importance of Bees by Helen MacIsaac-Bertrim – Founder of Bee Real Products
Bees are the foundation of our existence, of all of nature. Bees = production of vegetables, fruits and flowers. A third of what we eat is thanks to the honey bees. The bees are suffering from all the pesticides used on our lawns, gardens and our crops – and with that comes the decline of food. It’s amazing to think of all that the bees do, they pollinate so we can have food, they produce honey which naturally resists moulds, fungi and other bacteria, it helps with colds and flus and also helps clean wounds. The honeycomb makes the best wax for candles (a natural byproduct); they last longer and are non toxic. We can breathe in the natural sweet smell of a burning beeswax candle without worrying about the health effects of breathing in chemicals. I also use beeswax in my skincare products, as it forms a protective barrier on our skin, to keep out free radicals and environm ental pollutants, it also makes my sunscreen more durable. Contac Helent: beerealproducts@live.ca
Wishing you an abundant summer filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!