Honey has many beneficial health qualities. The Quran and Hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings) has considered honey as a healer of disease. Prophet Muhammad was reported to have drank an infusion of water sweetened with honey on an empty stomach, and such a custom holds ample benefits and subtle secrets. It has also been said that drinking honeyed water can help with weight loss! Honey has also been considered as beneficial to the health by ancient civilizations from the Ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks to the Romans. Honey has been used to heal diseases, treat wounds and stomach problems.
The following article provides a few facts on the benefits of eating honey.
The Quran refers to honey:"Bees were inspired through inborn advice by the Rabb, instructing: ‘Make hives in mountains, in trees and in that which they (humans) build. Then eat of all the fruits and follow the ways of your Rabb submissively. There comes out from within (their bodies) a drink of various hues (honey), in it is healing (effect) for humans. Verily in this is a sign for the people who consider it.’"
[Surah 16: 68-69]
Prophet Muhammad said this of honey:
"Make him drink honey." The man came back the next day and said: "I made him drink honey and it did not help! The Prophet (pbuh) gave the same advice for two or three times, and the man kept coming back with the same answer. After the third or fourth time, The Prophet (pbuh) then said: "God spoke the truth, and your brother's belly lies." The same tradition was reported in Sahih Muslim wherein the man said: "My brother's belly is squeamish."
[Reported in Sahih Bukhari]
"Whosoever eats honey (at least) three times per month will meet with no great affliction"
[Abu Huraira (R.A.)]
"Honey is a remedy for every physical illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all mental illness; therefore, I recommend to you both as remedies, the Qur’an and honey"
Honey for Weight LossTraditionally, for weight loss, honey has been combined with cinnamon. You may also a concoction each morning made by boiling a half cup of water with a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and a teaspoon of honey. Since boiling honey destroys important enzymes, modify this recipe by pouring boiling water over the cinnamon then stirring in honey, to taste, after the water has cooled somewhat.
Honey to Treat Headaches and Migraine
Take 2 teaspoons at meals to prevent an attack. For headaches and migraines, take 1 dessert spoon honey dissolved in half a glass of warm water at start migraine. Repeat in 20 minutes if necessary.
Honey for Improving Athletic PerformanceRecent research has shown that honey is an excellent ergogenic aid and helps in boosting the performance of athletes. Honey facilitates in maintaining blood sugar levels, muscle recuperation and glycogen restoration after a workout.
Honey As a Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Honey contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The vitamin and mineral content of honey depends on the type of flowers used for apiculture. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and hence it can be used as a natural antiseptic. Honey contains trace amounts of protein, plus riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B6, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Honey Rich in Antioxidants
Honey contains nutraceuticals, which are effective in removing free radicals from our body. As a result, our body immunity is improved. Honey contains antioxidants, some found only in honey, which include pinobanksin, chrysin, catalase and pinocembrin.
Caring for Skin with Milk and Honey
Milk and honey are often served together as both these ingredients help in getting a smooth soothing skin. Hence consuming milk and honey daily in the morning is a common practice in many countries.
Honey to Cure Stomach Ache
Take 1 teaspoon of honey, juice of ½ a lemon with a hot glass of water first thing in the morning.
Honey in Wound Management
* Honey possesses antimicrobial properties.
* It helps in promoting autolytic debridement.
* It deodorizes malodorous wounds.
* It speeds up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues.
* It helps in initiating the healing process in dormant wounds.
* Honey also helps in promoting moist wound healing.
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