Anti-cancer 8,000-year-old remedy is super medicine
By Sari Huhtala
One superfood has been nature’s medicine for over 8000 years, used to heal tuberculosis, hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, bacterial and viral tummy bugs, parasites, eczema, ulcers, fatigue, and more. Scientists have proven it can even help stop cancer cell growth.
That superfood is honey, and multiple studies have proven it’s good medicine – really good medicine. A teaspoonful, at the hint of a sore throat, cold or flu, goes a long way in helping to stop viruses from taking hold.
Pure honey (not cheap grocery store-shelf brands) bolsters the immune system, increasing natural killer cells, antibodies and white blood cells that are the body’s first line of defence against pathogens, bacteria and viruses, according to a 2017 scientific review in the Pharmacognosy Research journal.
It’s the “oldest wound-healing agent known to mankind,” due to its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Pure manuka honey, found in health food stores, is now being used in some hospital settings due to its powerful effect on bacterial pathogens such as E-coli and superbug MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus), and fungi.
Pure honey is a definite must-have in every medicine cabinet. Researchers discovered the darker the colour of the honey, the greater its value of antioxidants and healing power.
If prevention is the name of the game, it doesn’t get much easier than honey consumption.
Due to its “apoptotic properties,” its ability to kill abnormal cells, scientists suggest it may be a natural “anti-cancer agent.”
Animal studies prove its efficacy, when taken orally, in treating chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Infants and children admitted into hospital with gastroenteritis, a bacterial or viral tummy bug, when treated with honey, showed a “remarkable reduced duration of diarrhea.”
Antioxidants like polyphenolics, flavonoids and vitamin C in honey have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Honey has also been found to have neuroprotective properties, providing antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety effects, as well as effects similar to that of NSAIDs. Honey polyphenols protect against inflammation in the brain, preventing memory disorders and assist in memory, scientists have found.
The 2017 Honey and Health: A Review of Clinical Research points to dozens of clinical studies on honey as medicine, but few have been published, researchers point out.
Ancient paintings from the Stone Age from 8,000 years ago even depict the use of honey as medicine.
Maybe it’s time to visit a beekeeper?
(This information is not intended to replace medical advice and treatment from a health care practitioner).
Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine. She has over 25 years experience in journalism and over 15 years experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years of navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family.
Photo credit: © DagnyWalter via Canva.com
