Honeybee_ Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper - C. Marina Marchese [56]
Royal jelly is a very rich source of both essential and non-essential amino acids; vitamins A, C, D, and E; trace minerals and calcium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur; essential fatty acids; and sugars. These are some of the necessary ingredients humans need to maintain a healthy immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said that royal jelly stimulates the reproductive system and promotes good health and well-being. Royal jelly also contains collagen and lecithin, which benefit the skin and make royal jelly a popular ingredient in skin-care products. It also contains cholesterol-lowering components, such as all the B vitamins, pantothenic acid, phytosterols, enzymes, and acetylcholine, a neuronal transmitter. In addition, royal jelly is said to aid in mood disorders, relieve insomnia, repair nerve cells, strengthen liver functions, and soothe digestive disorders. A potent antibacterial protein called royalisin has also been found in royal jelly.
One thing I can tell you for sure is that royal jelly tastes terrible in its authentic, fresh frozen state yet it should be taken orally when it is as fresh as possible.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY
Raw honey is a living food with unadulterated health benefits. The pH of honey is commonly between 3.4 and 6.1; the average is 3.9. This relatively acidic pH level and honey’s low moisture-content prevent the growth of many bacteria responsible for infection. They also keep honey from spoiling. Honey is a predigested sweetener that is easily assimilated by the body, and it is an excellent energizer that can be used to enhance athletic performance and relieve low blood sugar. Honey supplies two stages of energy. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost. The fructose is absorbed more slowly, providing sustained energy. Raw honey still in the comb contains trace amount of bee pollen and propolis; it is excellent for your immune system. Raw honey has been proven to kill E. coli, staph, P. aeruinosa, and H. pylori, which causes many stomach ulcers. The enzyme glucose oxidase in honey makes honey a natural preservative and can create hydrogen peroxide to form an antimicrobial barrier. Honey has antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, and it is a source of antioxidants.
The healing properties of honey have earned it a reputation as one the purest and most natural remedies. Honey has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of medical problems, including wounds, burns, and scrapes. When honey is used for wounds, inflammation, swelling, and pain are quickly reduced, and healing occurs rapidly with minimal scar tissue.
Honey local to your area contains minute particles of pollen from the local flora. By ingesting pure, crude honey that is produced by honeybees in your geographic locale, your body begins the process of desensitizing itself, and you build up a natural immunity to dust, mold, and pollen in the air.
The following are some things that I’ve learned throughout the years about honey from beekeepers here and abroad. Many of these honey remedies have helped me personally, and I often turn to them before taking any over-the-counter medications.
HONEY AS A COLD REMEDY: Honey is a natural remedy for the symptoms of nasal congestion, sore throats, and flu. Whenever I have a sore throat, I take a spoonful of honey, or I gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Honey coats your throat, instantly making it feel better. Adding a little eucalyptus oil or fresh ginger will help to ease congestion. Opera singers use pure honey to soothe their throats before performances.
HONEY FOR SINUS PRESSURE AND ALLERGIES: Honeycomb or raw liquid honey, when ingested, can alleviate sinus pressure within