Bee honey is one of the more valuable components of the human diet. Moreover, it is a rich source of natural compounds, most of which have strong antioxidant, bacteriostatic, and bactericidal properties, beneficial in the prevention and treatment of many ailments. 

The medicinal and taste qualities of honey were already known in antiquity. At that time, it was used not only in the kitchen and medicine, but also as an ingredient in ritual ceremonies. Honey was considered by Roman warriors as the food of the gods, they strengthened themselves with it before battles. In Egypt, it was used for embalming bodies and as a means of payment. In harems, it was an ingredient in many aphrodisiacs. Ancient Egypt is considered the birthplace of beekeeping. The healing properties of honey were appreciated by Hippocrates. He recommended the use of honey in the treatment of suppurating wounds and ulcers, liver diseases, febrile conditions, and as a strengthening agent.

Honey properties

Honey does not exhibit strong pharmacological effects, but consumed in the daily diet, it has a nourishing and strengthening influence on our body.

Circulatory system

Studies prove that honey used in the daily diet as a sweetening substance causes an intensification of heart muscle contractions and more effective coronary blood supply compared to glucose, fructose, and invert sugar. Additionally, it contributes to a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol levels, and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels. 

In the case of coronary heart disease, honey used regularly stops the progression of atherosclerosis, reduces or completely eliminates ailments associated with angina pectoris, and also lowers the toxic effects of digitoxin on the human body.

Immunity

Due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, flavonoids, and high osmotic pressure, honey exhibits strong bactericidal properties and inhibits fungal growth. Additionally, it soothes respiratory tract inflammation, as a supportive agent during infections it reduces disease symptoms from the respiratory system, including cough (it has an expectorant effect, as it thins bronchial secretions). Furthermore, its beneficial effect on the course of viral diseases in children, such as mumps or measles, has been demonstrated.

Digestive system

Honey in the prevention of stomach diseases with increased or decreased acidity reduces pain and nervous tension, eliminates bloating, heartburn, and belching. It can also be used as a remedy to reduce nausea. It has a stimulating effect on intestinal peristalsis, which is why it has a mildly laxative effect, so it can be used in prolonged constipation.

Skin health

Bee honey is used in the treatment of wounds and skin burns caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Particular attention is given to Manuka honey, which is successfully used in the case of the most difficult-to-heal wounds in the course of cancer diseases and ulcers. This effect is due to a compound called methylglyoxal.

Antioxidants and prebiotics

Honey is a source of antioxidants, which helps combat free radicals and tissue regeneration. Dark-colored products, such as buckwheat or honeydew honey, typically contain more antioxidants than light honey.

Thanks to the presence of oligosaccharides, honey is considered a natural source of prebiotics. Its use as a component of health-promoting food is recommended.

Honey as a sugar substitute

The energy value of honey is approx. 320 kcal/100g, while sugar is 400 kcal/100g. Since honey is sweeter than sugar, it is used even half as much. Sweetening with honey reduces calorie intake by approx. 30%. Moreover, unlike sucrose, honey provides other valuable ingredients with antioxidant and antibacterial effects. White sugar provides 'empty calories', and its overuse contributes to the development of obesity and other civilization diseases.

Honey in cosmetology

Honey exhibits bacteriostatic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, softening, moisturizing, cleansing, smoothing, brightening, and antioxidant properties. It counteracts skin acne, soothes irritations, redness, sunburns, chapped hands and lips, as well as frostbite.

The cosmetic benefits of honey were already known to Cleopatra. Frequent baths in donkey milk and honey allowed the queen to maintain flawless beauty. Empress Nero's wife, Poppea, also cared for her body with bee product, replacing creams with it.

Thanks to its high nutritional value, honey enriches the skin with biologically active substances. It increases skin tension, making it soft and smooth. Due to its hygroscopic properties, honey absorbs substances secreted by the skin. It also exhibits a disinfecting effect. Through osmosis, it increases blood flow in the skin tissue, enhancing its nourishment. In this way, the skin gains elasticity, and wrinkles are smoothed out. Honey removes exfoliated epidermis, acts cleansing and therapeutically, especially for poorly vascularized skin and skin with enlarged pores. 

Examples of the most commonly used and best-known honey-based cosmetics are: masks, milks, tonics, creams, as well as bath and cosmetic massage liquids. Honey masks They act cleansing, softening, and healing, and also prevent the formation of wrinkles. They are used for almost every skin type. Honey can be used not only in combination with other ingredients (eggs, olive oil, lemon), but also as a standalone product.

Bee honey contained in shampoos strengthens, rebuilds, and improves hair shine, and also acts anti-dandruff.

Crystallized honey can be used as peeling, which not only removes exfoliated epidermis but also supplies tissues with glucose. Sugar depilation treatment is currently increasingly used in Europe, while in the Middle East and Africa it has been known for years.