The Power of Honey

Honey is the end product of the bee's foray into the flower kingdom. Bees are drawn to airborne pollens, substances produced by the anthers of seed-bearing plants and nectar which is the sugary fluid produced in the nectaries of flowers. In classical mythology, nectar refers to the 'drink of the gods'.

Different flowers have different properties, and bees go in search of food that will give their honey qualities vital to the well-being of the hive. Antiseptics are found in rosemary, sage, thyme and lime flowers. Dandelion, which is one of their favorites, contains rubber (caoutchouc), pro-vitamin A, and vitamins B and C, a glycoside, and amino acids. Its flowers also contains carotenoids and triterpenes.

Besides its pollen, one of the important constituents of raw honey is propolis.

Doctors at the National Heart and Lung Institute in London have been investigating bee propolis for use in the fight against antibiotic-resistant hospital infections. "Bees create propolis by chewing the bark and buds of fir and poplars and mixing it with secretions from their glands to create a sticky substance. Scientists say it makes the hive more sterile than a modern hospital". (The Telegraph, London. Article written by Victoria Macdonald entitled " Nun Zaps Alzheimer's with Bees' Own Muti.") Propolis has also been found to aid patients with certain degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and progressive dementia.

Raw honey has many advantages over heated honey insofar as the enzymes and other valuable properties are kept intact. Honey contains an active ingredient called tryptophane which increases seratonin levels in your brain. Seratonin, a 'feel good' hormone, has a restful effect on the body and will help you get a good night sleep!

Adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.