Have you heard that there’s a new health food on the scene. It’s kind of funny since this particular health food has been used by humans for thousands of years so it’s hardly new. But folks today are finally learning a simple fact that our ancestors were very familiar with: raw honey is good for you. Very good for you. Who knew?
If you’re like most people you probably have a jar of honey in your cupboard that you occasionally use to sweeten your tea or drizzle over Yankee Cornbread. But almost all honey from the store is pasteurized and micro-filtered leaving it devoid of the enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that make raw honey a super-food. Over 75% of commercial honey contains no pollen whatsoever making it the nutritional equivalent of corn syrup.
Raw honey, on the other hand, is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains all the B vitamins as well as vitamins A, C, D, E and K. It also contains magnesium, iron, potassium, iodine, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, copper and has a higher enzyme content than almost any other food. Yes, it’s a sweetener but it has a healthy glycemic load meaning it won’t cause the high sugar spike and subsequent insulin release that white sugar does. We love raw honey around here and here’s why:
5 Fabulous Ways To Use Raw Honey
1. Relieve Allergies
There is increasing evidence that people who suffer from seasonal allergies can find relief by taking a daily dose of raw local honey in the weeks leading up to, and during, allergy season. The theory is that it works like a vaccine. The bees gather pollen (the stuff that’s causing your allergy) and make honey out of it. Eating that honey gets the pollen into your system in a form your body doesn’t consider a threat. Over time your body gets used to the pollen in the honey and therefore gets used to the pollen in the air. You have to use raw local honey for this to have an effect. I know several people this has worked for including farm kid #3.
Directions–eat 1 tbsp. (1 tsp. for children) of raw local honey daily. Start several weeks before allergy season and continue throughout the season.
2. Soothe Coughs and Sore Throats
Raw honey is a great remedy for coughs and sore throats. Studies show that raw honey can work as well or better than many over-the-counter cough medicines. Honey’s thick consistency coats the throat and the sweetness is believed to trigger nerves that make your throat less vulnerable to the cough reflex. Raw honey is very antibacterial which can soothe and lessen the duration of sore throats.
Directions–scoop out a tsp. of raw honey onto a spoon. Add 3-4 drops lemon essential oil and mix with a toothpick. Put spoon in mouth and slide out slowly, leaving honey on your tongue. Let honey slowly dissolve and run down the back of your throat. Repeat as needed.
3. Replace Antibiotic Cream
Raw honey is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Applying a thin layer to cuts and scrapes can sterilize the area and promote healing. Honey will keep the wound moist and oxygen reacts with an enzyme in honey to create hydrogen peroxide which is known for its antibacterial capabilities. Raw honey is the perfect all-natural replacement for over-the-counter antibiotic creams and gels.
Directions–apply a thin layer of raw honey to minor cuts, scrapes or burns. Cover with a band-aid. If you have a deep cut or if it is already infected, seek medical attention.
4. Boost Immunity
The phytonutrients in raw honey are antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Taking raw honey, either straight or in a warm tea, may help boost your immune system and keep you from getting sick. Regular use of raw honey can strengthen the white blood cells which fight off bacterial and viral infections when you are sick.
Directions–If you’re feeling under the weather, drink a cup of Soothing Coconut Oil Tea several times a day but especially before bed.
5. Get Better Sleep
Believe it or not, honey may help you get a better night’s sleep. During the night your brain uses a lot of energy. Honey, taken before bed, is a good way to store up liver glycogen, needed to support important bodily functions during sleep. Raw honey is significantly better at producing liver glycogen than pasteurized honey. Honey also contributes to a small spike in insulin which leads to the release of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan is then converted to serotonin and darkness triggers the brain to convert the serotonin to melatonin. To complete the amazing circle, melatonin inhibits the release of insulin therefore stabilizing blood sugar levels during sleep.
Directions–take 1-2 tsp. of raw honey 15 minutes before bed.
Note: Honey should never be given to children under 1 year old.
A couple of years ago we decided to get bees. Living in the city with a small backyard, our animal husbandry options are limited. We had raised chickens for several years and bee keeping seemed like the next logical step. It has been a lot easier than I expected and the fall harvest of delicious raw honey is something we really look forward to every year. If you’ve ever considered getting bees, I highly recommend it.
Of course, not everyone has the means or the desire to raise bees but I still strongly encourage you to seek out raw unfiltered honey, preferably from a local beekeeper but if that’s not possible, you can always get it HERE. The amazing health benefits are worth the higher price.
What’s your favorite way to use raw honey?
