Top 7 Honey-Based Remedies from Around the World

Honey’s role as a natural sweetener and remedy is not unknown. For thousands of years, across cultures and continents, if there is one ingredient that dominates the pantry as well as the medicinal kit, it’s honey. 

Rich in history and even more prosperous in health benefits, honey is perhaps nature’s most potent gift. It’s a natural blend of nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes that support the body in many ways.

In today’s blog, we will explore 7 time-tested honey-based remedies from around the world and how you can use them in your everyday wellness practices. The blog also explores the health benefits of honey and its nutrient profile in detail. 

Nutrient Profile of Honey

Natural honey is a flavourful, sweet liquid with high nutritional value and immense health benefits. Its composition mainly consists of sugar and water, along with other vitamins and minerals. 

According to research, natural honey is believed to contain the following vitamins and minerals:

• Sodium

• Calcium

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Zine 

• Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9. 

• Ascorbic Acid 

Honey's nutrient profile appears like a complete meal in itself. It contains all the major elements of a meal and micronutrients that aid digestion. Additionally, these micronutrients support metabolism and other body functions. 

It’s important to note that the composition of the antioxidants and other essential substances in honey results from the floral source and colour of the honey. For instance, darker honey is said to be higher in antioxidants than the lighter honey. 

Consuming honey before, during, or after any kind of physical activity is said to improve performance and muscle rejuvenation. Think of honey as a substitute for energy replenishment and sustaining blood glucose levels. 

Popular Honey-Based Remedies

1. South Africa’s Acne Relief

Honey for acne relief? Yes, that’s true. South Africa is popular for its acne relief treatment, which mixes honey and cinnamon. 

Cinnamon is extremely good at drying out acne and reducing inflammation. As a result, it naturally helps calm down the redness and irritation. Honey, on the other hand, is incredibly healing, moisturizing, and antibacterial. Together, they speed up the blemish healing process, leaving you with spotless skin. 

What to do: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix well and apply it evenly to the affected area. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. 

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2. Greece’s Secret to Better Digestion 

We know by now that honey aids digestion and metabolism. But honey paired with yoghurt makes it even more effective for a disturbed stomach. Yoghurt is full of probiotics, which ease digestion and improve gut bacteria, while honey calms the gut. It is simple yet effective. 

3. India’s Approach to Cold and Cough

India’s approach to cold and cough is not unknown to the world. A steaming cup of ginger tea infused with a tablespoon of honey melts away the cough and soothes the throat. 

Another very popular remedy is the combination of tulsi leaves and honey tea. Tulsi is revered for supporting overall wellness, relieving stress, and boosting immunity. Similarly, honey gives you stable energy and aids important body functions. 

Pro tip? You may squeeze a little lemon for a quick boost of Vitamin C.

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4. Japan’s Generational Recipe for Cold and Sore Throats 

Hachimitsu-Daikon is a grandmother’s recipe for cold and sore throats, passed down from generation to generation. Daikon, white Japanese radish, is full of vitamin C and mucolytic agents, which help to dissolve and expel mucus. Honey has antibiotics and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, daikon and honey create a syrup for the cough and throat. 

What to do: Chop some daikon and put them in a glass jar. Drip honey over them evenly and place the lid. Leave it at room temperature for about 3-4 hours and take it 2-3 times a day. You can either take it as it is or mix it in a cup of hot water. 

5. Russia’s Youth Elixir 

Honey is a popular ingredient in many tea recipes. Russia, too, has an herbal mix tea, also called the “youth elixir.” 

It is known to rejuvenate your skin and hair, refreshing you from the inside out. For this recipe, you will need 10 grams each of:

• Coriander

• Chamomile

• Birch flowers

• Marigold

Mix them all and boil them in 500 ml of boiling water. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes. Strain it, add a teaspoon of honey, and it will be ready for serving. Drink one cup in the morning and evening for better results. 

6. Rice Powder Honey Mask

Rice powder honey mask is a great exfoliating and skin-evening toning mask. In a small bowl, mix honey and rice powder until you get a smooth, paste-like consistency. Apply it evenly to clean, dry skin using fingertips and soft brushes.  

Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently massage your face in circular motions before rinsing off with lukewarm water. For best results, use it once or twice a week, depending on your skin type. 

Honey is a natural humectant that retains moisture in the skin while offering antibacterial benefits. Rice powder, on the other hand, sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin underneath. 

7. Honey for Wound Healing

Honey is a safe skin healer due to its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory nature. This liquid gold creates a thick layer when applied to wounds, protecting them from external irritants. Moreover, it helps reduce inflammation and accelerate skin repair. 

Here are a few ways it helps with wound healing:

• Leg ulcers: Wash the skin carefully and smear a little honey on the ulcer. Leave it for about 15 minutes and then rinse off. 

• Bed Sores: Mix honey with regular sugar and apply it to the skin such that it fills the open sore. Cover it with a gauze bandage. When the paste becomes diluted due to discharge, rinse it and reapply. 

• Burns and Cuts: Run the wonder under cool water to calm the skin. Apply a generous amount of honey and cover it with a cotton pad if required. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage for better protection. 

Conclusion

That’s all on the liquid gold, honey, for you! It is a versatile ingredient that comes in handy in the pantry and your first aid kit. It has rightfully earned its place as a trusted, time-tested ingredient which, when combined with other locally sourced ingredients, creates powerful treatment options for skin concerns and cold to fatigue. 

So the next time you’re looking for a simple, natural solution, consider reaching for raw, natural honey fromGeo Honey. Our range of 200+ monofloral honeys is freshly sourced from our inimitable farms located in over 500 locations across the globe. It is 100% raw, natural, and organic honey made available to you at your doorstep. Shop today!