Honey has been used for ages to treat skin conditions such as acne, dryness, fine lines and dullness. It has also been used to treat burns and in modern times, diabetes-related symptoms.
A good source of antioxidants and with antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey can heal wounds, soothe a sore throat and help with digestive problems.
It is interesting to note that honey dates as far back as 10 to 20 million years ago, thus is one of the oldest forms of animal life on Earth, with beekeeping and the practice of keeping bees for honey dating to at least 700 BC.
Also good to know is that the use of honey as a natural cure was predominant during the times of ancient cultures and civilizations and that many remedies in use today go back to then.
Ancient Greek and Roman honey remedies that still apply today
Both the Greeks and the Romans attributed symbolic meanings to bees, and bees played an important role in Greek and Roman religious traditions.
People used honey as offerings for the gods and the dead and they recognized and valued its healing properties, historical evidence pointing to honey as essential in ancient medicine.
- A mixture of honey and vinegar was commonly used in Ancient Greece to treat pain.
One of the biggest supporters of honey as medicinal ingredient was Hippocrates who would recommend various formulations for the treatment of pain.
In ancient Greece, white vinegar was boiled with honey and used to treat several types of pains, sometimes other ingredients being added to the mix to treat ulcers, muscle pain, headaches and more severe conditions.
Today apple cider vinegar is used in combination with honey to treat indigestion, eczema, food poisoning, high blood pressure and other ailments.
Honey use in ancient Egypt
The Egyptians also viewed the bee as an important and sacred symbol, and honey itself was painted on the walls of the temples and was included in many writings.
It’s known that ancient Egyptians developed about 147 prescriptions to treat skin conditions, inflammation, burns, ulcers and abscesses among others. They would apply honey by itself or combine with other herbs or substances for added benefits.
A honey mask is widely used today by self-care practitioners who apply the mask to speed up a wound’s healing process or treat dry and mature skin types.
The Chinese believe honey nourishes yin energy
Chinese medicine teaches that honey has a balanced character, meaning it is neither yin nor yang. According to Chinese medicine, honey can nourish yin energy and help stimulate chi or the universal life force.
Since the ancient times, the Chinese have been using honey in various combinations to treat dry cough, colds, abdominal pain and constipation. Depending on the ailment, hemp seed or ginseng is added, or other healing agents that target a specific condition.
People who follow traditional Chinese medicine consume honey every morning to ease digestion and to boost the effects of herbal remedies.