Honey is a natural product that can be used to treat various health problems. Although it is claimed to have numerous therapeutic uses, it is primarily used to prevent allergies and to treat coughs or sore throats. By taking it, you can ease the annoying symptoms typically associated with colds. It is also effective in preventing sneezing and runny nose, two typical symptoms of allergies.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating a Cough or Sore Throat with Honey
Step 1. Eat a spoonful of honey
Honey has been shown to be effective in relieving sore throats and coughs. Eating a spoonful directly from the jar is the simplest way to consume it.
It is not at all necessary to ingest large quantities to get any benefits. About a teaspoon should be enough
Step 2. Add honey to a hot drink
Adding honey to a hot drink is very effective in treating a sore throat or cough. In addition to soothing a sore throat, hot drinks help maintain proper hydration, which in turn allows the mucus to dilute. Adding a teaspoon or so of honey to an herbal tea or cup of hot water will relieve discomfort and strengthen the immune system at the same time.
Also add a teaspoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the herbal tea. The acidity of the lemon helps to create a good balance with the sweet taste of the drink
Step 3. Start taking honey at the first symptoms
If you are getting a cough or a bad sore throat, start using honey right away and take it whenever you feel the need during the day. It will help prevent symptoms from escalating, as it lessens the inflammation caused by the disorder.
Taking honey at the first signs helps fight the symptoms, but it doesn't always eliminate them completely
Step 4. Take honey before bed
Honey helps fight coughs and sore throats both day and night. Sipping a warm honey drink before going to bed can help keep coughing at night under control.
Adding honey to a warm herbal tea can relieve symptoms and induce sleep. However, use it in conjunction with a sleep-stimulating drink, such as chamomile tea or another caffeine-free herbal tea. Caffeinated drinks can keep you from falling asleep
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Allergies with Honey
Step 1. Buy locally produced honey
Make sure the honey is zero-mile if you plan to use it to combat seasonal allergies. This type of honey contains very small amounts of the pollen that circulates in your area. As a result, the immune system will adapt to the pollen without triggering the symptoms typically associated with seasonal allergies.
- You can get it from a farmer's market or from a local vendor. Zero kilometer honey can also be found in many natural product stores.
- Although some research claims it helps fight allergies, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of zero-mile honey.
Step 2. Buy of organic raw honey.
To get the full benefits of honey, it should be pure and lightly processed. In fact, since the pollen is eliminated during processing, it is difficult for treated honey to help fight allergies.
Read the label to make sure the honey is raw and organic. If not, it is likely that it has undergone a manufacturing process
Step 3. Eat a small amount of honey every day
Take a small amount of honey a day to develop a greater tolerance to pollen in the area. If you are using it to prevent seasonal allergies, you only need to eat one or two teaspoons a day. It is possible to consume more, but a couple of teaspoons is more than enough to expose the body to pollen in the area.
This will allow your body to adapt to the pollen you breathe in every day
Step 4. Start eating honey before allergy season begins
To develop greater tolerance to pollen, honey should be consumed before allergy season begins. Eating it regularly at least a few weeks in advance increases its effectiveness.
If you know what time of year you tend to have allergies, start taking honey a few weeks earlier. This period usually occurs in early autumn or spring depending on your specific allergy
Method 3 of 3: Consume Honey Safely
Step 1. Don't throw away crystallized honey
Crystallized honey is perfectly safe and edible. Just heat it over low heat to liquefy it and then let it cool gradually to keep it liquid.
All types of honey tend to crystallize over time. This process actually shows that it is a pure product, not diluted with other sweeteners
Step 2. Avoid giving honey to babies between the ages of 0 and 12 months
Although honey is safe for most adults, babies can contract a rare form of botulism due to the spores found inside. The digestive system will only be able to process it safely after the baby is one year old.
The bacterium that is dangerous for newborns is called Clostridium botulinum. When it reproduces in the intestine, it releases a toxin that is dangerous to a baby's health
Step 3. Look for signs of a possible allergic reaction
Although these are rare cases, some people are allergic to honey. These allergies are typically triggered by the pollen found within the product. If you have recently eaten honey and have noticed one or more of the following symptoms, see a specialist to find out how to treat them and what tests to do:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dizziness;
- Nausea;
- He retched;
- Lethargy
- Abnormal sweating
- Fainting
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat);
- Development of irritation when honey comes into contact with the skin.
Step 4. Take your blood glucose values into account
If for health reasons you have to monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood, then pay attention to the consumption of honey. Although it contains various minerals and vitamins that normal sugar lacks, it is sweeter and can still raise blood sugar levels.
- Consult your doctor before taking it if you have blood sugar problems.
- Honey is sweeter than regular sugar because it contains higher amounts of fructose, a simple sugar that is sweeter than glucose. This means that less is needed to sweeten a food or drink. Basically, half a teaspoon of honey equals one teaspoon of sugar.
