Consume honey responsibly and reap the numerous health benefits of this liquid gold.

1. Alleviates Allergies
Honeys anti-inflammatory effects and ability to soothe coughs has led to the belief it can also reduce seasonal
allergy symptoms. Although there are no clinical studies proving its efficacy, Dr. Matthew Brennecke, a board
certified naturopathic doctor practicing at the Rocky Mountain Wellness Center in Fort Collins, Colo.,
told Medical Daily in an email, "A common theory is that honey acts like a natural vaccine." It contains small
amounts of pollen, which if the body is exposed to small amounts of it, it can trigger an immune response that
produces antibodies to the pollen. "After repeated exposure, you should build up these antibodies and the body
should become accustomed to their presence so that less histamine is released, resulting in a lesser allergic
response."

2. All-Natural Energy Drink

Honey is an excellent source of all-natural energy at just 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon. This
natural unprocessed sugar fructose and glucose directly enter the bloodstream and can deliver a quick
boost of energy. The rise in blood sugar acts as a short-term energy source for your workout, especially in
longer endurance exercises.
Brennecke said there is a con to adding honey to your workout. If your goal in exercising is to increase
muscle mass, working out on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is the way to go. When your body is
in starvation mode (upon waking in morning), and you start exercising, you release insulin-like growthfactor-1
(IGF-1), which will help you build bulk, he said. Brennecke does warn this only works when blood sugars are
low.

3. Boosts Memory
The sweet nectar is loaded in antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain. A
2011 study published in Menopause found a daily spoonful of Malaysian honey may boost postmenopausal
womens memory, which can provide an alternative therapy for the hormone-related intellectual decline. After
four months of taking 20 grams of honey a day, the women were more likely to have better short-term memory
than their counterparts who took hormone pills.
Honeys ability to help the body absorb calcium, according to Brennecke, helps aid brain health. The brain
needs calcium in order to process thought and make decisions. As our populations continue to get older and
older, the likelihood of dementia setting in because of poor intake of vitamins and minerals continues to get
higher and higher, he said.

4. Cough Suppressant
Honey can be the all-natural cure when it comes to pesky colds. A persistent cough that wont go away can
easily be remedied with two teaspoons of honey, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics.
Children between the ages of 1 and 5 with nighttime cough due to colds coughed less frequently when they
received two teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed.
The golden liquids thick consistency helps coat the throat while the sweet taste is believed to trigger nerve
endings that protect the throat from incessant coughing. Honey is believed to be as effective as the common
cough suppressant ingredient dextromethorphan. It can be used in treating upper respiratory tract infections.

5. Sleep Aid
Honey can be a health aid for sleepless nights. Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release
serotonin a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body converts serotonin into
melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep, Rene Ficek, registered
dietitian and lead dietitian nutritionist at Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating in Chicago, Ill., told Medical Daily in
an email.
Moreover, honey also contains several amino acids, including tryptophan that is commonly associated with
turkey. Honeys steady rise in insulin, according to Brennecke, causes the tryptophan in honey to enter the
brain, where its then converted into serotonin and then into melatonin, which is a sleep aid. This hormone is
responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles.

6. Treats Dandruff
Honey can bring temporary relief to the scalp by targeting dandruff. A 2001 studypublished in the European
Journal of Medical Research found applying honey diluted with 10 percent warm water to problem areas and
leaving it on for three hours before rinsing led to itch relief and no scaling within a week. Skin lesions healed
within two weeks and patients even showed an improvement in hair loss. The patients did not relapse even
after six months of use.
Thanks to honey's antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can also treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff,
which are often caused by an overgrowth of fungus. Moreover, honey also has anti-inflammatory properties,
which address the redness and itching on the scalp, Brennecke said.

7. Treats Wounds And Burns

Honey is a natural antibiotic that can act both internally and externally. It can be used as a conventional
treatment for wounds and burns by disinfecting wounds and sores from major species of bacteria such as

methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A 2005 study published in the British Journal of
Surgery found all but one of patients who suffered from wounds and leg ulcers showed remarkable
improvement after applying a topical application of honey.
Dr. Diane Radford, a breast surgical oncologist in St. Louis, Mo., told Medical Daily in an email, Manuka
honey has antibacterial properties for wound healing. The precursor for the active antibacterial agent
methylglyoxal (MGO) comes from the nectar of mnuka trees. A specialized research unit at the University of
Waikato is looking into the conversion to the active product, she said.
Honey has been utilized for its medicinal properties for over 2,000 years and continues its legacy as a
multipurpose health aid.