Six Benefits of Honey

Have you ever heard that the best way to cure allergies is to eat local honey? It’s true. There are many natural benefits to honey, says Sky Harman, local beekeeper and farmer/owner of Harmony Farms.

“A lot of the thinking on why local honey is good for you is because it comes from what you’re most likely to be allergic to. You ingest a tiny amount of the allergen which can make you less sensitive to it. It basically inoculates your system to prevent allergic reactions.”

Sky suggests local wildflower honey if you’re looking to treat allergies. Wildflower honey is a mix of all the honeys of the season, so it exposes you to the most amounts of allergens. (It’s also the tastiest.) It works like a natural vaccine; if the body is exposed to small amounts of the allergen, the body will trigger an immune response that helps build up immunity.

six jars of local wildflower honey, a mix of all the honeys of the season

But there are more benefits to honey. Honey can:

1. Honey acts as an all-natural energy drink.

Honey is an excellent source of all-natural energy. Its natural unprocessed sugar directly enter the bloodstream and can deliver a quick boost of energy.

2. Honey can boost memory

Loaded with antioxidants, honey may help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain.

3. Honey can be used as a natural sleep aide

Honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin — a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body then converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates sleep length and quality.

4. Honey can treat wounds and burns

The natural antibiotics in honey can work both internally and externally. Use honey to disinfect wounds and sores.

5. It can be used to brighten and clear skin

To rejuvenate skin, take half a lemon and drop some honey on it. Rub it gently on your face using upward strokes. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse for a fresh feel. Or apply a mix of honey and lukewarm water to treat oily or acne prone skin. Honey both hydrates and tightens pores.

“You’re going to get the most benefits from local honey. Being local, it will have greater potential for allergy relief than honey from far away. It is less likely to be adulterated than store bought honey; some honey that is sold in the U.S. can contain substances that may potentially be harmful. Raw honey, typically in a liquid state that has not been treated by heat, is both the best for health and flavor. Heat curing honey destroys beneficial compounds and subtle flavors,” says Sky.

 

four jars of local Becilla honey

Becilla Honey available at the Morgantown Farmers’ Market

Greater Morgantown Businesses That Offer Local Honey

Forks of Cheat Winery

Phoenix Bakery

I Love Juice Bar

Morgantown Farmers’ Market

Slight Indulgence

Local honey for sale at the Morgantown Farmers Market