Ayurveda is traditional healing that originated from India is not only famous for its’ natural remedies in treating illnesses but also known for its’ holistic treatment, which is treating the emotional and spiritual aspect of a person to overcome diseases. The overall health of a person relies on the harmony of Doshas, which is believed to be one of the three substances to be present in ones’ body. These Doshas are:
– Vata Dosha
– Pitta Dosha
– Kapha Dosha
Honey is considered one of the oldest natural remedies overall in the world. According to a study, the earliest known use as a medicinal prescription is found in Sumerian clay tablets that may be almost 4000 years old. Almost 30% of the Sumerians’ medical treatments included honey (isha.sadhguru.org)
Ayurveda, the science of life, consider honey as one of the extraordinary gifts of nature to mankind. This golden liquid substance reflects natures’ purity at its finest. Honey is known as an alternative to sugar for its natural sweetness. Aside from being used as a sweetener and an ingredient in cooking; it is also an excellent remedy for some health problems.
But where does honey come from?
This sweet and delicious substance is made by honey bees and some related insects. Honey bees produce honey from the sugary secretions of plants, or secretions of other insects through regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and water evaporation.
Did you know that raw honey is packed with vitamins and minerals? Vitamins such as ascorbic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, and riboflavin – along with minerals such as calcium , copper, iron, magnesium , manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
The powers of honey in Ayurvedic Medicine
For many years, natural Honey is used by Ayurveda due to its’ healing prowess. Ayurveda advocates a daily consumption of Honey to achieve good health.
We listed below some of the health benefits of Honey!
Cough & Cold
Probably, the most known use of Honey is for treating cough and cold. Remember those days, where you drink tea or lemon in warm water mixed with Honey? The Honey is not just used as a sweetener to a drink but, it has been used for thousands of years already to handle coughs and colds. Honey has the power to dissolve mucus and disperse fluids that have build-up in your upper respiratory parts. It is one of the best ways to remedy sore throat. Not only that, but it really tastes good! Just mixed a tablespoon of raw honey with fresh lemon juice, or tea and you are good to go!
Heart friendly
Honey can be your hearts’ best friend! Aside from being jam-packed with antioxidants, it also helps your heart by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing the good ones, reduce blood pressure, and may prevent blood clotting. Honey is perfect for someone experiencing heart pain or palpitation and heart problems such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and strokes. Ayurveda suggests drinking honey mixed in warm water and lemon juice at night before bed. If you are not up to drinking honey, try mixing it with cinnamon powder as an alternative spread in slices of bread.
Energizer
Did you know? Back in ancient times, greek athletes use honey as their source of pre-energy before entering a competition. Not only that, but it also helps prevent muscle breakdown, rebuilds the strength, and improves endurance after a physical strain activity.
The main properties of honey are fructose and glucose, which when consumed, are quickly absorbed by our body; giving it an energy boost. Honey is also highly recommended for old persons who need energy more than anyone. Take a tablespoon of honey mix with warm water or lemon juice with some cinnamon, and to be consumed daily in the morning will give you an increase in vitality of your body.
Manage your weight
As we mentioned earlier, honey is fast-absorbed by our body and tolerated more than other sweeteners, igniting your metabolism; this helps your body burn more fat. You may wonder if honey does contain sugar? Yes, it does! However, compared to refined sugars, honey is more beneficial as it brings more vitamins and minerals. On the contrary, refined sugars are 100% “empty calories”; which means there is no actual benefit in eating them.
Drinking lukewarm water mixed with honey and lemon is very important if you want to manage your weight. Drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach may speed up your weight loss process more.
Skin treatment
The use of honey in our skin is not new. It is full of antioxidants and boosts collagen production, which are the two things in need of supporting skin glow and preventing aging. Honey nourishes damaged skin to fade scars; it works as a clarifying agent as it naturally opens up our pores, making them easier to unclog. The enzymes it contains acts as a gentle exfoliator, removing dead skin and leaving it with a radiant complexion.