Guest: Dr. Cass Ingram/Honey: Nature's sweet solution

Honey: Nature’s sweet solution for winter coughs, colds, and more

Dr. Cass Ingram, author of Foods that Cure, reviews

10 surprising uses for this amazing head-to-toe home remedy

Honey has a long and fascinating history as a germ fighter and natural healer. It is perhaps humanity’s original medicinal food.

The first written reference to the medicinal use of honey was found on a Sumerian tablet dating back to 2100-2000 BC describing its use as a drug and topical ointment for open wounds. Ancient Egyptians later discovered honey to be an effective embalming agent able to prevent the decay of corpses due to its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Jars of honey found in the tomb of Tutankhamen have not spoiled after thousands of years and are still edible.

Today, as more and more drug resistant pathogens develop and spread, many people are cutting back on their use of antibiotics and turning to honey for its soothing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Holistic practitioners consider it one of nature's best all-around remedies for a long list of health challenges, including:

• Sore throats & coughs

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat, but honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In a study, 2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime stopped night-time coughing as effectively as OTC cough medications.

• Open wounds, burns, and ulcers

Honey’s antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring

• Acid Reflux

In a clinical review published by the British Medical Journal, researchers suggested that honey’s viscous nature might help keep acids down.

• Acne and Eczema

Honey’s anti-inflammatory effects can decrease acne inflammation, and as an antibacterial it leaves few bacteria to infect pores and cause acne

• Staph Infections (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Honey has been shown to have an antibacterial effect on bacteria commonly present in wounds, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

• Tooth Decay & Gingivitis

Honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces acid production

• Pink eye

In a 2004 study, honey reduced redness, swelling, discharge, and healing time

• Hair conditioner

Alleviates dandruff and dermatitis, moisturizes hair and scalp.

• Skin hydration

Draws moisture into the skin and forms a protective layer to retain moisture

• Sleeplessness

Adding honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What makes honey medicinally useful?

2. What are some of the ways honey can help us during the cold and flu season?

3. Can honey be combined with other medicinal foods for better results?

4. You recommend raw honey over processed honey. Why?

5. Are there any side effects connected to using honey?

6. Where can listeners get more information and order your book, Foods that Cure?

ABOUT DR. CASS INGRAM

Dr. Cass Ingram is the author of Foods that Cure and is one of North America's leading experts on the health benefits and disease fighting properties of wild medicinal herbs and spice extracts. A popular media personality, Dr. Ingram has been an invited guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows and has authored 30 books on natural health and wellness.