Benefits of Local Honey
by Gina Saka
Ah, honey. It isn’t just a sweet delight that cartoon bears seek out—it’s a traditional, natural medicine that treats everything from stomach issues to acne. Whether ingesting or using topically, the benefits of local honey are abundant. In fact, honey has been used medicinally by people for nearly 8,000 years.
Honey is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that helps support a healthy body from the inside out. When consumers choose sustainably sourced, raw, local honey, they reduce their carbon footprint, protect local honey bee populations, boost the food system, support small businesses and even reduce their allergy symptoms. Luckily, an abundant selection of local honey can be found right here in South Jersey at Natural Health, a health and supplement market in Gloucester Township; and Health Haven, a health food store in Moorestown.
Three Benefits of Local Honey:
- Alleviates Allergies. Raw, local honey is super beneficial for allergy sufferers, working almost like a natural vaccine. The reason is that honey contains not only the nectar, but also the pollen from local flora. This pollen that a person would typically be allergic to can be introduced into the body via a spoonful of local honey per day. This helps accustom the body, causing less of a reaction when exposed to pollen in the air.
- Treats Sore Throat. Honey on its own or in warm herbal tea brings almost immediate relief to anyone with a sore throat. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that soothe the throat and reduce irritation. Honey is also an effective cough suppressant. Studies have found that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines.
- Full of Vitamins. Honey is bursting with vitamins and minerals, including B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. It also has high levels of antioxidants. And while it’s mostly composed of natural sugar, it has a sweeter taste, but a lower glycemic index than table sugar, making it a better option for people with diabetes.
By consuming just a teaspoon of local honey each day, people can help protect themselves from seasonal allergies and illness, while providing themselves with a huge dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Natural Health is located at 2001 College Dr., Gloucester Township. For more information, call 856-784-1021 or visit NaturalHealthNJ.com. Health Haven of Moorestown is located at 69 E. Main St., Moorestown. For more information, call 856-231-7744 or visit HealthHavenOfMoorestown.com.
