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Know Your Honey: Different types of honey

and their health benefits
 ■Alternative Cure
by Dr. Holly Fourchalk - Mar 21, 2014

Know Your Honey Different types of honey and their health benefits
There are over 300 types of honey – and different honeys are good for different health issues…In
general, we have the following:
1. Honey is antibacterial and antiseptic: raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide, released when it
comes into contact with moisture. Hydrogen peroxide is both antibacterial and fungicidal. Honey
was originally used for therapeutic purposes, as it has antibacterial properties, but was replaced by
antibiotics, such as penicillin and synthetic drugs in the 1940s and 1950s. Honey is also gyroscopic,
which means that it naturally attracts moisture. Most bacteria breed in moist conditions and honey
dries out wounds, preventing wounds becoming infected.
2. Honey as a sweetener: raw honey doesn’t cause the blood sugar to spike. It allows a much
healthier gradual increase in blood sugar levels. And we only a need a teaspoon to make a
difference.
3. Dark honeys are high in antioxidants: The darker the honey, the more antioxidant which
eliminate free radicals. HOney has a unique anti0oxidant: pinocembrin, an antioxidant associated
with improved brain functioning.
4. Honey can help you digest food better. Honey contains natural enzymes that assist the digestive
process.
5. Honey is said to aid sleeping. The theory indicates that a spoonful of honey before sleep
provides the body with enough glucose to ‘feed’ the brain during the night. This prevents or limits
the early morning release of cortisol and adrenalin (stress hormones) which disturb sleep; stabilises
blood sugar levels; contributes to the release of melatonin, the hormone required for recovery and
rebuilding of body tissues during rest. (According to a recent study in Hershey, Penn, USA.)
6. Honey is good for your skin. Because honey attracts moisture, it helps to nourish the skin – that

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is why it is often used in skin care products. Also, honey’s antioxidants compounds help to fight
free radicals, which can damage skin. Some people find honey is very effective for conditions such
as sunburn, acne and eczema.
There are also different ways of processing honey…what you are looking for is:
• Not pasteurised (which degrades the enzymes, minerals and vitamins).
• Not ultra filtered – which removes the pollen and its benefits.
• Not a blend of different honeys from different countries (which almost all supermarket honey is,
even when it is organic).
• The bees aren’t given antibiotics.
• The bees are fed honey not sugar (many beekeepers feed their bees sugar in the winter).
let’s take a look at what different honeys are recognized for:
The color and flavor of honeys differ depending on the nectar source (the blossoms) visited by the
honey bees. In fact, there are more than 300 unique types of honey available in the United States,
each originating from a different floral source. Honey color ranges from nearly colorless to dark
brown, and its flavor varies from delectably mild to distinctively bold, depending on where the
honey bees buzzed. As a general rule, light-colored honey is milder in taste and dark-colored honey
is stronger….
Following is a look at some of the most common U.S. honey floral varieties. To learn more about
available types of honey in your area, contact a local beekeeper, beekeeping association or honey
packer. For help finding a honey packer or a specific floral source, visit the Honey Locator.

Know Your Honey Different types of honey and their health benefits
ALFALFA
Alfalfa honey, produced extensively throughout Canada and the United States from the purple
blossoms, is light in color with a pleasingly mild flavor and aroma.

