Honey is one of the purest foods on the planet. It is much more that just a sweetener. It has been used as medicine since ancient times and is a fabulous source of many amino acids, minerals and enzymes. Read on for all the amazing benefits of raw honey.
What’s wrong with regular honey?
Commercial honey is heavily processed and heated excessively, which strips the honey of its natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals. It may have additives or be refined with chemicals. Sometimes the bees are treated with antibiotics and may even contain high fructose corn syrup.
Why is raw honey so great?
- Raw honey is straight out of the honeycomb, strained of debris, but not filtered, pasteurized or heated above 95 degrees.
- It still contains propolis, which is antimicrobial.
- It is antibacterial and can be used on wounds or acne and for sore throats and ulcers.
- It still contains bee pollen, which helps reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Raw honey is antioxidant.
- Promotes healthy sleep by triggering the release of melatonin.
Raw honey will not be perfectly clear and golden. It will have some opacity, so steer away from the syrup-like perfection. Nature is perfectly imperfect! You can find raw honey nowadays in most health food stores, but the best way to acquire raw honey is your local farmer’s market. Often the farmers themselves are the ones selling it and can let you know exactly how the honey was processed and even how fresh it is. Trust me, there is nothing like the nourishing sweetness of raw honey from a local source!
Don’t cook with raw honey, because that will destroy the natural benefits. For tea, add the honey after it has cooled a bit. You can use it in many different ways:
- Honey and cinnamon tea- use to regulate blood sugar
- Honey and lemon tea- use to treat sore throats and coughs
- Mix honey, ginger and lemon juice together and take for nausea
Chipotle Honey Mustard Dressing
INGREDIENTS:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons goat’s milk yogurt or pureed soaked cashews
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
dash of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.