BEING WELL
Honey, you just don’t know BY CATHERINE STACK
W
e watched Winnie the Pooh guzzle honey for years, but was he aware of the boost his sweet treat was giving his health? Honey is widely known as a more natural alternative to sugar, but it also possesses incredible healing properties. This superfood has been used medicinally since ancient times, and doctors are still studying its benefits today. Many types of honey are high in childbirth tears. Honey’s healing power extends hydrogen peroxide, often used at home to disinfect scrapes and cuts. beyond wounds and burns. There’s also evidence (some scientific, much Honey’s high sugar content allows anecdotal) suggesting certain honeys’ it to absorb intrawound moisture, impeding survival of invading antibacterial properties, particularly pathogens and bacteria. In fact, New Zealand’s Manuka honey, may propolis, a compound in some be effective against Helicobacter pylori, the main culprit behind many honeys’ nectar, is a bacteria-killer; Dr. Peter Molan of New Zealand stomach ulcers. While this is yet to be proven, one experiment found has discovered that honey kills seven types of infection-causing bacteria. that 100 percent of ulcer sufferers given four tablespoons of honey a It may even be successful in fighting day experienced symptom relief. the antibiotic-resistant MRSA. Traditionally, children suffering Honey is readily available and from diarrhea are given a sugar simple to use, making it an ideal first-aid dressing material. This solution for rehydration and replacement of essential minerals. is especially true for geographic locations where the time between Researchers in South Africa have injury and treatment may be longer, discovered that honey can be more beneficial in these instances because therefore increasing likelihood of it kills harmful bacteria in the infection. Clinical observers have noted that honey clears infections intestine that may be causing the rapidly, reduces inflammation, diarrhea. In contrast, honey can also be used as a cure for constipation. swelling, pain, and odor, induces necrotic tissue sloughing, and helps High amounts of fructose cause reform healthy tissue with minimal honey to arrive in the large intestine undigested, beginning a scarring. Some lay and home birth midwives use honey to help heal fermentation process that allows Each of our clients is wonderfully unique. The care we provide is too.
fluid to be drawn into the bowels and act as a laxative. Because of its antimicrobial properties, honey also has potential to combat oral pathogens and holds promise for the treatment of periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, and other oral cavity problems. Honey can soothe sore throats and calm coughs (especially if diluted with a small amount of whiskey). When shopping for honey, buy it raw; the high heat processing procedure eliminates a great deal of honey’s healing power. The best option is Manuka honey, produced in New Zealand where
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the bees feed on a particular type of flowering shrub, because it has the highest antibacterial compound composition. Read labels and look for the words “active Manuka honey.” It can usually be found in health food stores and will be the most effective honey in your fight against bacteria and stomach ulcers. So like that willy, nilly, silly old bear, enjoy honey as a snack, but don’t sleep on all it has to offer. FY Catherine Stack is owner, facilitator, and Doctor of Naturopathy at Journey II Health. She specializes in colon health and bio-identical hormone replacement and is a practicing staff midwife at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Her books, Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life and PUSH, Labor & Delivery from the Inside Out are available on amazon.com. Visit cathistack.com for more info.