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Alfalfa is good for cardio issues…arteriosclerosis in addition to the anti-inflammatory, anti-
oxidant and anti-bacterial properties.
AVOCADO
Avocado honey is gathered from California avocado blossoms. Avocado honey is dark in color, with
a rich, buttery taste.
Avocado honey is rich with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and offers many of the same
medicinal properties as an aloe vera plant.
BLUEBERRY
Taken from the tiny white flowers of the blueberry bush, the nectar makes a honey which is
typically light amber in color and with a full, well-rounded flavor. Blueberry honey is produced in
New England and in Michigan.
According to the Brock University Blueberry and Buckwheat honeys have the highest
antibacterial anti-oxidants
BUCKWHEAT
Buckwheat honey is dark and full-bodied. It is produced in Minnesota, New York, Ohio,
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as well as in eastern Canada. Buckwheat honey has been found to
contain more antioxidant compounds than some lighter honeys.
While strong and dark, it has a high level of anti-oxidants. It is considered one of the most
valuable honeys native to Europe. In comparison to other bright honeys, it contains more
magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, nickel, bohrium, iodine and cobalt. If buckwheat
honey is freshly extracted, it has: 51.6% fructose, 46.59% glucose and 0.27% sucrose. There
has been established that there is a lot of vitamin C (2.9 – 11.9mg %), B1, B2 and PP. When it
comes to the enzymes, content of the buckwheat honey is the richest among other Polish
honeys. It has very high antibiotic qualities. According to research, its antibiotic characteristic
is slightly better than Manuka honey’s
It is recognized to have an impact on:
 artherosclerosis
 bacterial infection
 diabetes (type 2)
 liver (detox)
 microcytic anemia (iron deficiency)
CLOVER
Clover honey has a pleasing, mild taste. Clovers contribute more to honey production in the United
States than any other group of plants. Red clover, Alsike clover and the white and yellow sweet
clovers are most important for honey production. Depending on the location and type of source
clover, clover honey varies in color from water white to light amber to amber.
Again, there are many different types of clover and thus clover honey…but in general, clover
honey is known for:
 promoting wound healing and treating burns
 regulating blood pressure
 control liver issues
 regulating cholesterol
 providing anti-oxidants
 mucus thinner and thus eliminates coughing
EUCALYPTUS HONEY
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Eucalyptus honey comes from one of the larger plant genera, containing over 500 distinct species
and many hybrids. As may be expected with a diverse group of plants, eucalyptus honey varies
greatly in color and flavor but tends to be a stronger flavored honey with a slight medicinal scent. It
is produced in California.
Eucalyptus honey is good for: respiratory, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, decongestant,
deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulating health benefits – not bad for a teaspoon of
honey…but you have to take it regularly.
FIREWEED HONEY
Fireweed honey is light in color and comes from a perennial herb that creates wonderful bee pasture
in the Northern and Pacific states and Canada. Fireweed grows in the open woods, reaching a height
of three to five feet and spikes attractive pinkish flowers.
There are over 50 types of Fireweed but they do apparently help to strengthen the immune
system, respiratory system and improve the condition of the body.
MANUKA HONEY
Manuka honey, primarily produced in New Zealand, is used as a natural product both internally and
topically on the skin. The bees gather nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush, which is
indigenous only to New Zealand. The honey making process is enriched by the pollution free
environment of New Zealand.
Manuka honey has been found to be effective against Helicobacter pylori, which is pathogenic
to the stomach and intestines and is involved in the formation of gastric ulcers and 12-
duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori taken from the ulcer with biopsies was
sensitive to a 20% solution of Manuka honey. The growth of these bacteria was completely
discontinued with 5-% solution of Manuka honey.
NEEM
Neem honey is not in this list but I will put it in anyways. Neem is a well recognized Ayurvedic
plant utilized to treat: allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, dental & throat infections, skin
conditions
ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY
Orange blossom honey, often a combination of citrus sources, is usually light in color and mild in
flavor with a fresh scent and light citrus taste. Orange blossom honey is produced in Florida,
Southern California and parts of Texas.
Orange blossom honey contains: quercetin, hesperitin, luteolin, kaempferol, galangin,
naringenin and isorhamnetin — antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-cancer
and immune supporting effects in the body
SAGE HONEY
Sage honey, primarily produced in California, is light in color, heavy bodied and has a mild but
delightful flavor. It is extremely slow to granulate, making it a favorite among honey packers for
blending with other honeys to slow down granulation.
Sage honey is a very pale honey and has less than 20% of the anti-oxidants of its darker
cousins…but it still maintains all the other benefits of honey: enzymes, antibacterial,
antifungal, etc
TUPELO HONEY
Tupelo honey is a premium honey produced in northwest Florida. It is heavy bodied and is usually
light golden amber with a greenish cast and has a mild, distinctive taste. Because of the high
fructose content in Tupelo honey, it granulates very slowly.

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As with most plants, there are a wide variety of Tupelos – the best for honey is said to be the
pure white tupelo. Along with antibacterial and anti-fungal benefits, tupelo honey to soothe
coughs, sore throats, burns and as an anti-inflammatory, but research about its health effects
is inconclusive. But it does contain: ” 25.95 percent dextrose, 43.27 percent fructose, 1.21
percent sucrose, 7.97 percent maltose and 1.1 percent higher sugars. It also contains thiamine,
riboflavin, ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron,
copper, calcium and phosphorous”
WILDFLOWER HONEY
Wildflower honey is often used to describe honey from miscellaneous and undefined flower
sources.
HONEY BLENDS
While different types of honey are available, most honey, especially honey supplied in bulk, is
blended to create a unique and consistent taste and color.
View as Slideshow

Honey – The Perfect Antibiotic Capable of

Solving The Problem of Antibiotic
Resistance
by Cristina Jurach - Mar 20, 2014


Honey – The Perfect Antibiotic Capable of Solving The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
Honey, one of the most incredible non-perishable foods that can kill almost every type of bacteria.
It could also be one sweet solution to the serious, ever-growing problem of bacterial resistance to

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antibiotics, researchers said.