Daniel says
Raw honey is awesome! Those who knock it haven’t really tried it. Just a little goes a long way. Everyone over one year old should give it a go, especially if you have allergies. It takes about a week at least of small daily amounts to start kicking in, but then, whoosh, all of a sudden I don’t need all that over the counter stuff anymore!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Daniel–thanks for stopping by. That is exactly what happened with my youngest son this spring. He took a daily teaspoon and after about a week he said it was working. I made him continue taking it daily for about a month but just because honey is healthy. He didn’t complain. Have a great week!
–Leah
IdlewildAlaska says
I can’t wait to add our own bees to the homestead! Thanks for linking up with the Homestead Blog Hop.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You won’t regret it. It has been very educational and a lot less work than I thought it would be. Plus you get honey!
–Leah
BRUCE says
I have used a tsp of local honey in my coffee this entire year now. lucky or not I can now say no problems with allergies. In fact not even a common cold this year.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s awesome, Bruce! The power of nature over pharmaceuticals never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Olivia says
My son and daughter-in-law have an organic farm and raise bees. They sell raw honey and more and more people are catching on to the many uses for their health. Now they can’t keep up with the demand…each week they have to turn away customers.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
I believe it, Olivia! People really are looking for alternatives to the pharmaceutical industries plethora of side effects. Raw honey is amazing and it’s been right under our noses all along. So grateful for people like your son and daughter-in-law who do the work of beekeeping and provide such a service to the people in their community. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Judi says
I was able to purchase 5 gallons of raw organic honey from the man we get our apples from..killer purchase apples 40# box $8 honey 1 gal jars $15 honey tastes like apple,blackberries very excellent
Doris Flynn says
would be interested in both apples and honey if close to where we live in KY.
Joyce Shelton says
Just read your post and it just made me want to come to KY haven’t seen my son in two years. He is in Owensboro. (North Carolina)
Happy Sunday
Yvonne says
That is an awesome buy especially the honey. I paid $15. For 2 small bottles that wasn’t even a quart!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Wow Judi–sounds like you got the deal of the century! I’ll bet that honey is delicious (not to mention the farm-fresh apples). Enjoy your windfall.
–Leah
NORMA CRICHTON says
I add a tablespoon of raw honey to my Jungle Oats each morning and have gone through the winter without a cold or flu.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s so great, Norma! You’ve figured out how to beat the system (the pharmaceutical system, that is). Now you have to tell me what Jungle Oats are so I can have some for breakfast too. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
tony lance says
I mix it with cinnamon and peanut butter.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks for the suggestion, Tony! My family loves peanut butter and honey sandwiches but I never thought to mix in cinnamon. We will definitely be trying that. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
shawn bukovitz says
If you can’t buy from a beekeeper how do you know honey from store is as pure as you can buy it
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Shawn–thanks for your question. First I would ask friends and coworkers if they know anyone who raises bees. You might be surprised to find that there are people in your city who do and sell their honey. If not, I would try the farmers markets, if you have one in your town. If you have to buy it at a grocery store you can always get raw honey at Whole Foods but I found it at my local Smith’s grocery store as well. One brand was from Colorado, so not local and the other was from a few counties over called Cox Honey. They are very popular here in Utah but have a website (coxhoney.com) where you can order. I have been involved in several Cox Honey giveaways and know the owners and the integrity of the company.
I was happy to see on my last visit to Costco that they are also carrying raw honey now. If you are buying in a store look for a label that says 100% pure, raw honey. Hope that helps.
–Leah
Wanda Sutton says
Is it hard to raise your own bees and honey?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Wanda–thanks for your question. It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be and easier than our chickens, in my opinion, since they don’t take daily care. Once a colony is set up, bees pretty much take care of themselves. That’s not to say there’s no work, but it’s more about just keeping an eye on them. Most of the work comes in the fall during the honey harvest which takes us the better part of a day. Of course, things can go wrong and there is a learning curve but it’s fun, educational and a fascinating hobby. Plus you get honey! I will be doing a blog post on Starting Beekeeping in the next little while so stay tuned!
–Leah
Judi says
I live in Oregon, made these wonderful buys on apples and honey in Douglas Co..so very blessed to live here
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s awesome Judi! I absolutely love Oregon so I completely agree that you are blessed to live there. Hope to visit your beautiful state again soon!
–Leah
Kathy says
My husband and I have always had allergy problems. We started using raw, local honey each morning on biscuits or toast and in our coffee about 2 years ago. Neither of us has had a problem since and not even a cold. Amazing! Builds the immune system against other viruses, too.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s awesome, Kathy! So happy you figured out that mother nature is more potent than pharmaceuticals with all their side-effects. Raw honey does help build your immune system and you and your husband are a great testimonial of that. Good job taking an all-natural approach and sticking with it. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
annie says
I take 1Tbs. in the morning, and another at night. It curbs my sugar and carb cravings. I have lost 50 lbs in 6 months….
