Humans have loved honey for thousands of years. Depictions of it have been found in hieroglyphics dating to 3,000 BC and even further back in 8,000-year-old cave paintings. While we can’t speak to how primitive humans used it, we know that the ancient Egyptians didn’t just prize it for its sweetness — it was also part of their medicinal toolkit. Honey was also used in medicine by the Greeks and Romans as well as in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
Honey’s uses predate modern medicine by thousands of years, however, it still has a role to play in treating numerous ailments today. From the ancient Egyptians up to the present day, honey has had a number of time-tested uses. Here are some of the most popular honey home remedies and the science behind them.
Healing wounds
In many ways, science is only now starting to catch up to what traditional medicinal practices have known about honey for years. The exception to this is its efficacy for wound healing. Honey has been used for centuries to heal wounds and dress cuts, and it is still a popular wound remedy today.
Due to its antibacterial properties, applying raw honey to cuts, scrapes, and burns helps to create a protective barrier against infection. Beyond that, the anti-inflammatory effects of this all-natural elixir help to reduce inflammation at the wound site, promoting healing.
Together, these factors create the best conditions for tissue regeneration, speeding up your recovery and minimizing chances of infection.
Digestive support
Honey is a prebiotic, meaning it contains oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate. Humans can’t digest oligosaccharides. However, they serve as a nutritious buffet for many of the beneficial microorganisms that call our digestive tract home. Feeding these beneficial gut bacteria with honey contributes to a healthier gut microbiome, which is important for overall digestion and immune function.
That’s not all. Honey contains diastase, invertase, and amylase: enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the digestive process. As a result, honey may help to settle your stomach, improve digestion, and increase the absorption of nutrients from your food.
To make your own digestive aid to help relieve indigestion or soothe an upset stomach, a spoonful of honey may do the trick. Or, for relief from constipation, try a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and warm water.
Fighting acid reflux
Honey’s sweet and thick consistency doesn’t just help it stay on a spoon. Its smooth and viscous texture also allows it the ability to coat the esophagus, which may provide temporary relief from the discomfort of heartburn.
But honey doesn’t just coat the discomfort away. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties also come into play, soothing any stomach acid-induced inflammation. A small amount of honey—5mL or about 1 teaspoon—is all that’s needed for relief. So, the next time you’re hit with a bout of heartburn, consider taking a teaspoon of honey before reaching for the antacids.
Soothing a sore throat
Honey’s slow-flowing viscosity is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to soothing a sore throat. But, its comforting properties aren’t the only reason to reach for the jar when you have a cough.
Studies show that honey works just as well, if not better than over-the-counter cough medications when it comes to suppressing a cough. It also reduces mucus production and promotes cytokines, which signal the immune system that it’s time to go to work. Perhaps most importantly, it doesn't come with side effects — though it shouldn’t be given to children under one.
To make your own homemade cough suppressant with honey, mix 1-2 tablespoons of the golden liquid with the juice of half a lemon. Or, for a more soothing brew, drop a spoonful of honey into warm water or herbal tea. If your preference is to keep it simple, however, a spoonful of honey on its own will also do the trick.
No matter how you choose to do it, however, make sure to use raw, unpasteurized honey since it retains the beneficial compounds that’ll help most.
Allergy Relief
This one’s a little controversial since the studies behind it have been small and the results mixed. Despite this, it seems that regular consumption of honey may help to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
The theory is that ingesting raw honey exposes you to particles of pollen that fall into it as the bees make it. Taking this pollen in such microscopic doses is thought to desensitize the immune system to the pollen, which is similar to how allergen immunotherapy works.
The caveat to this home remedy is that you must ensure you’re consuming raw, locally sourced honey. This is for two reasons. The first is that pasteurization and processing remove pollen particles and heat treats the honey, neutralizing its beneficial effects.
The second reason is that for honey to help with your allergies, it needs to contain pollen from the specific plants that trigger your allergies. Since honey bees gather nectar from a wide range of flowers that change depending on the season, it may be hard to verify, even if it comes from a honey producer just down the road from you.
However, it turns out that honey may affect the allergic response in a different way. A few small studies have shown that taking certain types of honey may dampen your body’s antibody response after allergen exposure. In other words, it may desensitize you to your allergens regardless of whether or not it contains minute particles of the things you’re allergic to.
No one is suggesting you eat a spoonful of honey and then purposely expose yourself to your allergy trigger. However, if you spend spring through fall dealing with itchy, watery eyes and a constantly flowing nose, you might consider adding a spoonful of honey to your seasonal allergy medication. If nothing else, it’ll add a little sweetness to your day.
