Honey for the home pharmacy

First aid for sore throats

Sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, chills. . . everyone knows the first symptoms of a cold. Honey has antibacterial properties that relieve the symptoms of a cold, but it is well worth using honey to prevent colds as well! Honey's ability to prevent colds is based on the antibacterial enzyme glucose oxidase. Consuming honey regularly appears to improve the body's biological defenses and thus keep colds away.

A timely cold remedy

Mix a couple spoonfuls of honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice into warm water.

The honey and the vitamin C in the lemon juice will relieve a sore throat. The vapours that rise from the honey are soothing and improve the function of the mucous membranes.

Cough remedy

• 20 cloves of garlic
• 1 liter water
• 250 grams honey
• juice of 5-6 lemons

Peel and crush the garlic and steep in the water for about 10 minutes. Boil the mixture for 10-15 minutes, then strain to remove the garlic. Once the liquid has cooled to about 100 ºF/40 ºC, add the lemon juice and honey. Drink the cough remedy as needed. The liquid will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

A safe sleeping aid

A good night's sleep improves strength and energy. The quality of sleep affects one's performance, concentration ability and peace of mind, as well as the body’s ability to recuperate.

More and more people have trouble falling asleep or wake up during the night.

Evening meals affect one's ability to get to sleep and thus the quality of sleep can be improved with the right diet. Milk with honey is an age-old sleeping aid. Modern science can now explain why this old trick works – honey increases sleepiness by raising serotonin levels and by producing a relaxed feeling.

Sleep well

Before bed time, eat a small evening snack with honey. It will hasten falling asleep and promote a better, deeper sleep. Some suggestions for evening snacks:

• A whole grain bun with honey, peanut butter and banana.
• 1-2 cups chamomile tea sweetened with honey. Let the tea brew long enough that its potent substances will steep into the water.
• A shake made of yogurt, strawberries, banana, honey and almonds.
• Oven baked bananas with honey. Strawberries could also be added.

First aid for small burns and cuts

Honey reduces the itching and reddening of small burns. First rinse the burn under cold water until the pain stops. Then spread a thin layer of honey on the burn.

Honey has antibacterial qualities and thus can be used in the treatment of small cuts. Modern medicine has also researched the use of honey in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.