Honey, a natural product produced by bees all around the world, has been used for centuries both as a natural sweetener and as an anti-bacterial salve for wounds. It was used medicinally as long ago as 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt.
In more recent times, honey has been discovered to have impressive antiseptic properties; using it as first aid on a graze or other wound to the body can disinfect and promote healing as effectively as many over-the-counter pharmacy creams. It can even be used on external ulcers to good effect.
Taking a little honey in warm water during stomach upsets can reduce dehydration and hasten recovery. This is particularly true of manuka honey, a more expensive variety produced from specific bees in New Zealand, which is reputed to have extra powerful healing effects.
Honey is well-known for its ability to soothe the pain of a sore throat; this is partly due to its healing properties. A large teaspoon of honey mixed with hot water and about 25ml fresh lemon juice is ideal to take during any kind of cold or flu; if taken at bedtime this can even aid a peaceful night's sleep, since honey can also calm the nerves and aid relaxation.
Warning: babies under a year old should NOT be given honey even if it has been cooked. Honey can contain a strain of botulism spores which is harmless to older children and adults, but may cause serious illness in a young baby.
In addition, note that honey is primarily sugar in a natural form, so may cause decay in teeth or weight gain if taken in excess.
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