Tis The Season~ To Get The Sniffles... or worse! PART THREE~ HONEY!

This is part 3 of MY go-to 'get well fast-er' plan.
These are tips that always seem to work for me when I am hit with a bug or feel like my immunity is low.

Many of these are everyday things that can also be used in some capacity to prevent general colds and the flu and keep you healthy!

Ok, I know what you are thinking....

"Ya ya... Honey will soothe my sore throat, no surprise there..."

Well to that I will say, YES it will, BUT there is much more to the benefits of honey than that!

AND I am not going to be talking about the kind of honey in the cute little bear bottle, which while adorable and tasty, the medicinal benefits are pretty limited.

So, what kind of honey am I talking about?

Let's start here:

1. MANUKA HONEY (UHF)

MANUKA HONEY  is pretty much the queen bee in medicinal honey in my opinion. And let me warn you, it is not cheap. But hey, neither are the various concoctions at the pharmacy, that may have their place, but will do little to actually heal. And that is the real goal right?

Manuka honey has proven itself a powerful healing agent for a long time, and that history holds up under scientific study.

It's main source of power comes from it's antibacterial properties.

It can be used for a huge variety of health issues:

• "Improves overall immune system function by killing harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (the GI tract contains 85% of the immune system)
• Colds, flu, and sore throat (it kills the bacteria your throat)
• Cough suppressant proven to work as good as over the counter cough medicines
• Mouth infections like bad breath, dental cavities, plaque, gingivitis, and periodontal disease
• Cold sores
• Skin injuries and infections like MRSA, staph, abrasions, mastitis (breast infection), boils, diabetic ulcers, ringworm, rashes, athlete’s foot, nail fungus"

If you are interested in the technical why's and how's of Manuka honey's antibacterial processes, check out this great video:

 

Some people should not use honey medicinally or otherwise, unless directed by a physician, such as:

• "Manuka honey may be contraindicated in people with diabetics or other blood sugar issues. Individuals with diabetes, whose ability to metabolize sugar is impaired, may be subject to enhanced cellular damage due to increased tissue levels of methylglyoxal. Indeed, metformin, a drug commonly prescribed for diabetics, was designed to ameliorate the effects of methylglyoxal in the tissues of diabetic patients. Topical use is perfectly safe for diabetics.
• Honey should not to be given to children less than one year old in case of rare botulism contamination.
• People with severe pollen allergies should use honey with caution.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor.
• While there are many claims that ingesting manuka honey can be a good for the side effects while undergoing cancer treatment like radiation and chemotherapy, the sugar content of honey is contraindicated for cancer, as sugar feeds cancer cells. You must decide for yourself if the benefits of honey outweigh the potential to feed and promote a cancer. Topical ingestion is fine for cancer patients."

Don't bother wasting this precious honey in your tea, as the high heat can destroy the enzymes that produce any therapeutic effects

Manuka Honey can be used orally or topically and here are some general suggestions for it's application:

• "Enhanced immunity: MGS (Molan Gold Standard) or UMF 10+ 1-2 teaspoons daily.
• Digestive upset and infections: MGS or UMF 16+ to 25+  1-3 teaspoons daily
• Topical: Apply honey with MGS 20+ or higher activity every 12 hours and cover with a dry sterile gauze and bandage.
• Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, or Acne: Apply honey to affected area, cover with dressing, and leave on for one hour a day." 

2) Other Medicinal Honeys

Manuka isn't the only medicinal honey and depending on where you live you may find some honeys are easier to find than others. Considering the wide variety of uses, why not invest in some and give it a try!

• Jelly Bush (aka Tea Tree) honey from Australia (similar to Manuka)

• Ulmo honey from Chile

• Noni honey from Hawaii

• Tualang honey from Malaysia

• Yemeni Sidr from Yemen

• Honeydew (Forest or Tree) Honey from Europe, New Zealand

• Medical grade honeys "for chemo, immune, and bronchial support"

  
  
  Source: I pretty much found the BEST and most concise collection of information regarding Manuka honey at: http://www.liveto110.com/medicinal-manuka-honey/
  Their post was excellently sourced and the best collection of info I have ever found on the subject on the web, which caused me to get a bit quote crazy. I just couldn't have said it better myself!
  

  HAPPY HEALTHY HONEY HUNTING!
  

  Look out for Part 4, to get well quick, when the season hits!
  
  Please note: web advice is never meant to take the place of a doctor or natural practitioner.
  When in doubt, consult a professional!