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s amazing Annie! Congratulations. Most of us need to curb our sugar and carb cravings so this is wonderful information to pass on to my readers. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!
–Leah
Donald Quigley says
My wife and I are thinking that we would like to have our own bee’s. I am sure there is more too it than just putting some bees in the flower garden. Where would I go for information on how too get started and keep them?
Diane says
I love using local raw honey. I stock up, even give it as gifts. I love that it lasts forever. Thanks for the information. 🙂
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Diane! So glad you’re already using raw, local honey and I can’t think of a nicer gift to give the people you care about. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Leslie says
I love using honey, I used it last week when I was sick. A guy I work with has a hive so I buy it from him & it’s amazing! I’m stopping by from SITS & wishing you a happy Saturday!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Leslie–thanks for stopping by. Raw honey is great to use when you’re sick and I especially love it in my Cold & Flu Tea. You’re very fortunate to have a local source to keep yourself stocked up. Have a great week!
–Leah
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I never knew raw honey was so good for you! And wow, raising bees, that’s awesome, I wonder if could do that in my city!
Fabulous Farm GIrl says
You should find out, Janelle. You’d be surprised how many cities allow it that you would never expect–like New York for example. I never really liked honey until we got our own hive. The difference in flavor is amazing! If you ever get bees come back and let me know!
–Leah
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
I love honey, and have used it as a beauty product for years. I’ve also used it for sore throats when I’ve been sick– but I didn’t think about regularly having honey and hot water before bed to prevent sickness. As a teacher, I need as many immunity boosters as I can get!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Michelle–thanks for stopping by. Love that you are using honey in so many great ways. Once I learned all the health benefits of raw honey I started taking it everyday either straight or in food. You should definitely check out my post on Cold & Flu Tea which uses coconut oil, raw honey and essential oils. I’ve been drinking it every night as it is an amazing immunity booster and it tastes delicious. Teachers really do need to take extra care of themselves this time of year. Stay healthy!
–Leah
Heather @ Life of a Traveling Navy Wife says
I didn’t know the health benefits of raw honey was something new to people! I have used raw honey since I was little, because well…my mom used it! I buy only from the Farmers Market and when my husband and purchase land he plans to get a hive. I use it everyday. Glad I found you on #SITSBlogging. I’m definitely sharing this!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Heather–thanks for stopping by! You are fortunate that your mom knew the benefits of raw honey since that knowledge has been lost to most people over the last several decades. Luckily people are now learning the sad truth that most of what we thought was honey really isn’t and seeking out the real thing. I hope your dreams of purchasing land come true soon and I highly recommend starting a hive when when they do. Have a great week!
—Leah
Chris says
We started using natural honey a little over two years ago,since we started using it I have not been sick one time,not even a common cold!!We take a couple teaspoons daily,and also eat it with cinnamon on homemade whole wheat bread,very good!!
Leah says
That’s awesome Chris! Raw honey is so healthy but I guess you already knew that. LOL! Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Jennifer Johnson says
I am obsessed with raw honey at the moment. I am looking to get some local honey for the spring allergies, but at the moment we are just using some raw honey from the health food store. I made a face wash for myself and my daughter with the honey and almond oil and castille soap. Amazing stuff for mild acne. It completely zaps zits overnight if you put honey on with a band aid while you sleep. Magic!
Leah says
Hi Jennifer–thanks for the great tips. I make a similar face wash with raw honey and it is so awesome. Definitely try to find some local stuff in the spring. My son takes a teaspoon a day and it has really helped with his seasonal allergies. Raw honey is definitely a good thing to e obsessed with. Have a great week!
–Leah
Ann Garcia says
I suffer from many skin sensitivities and terrible dandruff. One day I was reading an article about the harsh chemicals in common soaps and shampoos which strip your skin and scalp of oils, not to mention cause irritations. I have been bathing and washing my hair with honey and water for 6 weeks now, no more dandruff, and my skin and hair are so soft…I highly recommend it.
Leah says
Wow Ann–what a terrific testimonial. Thanks for sharing and I will definitely be trying it. Have a great week!
–Leah
Marianne says
I’m so glad I found you! Have stayed up until the wee hours reading your blog…really appreciate that you are SHARING and not SELLING. Thank you for letting us know about the wonderful things you have discovered!
Leah says
Wow Marianne–you just made my day! I do have my favorite brand of EO that I use but my goal is really just to spread the word and help people know how to use EOs effectively. SO glad you found my site helpful and I hope you continue to experiment with EOs and come back often. 🙂
–Leah