I recieved another email from one of my patients with some information about honey and the healing properties behind this sweet treat.  In reading the information I realized that the information presented was generally true but did not give any indication as to why.  It then became apparent to me that this blog, being a solid foundation for education, would be a great place to answer some of the questions that my patient had concerning the email.  I have included a portion of the email which I will address and give the Traditional Chinese Medical perspective on the subject. 

Excerpt from the Email: “Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot.
It will do what some call turning to sugar.
In reality honey is always honey. 
However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time
it will do what I rather call “crystallizing”.

When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was.  Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: ARTHRITIS:  BLADDER INFECTIONS:  CHOLESTEROL:  COLDS: UPSET STOMACH: GAS:  IMMUNE SYSTEM: INDIGESTION:  INFLUENZA: LONGEVITY:  PIMPLES:
SKIN INFECTIONS:. WEIGHT LOSS:  CANCER: FATIGUE:  BAD BREATH:  HEARING LOSS: ”

Along with this information came a couple recommendations about how to use the honey in combination with cinnamon and water.

After analyzing the information I discovered the similarity to the TCM view of Honey and its healing properties.  In Chinese Medicine, Honey is a temperature neutral food with a sweet nourishing property.  Honey works to harmonize the liver system, neutralize toxins, and  relieve pain.  Cooked honey  or pasteurized honey is also good for moistening dryness in cases of dry, horse throat, and cough.  Both raw and heated honey are good for the stomach system treating stomach ulcers, canker sores and constipation.  Honey can also be used topically on light burns. 

On a lighter note, a spoonfull of honey can be used for hangovers, exhaustion, or overeating salty, rich foods. 

For those with arthritis that gets worse during damp cold days, raw honey is great to attack the dampness that has accumulated in the body. 

It should also be noted that raw honey is not recommended for infants.

Despite it’s many benefits, one must be aware that Honey is a sugar and overconsumption will lead to undesirable effects.  We must be aware of the balance in everything. 

In Conclusion,  Honey has many great properties.  The type of honey can be a factor to attain the desired effects and the amount of honey consumed should  not be overlooked.  It is still a sugar.  So enjoy the honey and keep it on hand because it can be used for many ailments.

 

Jeremy Linquist L.Ac.

Acupuncture Continuum Inc.

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