Medical professionals sometimes use honey successfully as a topical dressing, but it could play a
larger role in fighting infections, the researchers predicted. Their study was part of the 247th
National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society.
“The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more
difficult for bacteria to develop resistance,” said study leader Susan M. Meschwitz, Ph.D. That is, it
uses a combination of weapons, including hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar
concentration and polyphenols — all of which actively kill bacterial cells, she explained. The
osmotic effect, which is the result of the high sugar concentration in honey, draws water from the
bacterial cells, dehydrating and killing them.
Professor Rose Cooper from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff has looked at how honey
interacts with three types of bacteria that commonly infest wounds: Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Group A Streptococci and Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Her group has found
that honey can interfere with the growth of these bacteria in a variety of ways and suggests that
honey is an attractive option for the treatment of drug-resistant wound infections.
Some bacteria have become resistant to every commonly prescribed antibacterial drug. But
scientists found that raw Manuka honey, as it is known in New Zealand, or jelly bush honey, as it is
known in Australia, killed every bacteria or pathogen it was tested on.
Current findings on Manuka Honey are likely to have a major impact on modern medicine and
could lead to a range of honey-based products to replace antibiotic and antiseptic creams.
“Most bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one antibiotic, and there is
an urgent need for new ways to treat and control surface infections,” Professor Dee Carter, from the
University of Sydney’s School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences.
In addition, several studies have shown that honey inhibits the formation of biofilms, or
communities of slimy disease-causing bacteria, said Dr. Meschwitz. “Honey may also disrupt
quorum sensing, which weakens bacterial virulence, rendering the bacteria more susceptible to
conventional antibiotics,” Meschwitz said. Quorum sensing is the way bacteria communicate with
one another, and may be involved in the formation of biofilms. In certain bacteria, this
communication system also controls the release of toxins, which affects the bacteria’s pathogenicity,
or their ability to cause disease.
Meschwitz, who is with Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., said another advantage of honey
is that unlike conventional antibiotics, it doesn’t target the essential growth processes of bacteria.
The problem with this type of targeting, which is the basis of conventional antibiotics, is that it
results in the bacteria building up resistance to the drugs.
Honey is effective because it is filled with healthful polyphenols, or antioxidants, she said. These
include the phenolic acids, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and ellagic acid, as well as many
flavonoids. “Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between the non-peroxide
antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of honey and the presence of honey phenolics,” she added.
A large number of laboratory and limited clinical studies have confirmed the broad-spectrum
antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties of honey, according to Meschwitz.
She said that her team also is finding that honey has antioxidant properties and is an effective
antibacterial. “We have run standard antioxidant tests on honey to measure the level of antioxidant
activity,” she explained. “We have separated and identified the various antioxidant polyphenol
compounds. In our antibacterial studies, we have been testing honey’s activity against E. coli,
Staphylococcus aureus andPseudomonas aeruginosa, among others.”
This research may increase the clinical use of honey as doctors are faced with the threat of

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diminishingly effective antimicrobial options. “We need innovative and effective ways of
controlling wound infections that are unlikely to contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance.
We have already demonstrated that manuka honey is not likely to select for honey-resistant
bacteria,” said Professor Cooper. At present, most antimicrobial interventions for patients are with
systemic antibiotics. “The use of a topical agent to eradicate bacteria from wounds is potentially
cheaper and may well improve antibiotic therapy in the future. This will help reduce the
transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from colonised wounds to susceptible patients.”
Keep in mind that there are well over 30 commercial producers of honey that have no traces of
pollen and lack beneficial vitamins and enzymes among a host of other natural constituents which
are removed due to pasteurization and processing. Most golden honey you see at your local grocery
is dead and far from the health promoting powerhouse of its raw unpasteurized counterpart.
Processed honey is not honey at all and if you desire any kind of health benefits, you must stick to
the real stuff.
Natasha Longo has a master’s degree in nutrition and is a certified fitness and nutritional
counselor. She has consulted on public health policy and procurement in Canada, Australia, Spain,
Ireland, England and Germany.

