over 55,000 miles in their lifetime. The Honeybee is also a master pollinator, which keeps our environment fruitful and abundant. It is safe to say, without the Honeybee, our ecosystem would quickly unravel.
Nutrition Benefits Honey has always been highly regarded for its healing properties and is thought to help with conditions such as sore throats, digestive disorders, skin problems, and hay fever. According to the American Journal of Therapeutics, a large number of clinical studies have confirmed that broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties are present in honey, which may be attributed to its acidity (low pH), and the presence of bactericidal factors, such as hydrogen peroxide. Bees deposit hydrogen peroxide into the honey as they âsynthesizeâ flower pollen. This could explain why, for centuries, various cultures have used honey in wound care, and as a natural antibiotic. It also explains why microorganisms rarely grow in honey, and sealed honey does not spoil, even after thousands of years! The natural fruit sugars in honey, fructose and glucose, are quickly digested by the body, which is why it gives us a natural energy boost. Honeyâs ability to attract and retain moisture makes it an effective beauty treatment. It was even a part of Cleopatraâs daily beauty ritual. Honey is one of the few foods that contains pinocembrin, an antioxidant associated with improved brain functioning. It is commonly used as a way to relieve allergies. When a person eats local
honey, they are thought to be ingesting local pollen. Over time, a person may become less sensitive to this pollen, a bit like an allergy shot.
Recipes Hydrating Honey and Yogurt Facial Mask
Cleopatra's most famous beauty secret was her ritual of bathing in milk and honey. Both of these ingredients soften the skin and leave you smelling sweet. Make your own version by creating a honey and yogurt face mask. Mix 1 Tsp of ârawâhoney with 2 Tbsp of plain yogurt. Apply to your face and let sit for 15 minutes. Use a warm washcloth to wipe it off.
Sweet Honey Nut Bars 2 cups of your favorite nuts and seeds, chopped 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp of cinnamon 1/2 cup of honey Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving the flaps over the sides, in order to lift the bars out of the pan, after they cool. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to reach all corners of the pan. Bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully towards the end to be sure the honey isn't burning. Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. * Honey should never be given to children under the age of one. * Diabetics should watch their intake of honey, because it can raise their sugar levels.
Honey Tonic to Soothe a Sore Throat 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp honey 1 cup or more of hot water 1 cinnamon stick 1 whole clove Optional - You can always add a dash of whiskey for a Hot Toddy.
Natasha Kubis is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher. For more information, visit acuwellhealth.com September 2020 | thesofiamagazine.com
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