Honey Benefits
Honey has many varied uses, not only in the culinary world, but in the medicinal sphere as well. Let us look briefly at the medicinal side of honey first. Remember that, as you review, this is only a short outline. You should do your own in-depth research on honey benefits for medicinal use and speak with a doctor or other medical professional as necessary.
Honey Benefits as Medicine
The medicinal use of honey dates back as far as the ancient Egyptians, who used it to dress wounds. Aristotle recommended using honey for a number of different ailments, and Hippocrates also touted the use of honey not only for wound dressing, but to ease sore throats as well. It is still considered a good remedy for soothing sore throats and coughs today.
Presently, a great number of people turn to honey as a medicine, as it is said to speed healing, combat infection (due to the fact that it can inhibit bacteria growth), stimulate skin regrowth (on a wound), and, as a result, reduce scarring, as well as help control stomach discomfort due to the ability to fight bacteria in the intestine.
In short, honey:
• Is an effective antibiotic
• Is an effective antibiotic
• Cleans infection
• Reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling
• Encourages fast healing, resulting in minimal scarring
• Prevents bandages from sticking to wounds
• Reduces pain from burns by acting as a barricade and protecting air from hitting the burned skin
It should also be noted that the darker the honey is, the better it will serve as an antioxidant and antibacterial remedy. The darker the honey, the less water it contains. Buckwheat honey, in particular, bears mention as being high in antioxidants.
It is also said that some diabetics may be able to use honey. However, this is still quite controversial and must be considered only upon consultation with a doctor.
Again, this has been only a brief look at honey as medicine. Although most of the uses have been tried and utilized for centuries, I have not included enough information for anyone to just start medicating themselves with honey. You will need to do your homework, as well as check with your doctor, before trying unfamiliar remedies.
Storing Honey
Storing honey is neither difficult nor time consuming, and it can be stored indefinitely if stored properly. Although it should be kept in a cool area for long-term storage, honey needs no refrigeration, and, in fact, should not be refrigerated.
Honey should be kept in a tightly capped container (as it can absorb moisture) at temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (basically, room temperature), and should be kept away from stoves, ovens, and sunlight. Again, should the honey crystallize, simply place the jar in a pot of water, gently heat, and stir. Do not overheat, as overheating may caramelize the sugar and even change the color and flavor of the honey.
Why can you get crystallization in honey? A few reasons are cold temperatures as well as raw honey with a high pollen count.
So, if your bees present you with a lot of honey, or you have even purchased in bulk from a local apiary, do not worry. As you can see, honey is easy to keep.
Originally posted 2020-10-05 19:39:05.
