Raw honey is considered to be liquid gold in Ayurveda. This truly miraculous substance is used primarily for its healing qualities in Ayurvedic science, but the taste is an added and welcomed bonus.
Honey is the sweet of choice for balancing the Kapha dosha and is antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in property. Be sure to buy local, organic, raw and cold-pressed honey to get the holistic medicinal benefits, but also to support the longevity of our local bees, ecosystems and farmers.
Honey has numerous benefits but most importantly, it is critical to consume this product correctly. First must, is to never boil or heat honey (keep it always under 40 degrees). According to Ayurveda, heated honey becomes toxic and tar-like, creating deep disturbance in your digestive tract over time. In fact, honey not only dislikes a heated environment, but also does not pair well with fermented, acidic foods and hot meals. In one particular study, the Western science also suggests that heated honey is less than desirable for our health. Although more research needs to be completed, it was discovered that heated honey contains a significant amount of hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde (HMF), Another article also suggests that HMF in certain capacities (i.e. levels found in non-heated honey) can provide multiple healing benefits to the body. However, HMF levels when honey is heated or stored incorrectly, show numerous and serious detrimental effects on human health. Sadly too with some commercial bee farming methods, supplement sugars given to hives across cooler months of the year, contain dangerous levels of HMF for bees. While this apparently does not decrease overall colony fitness, high HMF levels can cause bees to become individually sick and suffer a death riddled with unpleasant symptoms. With this in mind, it is even more important to seek local and ethically cultivated honey whenever possible.
Additionally, honey and ghee are incompatible mixed together in equal quantities. Honey is warming in nature and ghee is cooling. For example, if on your toast you love some ghee and honey, use one product more than the other, a 2:1 ratio is ideal.
BENEFITS OF HONEY
Honey is a healer for the skin - it promotes healing of wounds and sores and acts as an antiseptic, a pain reliever, and a soothing balm that speeds recovery from burns.
Because honey contains iron, manganese, and copper, it is excellent for building haemoglobin. Honey can be prescribed amongst other herbs in treating numerous blood conditions such as anaemia.
Raw honey is easily digested and assimilated, making it one of the best sweet foods for reducing stress on the GIT. Honey supports strong digestion, aids in binding loose stools and helps ward off stomach diseases and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.
As an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, honey helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. Gargling with honey and water is very useful in assisting with the treatment of Gingivitis and other gum diseases.
Honey can help reduce the symptoms of insomnia. 1 teaspoon of honey can be taken with a cup of warm water or with warm almond milk before bed and this is particularly good for little ones struggling with sleep.
Honey soothes imbalances in the respiratory pathways, reducing inflammation and mucous production. It relieves productive coughs and is particularly effective as a remedy when combined with other spices as a paste. Please click here for the Cough Remedy on the blog.
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com