The Sustainable Spot

One of the more exciting perks of being pregnant is that I don’t have to watch my calorie count quite as closely as I usually do. This has led to the occasional whole milk decaf latte, real creamer in my decaf coffee, and creative substitutes for my usual dose of Splenda in the wide range of herbal teas I find myself now drinking. Hey, got to get my thrills in somewhere!

These new additions range from brown sugar, to real white sugar, to whole flavored creamers, but my definite favorite turns out to be good old honey. I love the taste, and after some research I found that the health benefits completely outweigh any of the extra calories it is contributing to my daily diet. Including honey in your diet can help cure ailments such as arthritis, heart disease, cold, digestive problems, acne, and even help with the common hangover. Honey is even known to help prevent cancer! One more item on the list of foods that I have fallen in love with while pregnant!

Honey Remedy for Sickness and Injury

When dealing with various external wounds or ailments, honey has antiseptic agents that prevent bacterial growth and can keep it clean, dry, and free from infection. It will also act as an anti-inflammatory, reducing the swelling and easing the pain and eventually reducing the scarring effect as well. Including honey in a daily diet will also help cure sickness ranging from athlete’s foot to stomach ulcers.

Tips from the Benefits of Honey website:

For acne treatment: Lotion made from Bee propolis

DIY recipe: Honey Apple Toner: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply mixture to face and allow it to stay for 15 minutes, then rinse.

For cough or sore throat: A mixture of hot water, honey, and lemon juice can help sooth symptoms.

DIY recipe: For a cough suppressant: Mix a syrup consisting of 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, mix and drink.

For upset stomachs or stomach ulcers: Taking a mix of honey and cinnamon in a daily routine can help cure stomach ailments at the root of the problem.

DIY recipe: Take 1 Tablespoon of raw honey, with 1/4 Teaspoon of cinnamon powder orally once a day.

For hangovers: Honey has natural sugars that speed up the oxidation of alcohol in the liver and act as a sobering agent.

DIY recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt, blend them together until smooth and drink.

Honey acting as an Energy Booster:

Honey has natural sugars like glucose that provide an immediate energy boost and help prevent fatigue during exercise. Spreading it on your toast in the morning or taking a tablespoon before you workout can enable extended  endurance throughout your day!

Honey to prevent Cancer: 

Honey contains flavonoids which are the antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

Making honey a part of your daily diet is great for the prevention and solution to many common ailments seen in society today!

Happy Honey Day!

Valen