5 Incredibly Cool and Unusual Health Benefits of Raw Honey 

In Poor Richard’s Almanack, Benjamin Franklin exclaimed, “Nothing but Money is Sweeter than Honey.” Everyone knows how the sweet and delicious flavor of local honey Florida can absolutely tantalize the taste buds.

However, raw unfiltered honey also offers a surprising variety of homeopathic and medicinal uses. These amazing health benefits of raw honey go far beyond the traditional natural remedy of raw honey for sore, scratchy throats and coughs or the alleged effectiveness of eating honey for allergies.

The medicinal properties of honey have been widely studied over the years. In addition to being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, raw honey is rich in antioxidants. Raw honey is also abundant in such beneficial nutrients as calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamins B12 and C.

According to a January 9, 2022, CNBC article, “Raw honey comes straight from the beehive and isn’t pasteurized. Because it doesn’t go through pasteurization, the beneficial compounds in honey are preserved in the final product.”

Want to start reaping the health benefits of raw unfiltered honey? Here are 5 ways you can use raw honey to help heal your body and mind:  

1. Raw Honey Soothes Minor Burns
   Believe it or not, honey has been used as far back as ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to heal burns and prevent infections. This is due to raw honey’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
   
   As a natural antiseptic, raw honey can sterilize mild burns (including sunburns), prevent infection, reduce pain and promote healing when applied topically. According to the Mayo Clinic, “topical use of medical-grade honey has been shown to promote wound healing, particularly in burns.” Note that you should apply raw honey to burns only after consulting with your physician.
   
   
2. Raw Honey Fights Insomnia
   According to a 2022 report published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), approximately 3 in 10 Americans suffer from insomnia. Fortunately, just a spoonful of raw honey each night can serve as a natural sleep aid.
   
   In fact, a recent study by the Sleep Foundation of patients staying in a hospital’s heart unit revealed that “those who drank warm milk and honey for three days noticed improvements in sleep.” That’s because honey may promote melatonin formation, which allows you to sleep deeper and more restfully at night.
   
   Make sure you consume the raw honey 30 minutes before heading off to bed to receive the full effects.
   
   3. Raw Honey May Improve Memory
   Recent studies indicate that honey may help improve both short- and long-term memory. According to Medical News Today, “Some evidence suggests that honey may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers that can benefit the brain.”
   
   That’s because raw honey naturally contains a type of antioxidant called pinocembrin, which helps improve the overall function of your brain. The Mayo Clinic has stated that “in some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.”
   
   4. Raw Honey Boosts Energy
   If you’re feeling rundown and in need of a quick energy boost, raw honey offers a natural energy source. That’s because raw honey is extremely high in carbohydrates (approximately 17 grams per tablespoon).
   
   According to the National Honey Board (NHB), “honey provides quick energy … it is ideal for a quick pick-me-up since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses for energy.”
   
   5. Raw Honey Softens Skin
   Raw honey serves as a natural moisturizer to help keep your skin soft and healthy. According to Medical News Today, “An increasing amount of evidence supports the use of honey as a remedy for many skin conditions.”
   
   In addition, a February 9, 2022, article in The New York Times Style Magazine states, “In recent years, despite scientific advancements in skin care, honey has not only maintained but increased its prominence in our regimens.”

Note: Avoid giving honey to babies under the age of 1 year. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby’s intestine, producing a dangerous toxin.”