Humble honey has shown impressive potential in a wide range of conditions from infections to diabetes. Despite its high-carbohydrate profile, it appears to have a blood-sugar-stabilizing effect. Read on to learn the 10 areas of medicine honey’s making waves in.
Honey improves brain structure and function
Honey improved the terrain of brain regions associated with memory, boosted levels of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory), increased BDNF (important in maintenance and growth of neurons), and reduced levels of acetylcholinesterase (the enzyme that induces breakdown of acetylcholine). (R)
Honey is antibacterial
Honey effectively combats the common H. Pylori infection and reduces the inflammation associated with it. (R)
Honey inhibits both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, including pneumonia and E. Coli. (R)
Honey kills staph bacteria. (R)
Chewed honey reduces oral bacteria. (R)
Non-manuka honeys kill appear to kill bacteria through their hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). (R)
Honey fights candida
Honey inhibits the common fungal/yeast infection Candida. (R)
Honey reduced oxidative stress in the brain. (R)
Honey benefits metabolism
Honey improves insulin sensitivity, stabilizes blood sugar, and improves several markers associated with cholesterol. (R)
Honey fights oxidative stress
Fruit flies treated with honey had less oxidative stress and experienced a hypoglycemic effect. (R)
A mixture of honey and bee pollen reduced oxidation of fragile cell lipids. (R)
In diabetic rats, honey lowered levels of the oxidative marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is associated with changes in vascular structure and function in diabetic and hypertensive patients. (R1, R2)
Honey is anti-inflammatory
A mixture of bee pollen and honey demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. (R)
Honey inhibited expression of nuclear factor kappa B, COX-2 and TNF-alpha in rats with edema. (R)
Honey and skin conditions
Some studies have found benefit with honey treatments for psoriasis, dandruff, fungal conditions and dermatitis. (R)
Honey reduces nocturnal cough
Honey improved nocturnal cough in children with upper respiratory tract infections. (R)
Honey accelerates burn healing
Burns treated with honey heal faster. (R)
Burns treated with honey are more likely to heal when compared to non-antibacterial interventions and topical antibiotics. (R)
Honey-treated burns had lower rates of infection, and honey performed better than paraffin gauze. (R)
Honey is effective in wound healing
There is evidence suggesting honey is useful in the treatment of post-operative wound infections, leg ulcers and Fournier’s gangrene. (R)
Honey gel effectively treated C-section wounds. (R)
Suggested uses for honey
Dr. Josh Axe, in his book Eat Dirt, advises consumption of local honey as a means of introducing the immune system to local pollens so that it won’t overreact come pollen season.
In his book Head Strong, Dave Asprey recommends up to 1 tablespoon of honey at bedtime in order to replenish liver glycogen (stored glucose) and keep blood sugar steady all night long.
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