To brighten your complexion
Honey and beeswax are amazing for your skin, which is why they’re a prized ingredient in many moisturizers — especially high-end ones. Luckily, you can reap the benefits of nature’s skincare without the hefty price tag.
Honey is a humectant which means it helps to draw and bind water to itself. And, its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help it target any bacteria or quell any inflammation affecting the skin. For the same reasons, it also makes a great spot treatment for acne.
Honey also holds promise for a wide variety of other skin issues. If you have dry, itchy, or scaly skin, consider combining honey with olive oil or coconut oil for an extra boost of hydration. Mixing these ingredients together will create a moisturizing lotion for dry skin patches or chapped lips.
Alternatively, raw honey readily serves double duty as a facemask. Simply smooth a thin layer of it onto damp skin, then wash off 10-15 minutes later.
As a sleep aid
A dollop of honey is a time-honoured sleep aid. But there’s also a body of research that backs up this traditional home remedy.
One way honey helps with sleep is by stabilizing your blood sugar. This stops your glucose levels from crashing and prompting your brain to wake up to eat.
In addition, honey also contains several compounds with therapeutic benefits. Among these are amino acids, some of which your body converts into tryptophan — the same stuff that makes you want to take a nap after your Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Tryptophan is also a precursor for melatonin (which helps you sleep) and serotonin, a mood-boosting neurotransmitter.
Together, these substances not only help you drift off but may also lower your anxiety for a more restful sleep.
Immune Booster
Honey is rich in antioxidants which help to protect your cells from free radicals — unstable atoms that damage cells and cause aging. As a result, honey can be a boon for your immune system, helping to soothe inflammation and support overall good health.
Its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties mean it may also help you fight off colds or infections more easily. And, if you stick to raw honey, its prebiotic effects will help your inner microbiome, bolstering your immune system from within. These are all good arguments for taking a spoonful of honey when you feel a cold coming on.
However, fermenting honey and garlic together is another time-honoured home remedy for boosting the immune system. Fermentation changes the chemical composition of food, making its nutrients more bioavailable. In other words, it’s easier for your body to access. Putting these two superfoods together results in a powerful immune booster and natural remedy, especially when it comes to colds and flu.
Fermented Honey & Garlic Infusion Recipe
This easy-to-make fermented honey and garlic infusion is packed with immune-boosting properties from both raw honey and garlic. Fermentation also boosts the nutritional profile of the garlic, helping to release more of its beneficial compounds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of raw honey (preferably local and unpasteurized)
- 10-12 fresh garlic cloves (organic if possible)
- A small glass jar with a lid (a mason jar works well)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic:
- Peel the garlic cloves. You can leave them whole or gently crush them with the side of a knife to release more of the beneficial compounds.
2. Combine with Honey:
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in the jar.
- Pour the raw honey over the garlic, making sure the cloves are fully submerged.
- Stir gently to ensure that the honey covers all the garlic.
3. Fermentation Process:
- Secure the lid on the jar but leave it slightly loose to allow gases to escape during fermentation.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard) for about 3-5 days. Stir the mixture daily, ensuring the garlic remains submerged in honey. You'll notice some bubbling, which is a sign of fermentation.
- After 3-5 days, the honey will have thinned slightly, and the garlic will become more translucent. At this point, you can tighten the lid and store the jar in the refrigerator.
4. How to Use:
- Take one spoonful of the fermented honey and a clove of garlic daily to boost your immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
- The infusion can also be added to warm water or tea (not boiling) for a soothing drink.
Notes:
The flavour will mellow over time, becoming less sharp as the garlic ferments. This remedy can last several months if stored in the refrigerator.
Choosing the right honey for your home remedies
Despite being a single, natural food, honey is also a complex blend of sugars, protein, and minerals. This combination of properties is highly valuable for various health applications.
However, the effects of honey can vary depending on the type of honey you’re using, its botanical origin, and its processing methods.
Raw, unprocessed honey tends to retain more of its bioactive compounds compared to processed honey, making it the best choice for home remedies. Local honey from homegrown producers is also a great choice to ensure you’re enjoying native flower blends as well as lessening your carbon footprint.
So the next time you’re wrestling with indigestion or tossing and turning at bedtime, reach for a jar of raw honey before heading to your medicine cabinet. You’ll be following in the footsteps of thousands of years of human knowledge, now also backed by science.