Propolis is a sticky substance made by honeybees obtained from the sticky buds of a variety of balsamic plants. Collected by the oldest bees, propolis is also known as “bee glue”. It is facilitated by the bees to coat the hive interior, consolidate things and also pack cracks. Propolis is instrumental in protecting and consolidating the hive. After the honey harvest in the summer season, the hive is covered with a specific screen. The bees are not fond of draughts and they immediately fill the holes with propolis. Then these screens are taken out and propolis is harvested. Scientific name of propolis is propolis balsam, propolis wax or propolis resin.
Honey
Popular Honey Remedies
Honey, the best natural sweetener and energizing food is renowned for its excellent taste, flavor and above all the medicinal values. Because of its ease of taking, availability, cost and lack of side effects it is used in a wide variety of home remedies. Here is an overview of few popular honey remedies that are worth trying and definitely give positive results.
Sourwood Honey
Honey derived from the tree Oxydendrum Arboreum commonly known as sourwood tree is known as sourwood honey. This tree also known as Appalachian Lily tree grows up to 40 to 60 feet and bears pointed leaves with sour taste. It starts blooming in the end of June and continues in the month of July. The flowers are beautiful bell shaped and are present in clusters of at least 5-6 inches long at the end of branches. As it is very hard for the bees to find other flowers during the months of June and July honey bees obtain nectar mainly from these flowers and give you highly pure Sourwood honey. It is the popular type of honey produced in Eastern United States especially in Western Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and North Georgia. Lack of habitat and poor environmental conditions is reducing the production of the honey. To make this rare honey treat available for future generations the coal mining industry of Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia are undertaking efforts to plant sourwood trees and other bee plants in thousands of acres and preserve the plant species.
Honey Water – The Natural Detox
Honey is known for its excellent taste and amazing health benefits. The anti bacterial action of honey is so great that it can cure even chronic coughs in a short period compared to expensive antibiotics and other over the counter drugs. It is believed that daily intake of honey keeps body healthy free of ailments. To enhance the medicinal value it is often mixed with other ingredients such as cinnamon, lemon and even the plain water. Here is an overview of honey water and the benefits of having it daily.
Honey for Cough
Cough whether it is chesty or dry it definitely disturbs the daily routine. If sleep is being disturbed then it would be even more uncomfortable. People who hate to take medicines search for natural remedies to treat cough. One such excellent natural remedy for cough is honey. Using honey for cough gives promising results and is proven by many researchers. It was reported that even ancient Egyptians used honey to treat many ailments because of its strong anti bacterial properties.
Honey Tea
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea are loved by many across the globe. How about turning this tea in to delicious as well as healthy? Well, you might be thinking of green tea which is made of herbs. Green tea is healthy but there is something yummier and healthier. It is the honey tea which most of them are unaware of.
Health Benefits of Honey and Ginger
It is well known that honey has very good medicinal value. Its medicinal properties are valuable in treatment of various ailments that respond slowly to antibiotics and other drugs. Combination of honey with other herbs is found to give even more interesting benefits. Here is an overview of health benefits of honey and ginger.
Honey for Allergies
Raw unprocessed honey is known to offer various health benefits. Certain varieties of honey such as the Manuka honey and Heather honey are renowned for their anti septic properties and are best used as a remedy for healing wounds. It is believed that intake of local honey offers specific benefits such as relief from allergies. But, we often hear people with allergies staying away from honey. Then is it safe to use honey for allergies treatment?
Heather Honey
Honey derived from Calluna vulgaris commonly known as Ling Heather is the source for Heather honey. This is a very short plant that flowers in late summer months. Hence, it becomes nectar source for bees starving due to lack of other blossoms in summer. Ling heather that is native to Europe grows in dry acidic soils. Honey derived from Ling heather has a very unique property of becoming liquid only when stirred or agitated.
Chestnut Honey
Chestnut honey that is widely found in the months of May to July in Italy is a dark colored honey with mild spicy flavor. Italians include it most of their fall cooking dishes. Of the various varieties of chestnut such as the sweet chestnut, American chestnut and the Allegheny Chinkapin only sweet chestnut and Japanese chestnut serve as nectar source for this honey. Various festivals celebrated during autumn in Italy is the best time to taste different varieties of this unique honey as well various dishes made using chestnuts and honey derived from it.