The health benefits of honey

 ■Alternative Cure
by Peggy Breeze - Oct 14, 2013

Honey has been a part of the human diet even before the first accounts mentioning its use were
written in early Sumerian cuneiform writings. In Babylon and Egypt, honey was used as a cure for a
variety of ailments. Honey’s popularity as both a culinary delicacy and cure has continued
throughout millennia, right up to the present time, when its health benefits are being more widely
recognized by the scientific community. Keep in mind that you’ll reap the most benefits from raw
honey that is produced locally, as pasteurized honey loses many of its beneficial enzymes and does
not contain local pollen.
Allergies
The idea behind conventional allergy treatment is that exposure to small amounts of an allergen will
help the body learn not to overreact when it is exposed to that substance. If you are allergic to tree

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and weed pollen in your area, honey can help to resolve your allergy symptoms in much the same
manner. There is one caveat, however. Honey will not help to resolve allergies that are caused
primarily by windborne pollens from plants that do not require pollination from bees.
Blood Sugar
If you have a sweet tooth, satisfy your cravings with honey. Honey is perceived as sweeter than the
same amount of sugar, which leads people to consume a smaller amount of sweetener. Also, honey
does not impact blood sugar in the same manner as fructose, found study published in the “Journal
of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.” It causes fewer spikes in blood sugar, lessening
the blood sugar “roller coaster ride” that many people experience after eating sweets.
Cholesterol and Heart Disease
It’s wise to eat a variety of cholesterol-lowering foods to help keep cholesterol at healthy levels.
However, whole grains and vegetables aren’t the only options for lowering cholesterol. Honey has
been found to lower cholesterol as much as 7 percent in clinical studies. It also reduced levels of
chemicals in the body that are markers for heart disease – evidence that strongly points to honey
consumption being cardioprotective.
Wound Care
Honey has antibacterial properties, which means that it can be used as a salve on burns and other
wounds. The antioxidant and drying properties of honey contribute to its healing effect. Studies that
have examined the use of honey in wound treatment have found the application of honey resulted in
significantly fewer infections when compared to traditional wound treatments.
Coughs
Two teaspoons of honey is just as effective as cough syrup when treating coughs in children,
according to Mayo Clinic internist James Steckelberg, M.D. Many adults already use this remedy,
often combining honey with lemon juice and hot water, which makes a soothing, antibacterial drink.
Never give honey to children under one year old, however, as there is a slight risk of infant
botulism.
When adding honey to your diet, do so in moderation, as honey is high in calories and sugars. Try
adding a spoonful to a cup of tea or yogurt, or use it to sweeten hot cereal. You can bake with
honey, but be aware that heat destroys its healthy enzymes. Honey will be the most effective when
added to a balanced diet comprised of plenty of vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Cinnamon & honey the magic mixture

 ■Alternative Cure
by Peggy Breeze - Dec 26, 2013

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
Cinnamon & honey the magic mixture
It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases. Honey is produced in
most of the countries of the world. Honey has been used as a vital medicine for centuries. Scientists
of today also accept honey as a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used
without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today’s science says that even though honey is
sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also. Here we
present a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western
scientists.
Arthritis
Take one part honey to two parts of lukewarm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder,
make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain
recedes within a minute or two. Or arthritis patients may daily, morning and night take one cup of
hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If drunk regularly
even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research done at the Copenhagen University, it was
found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half
teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so
treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the
patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
Hair Loss
Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of
honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash
the hair. It was found to be very effective.
Bladder Infections
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of luke warm
water and drink it. It destroys the germs of the bladder.
Toothache
Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the
aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has stopped aching.
Cholesterol
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea
water, if given to a cholesterol patient, it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within
2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic cholesterol is cured.
As per the information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves
complains of cholesterol.
Cold and Cough

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Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4
teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and
clear the sinuses.
Infertility
Since ancient times, it is commonly known, that the use of honey strengthens the semen of men. If
impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before sleeping, their problem will be solved.
In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and to strengthen the uterus
have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of
cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day,
so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.
Upset Stomach
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the
root.
Gas
According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon
powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
Heart Diseases
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it
regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart
attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, are kept miles away
from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the
heartbeat.
Immune System
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body
from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in
large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and
viral diseases.
Indigestion
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and
digests the heaviest of meals.
Influenza
It has been proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and
saves the patient from flu. Longevity Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken
regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3
cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and
soft and arrests old age. Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts
performing the chores of a 20 year old.
Pimples
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the
pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it
removes pimples completely.
Skin Infections
Eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections are cured by applying honey and cinnamon
powder in equal parts on the affected parts.
Weight Loss
Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping,
drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight
of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to

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accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
Bad Breath
People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and
cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

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