You’ve probably heard the good old saying that you should take one teaspoon (and a wooden one!) of honey every day after getting up. Man has long been familiar with honey because he used it as food long before beekeeping as an activity. However, with the development of society – the production of honey began for various purposes. Find out below why honey, and some other bee products, are among the most healing and nutritious natural products, why they are so in demand and where we can use them all.
Although they are not registered as medicines, it is known that honey, royal jelly and propolis are most often used in the diet to strengthen the body’s natural immunity. All these products show antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. What that means? In case of infection with fungi or bacteria, they help our body to fight infection or disease. Honey is often used to control diabetes in the early stages of the disease as well as for various problems with the digestive system. It improves intestinal peristalsis, and is used to treat liver and kidney diseases. Some people also use it to fight insomnia. In the period of spring and autumn, it helps patients in the fight against respiratory infections, and it is also excellent as a preparation for disinfecting wounds and burns, and it helps to heal them.
Honey is also used in the production of wine, liqueurs and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. One of the most famous drinks is an alcoholic honey drink – mead, which is obtained by alcoholic fermentation of honey.
Pastry products as a natural sweetener provides not only sweetness, but also the characteristic aroma and they acquire a better flavor and structure compared with other products that contain artificial sugars. It is possible to make a large number of compotes and sweets from quince, cranberry or mixed fruit with honey.
Its properties are widely used in cosmetics because it is rich in antioxidants that are responsible for the renewal of skin cells. The high concentrations of vitamin A that honey has are used in many creams that serve to rejuvenate the skin, make it hydrated and fresh, and affect hyperpigmentation, whether it is a consequence of sun exposure or old age.
In addition to honey, beeswax is a common ingredient in cosmetics. It is a natural preservative, forms a thin film that remains on the skin and thus protects it from external factors such as wind, cold, dirt and various other free radicals and particles from the air. It also prevents the loss of hydration and drying out and helps maintain humidity and normal pH values. It allows the skin to breathe and does not close the pores, and since it is a natural ingredient, it does not endanger the environment, unlike some other chemical ingredients that may also be part of the preparation.
It isn’t uncommon for honey, propolis or beeswax to appear in the composition of hair products. However, natural and organic honey has the highest efficiency. It is recommended to put honey on the ends of the hair in order to prevent additional cracking of the ends from combing, wind, cold, .. It will create a barrier and protect it, but it will also make the hair softer and shinier.
There is no doubt that all these products show a high degree of benefit for man and society. However, one should be careful in the type and amount of honey we consume, because some people, in a very small percentage, have an allergy to honey, and smart and conscious dosing of honey and other bee products is advised.
