Honey is probably one of the best sweeteners nature has given us. It can spruce up any fruit, cake or even tea. But how do we know if the honey we consume is actually pure and the right one for us?

Check your Honey!

The age-old trick is to take a glass of water and drop in a spoonful of honey. Adulterated honey will dissolve in the water and will be seen around the glass. Pure honey settles at the bottom of the glass.
There is also the thumb test.
Put a drop of honey onto your thumb. If it spreads around, it's not pure. Pure honey will stay intact on your thumb.
The flame trick was used by me as a kid to check the purity of honey. We had these tribal men climb up buildings checking for honeycombs. They would then smoke the comb and extract honey right in front of you, package it in spare glass bottles and sell it door to door. To check the purity, dip the head of a matchstick into the honey. Then strike it and light it. If the honey is pure, the match lights with ease and the flames burn off the honey. If there are impurities, the match will not light since moisture would be present as one of the impurities.

Now that we have identified how to check the purity of honey, let's move onto the different kinds of honey available.

Manuka Honey - Considered as The King of Honeys! This honey comes from the Manuka tree which only grows in New Zealand. It is considered to be the most powerful and healing honey in the world.

Clover Honey - Produced in Canada and New Zealand. This is lighter in color since the nectar comes from white blossoms. It tastes mild with a touch of floral essence.

Sourwood Honey - Unlike the name, this honey is not sour. It comes from Sourwood trees in the Appalachian mountains. It is very light in color and is sweet with a scent of anise and spices.

Buckwheat Honey - This honey is produced from buckwheat flowers in New York, Ohio, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. This is a very dark honey with a strong flavor and rich in iron and antioxidants.

Rosemary Honey - This honey is light yellow and has a strong sweet flavor. It is also said to be useful for cardiovascular issues, liver function, high blood pressure, gout, and digestion.

There are other kinds of honey available as well such as Dandelion honey, Eucalyptus honey, Acacia Honey, Orange blossom, Sage, the list goes on.

What will honey do for me?

Healing Burns and wounds - Have cuts, bruises or sunburn? Apply a layer of honey on the area. It is soothing and will stop the itch.

Acid reflux - Having honey can actually reduce the upward flow of acid from the stomach.

Relieving Cold and Cough - Have a spoon of honey before going to bed. It will soothe the throat and stop you from coughing all night. Adding honey to your cup of tea (black or green with no milk) can help in healing your cold. You can also add a spoon of honey along with a pinch of turmeric to warm milk and have it before sleeping. This even improves the quality of your sleep.

Sugar Substitute - Instead of processed sugar add honey to your diet. It has a range of health benefits. However honey is still a sweetener so please be mindful of the quantity of honey consumed.

Glowing Skin - Have dry, flaky skin? Apply a layer of honey on your face or hands and leave on for about 15 minutes. Wash away with warm water. Touch your soft, glowing skin and feel awwsome about it!

Strenghten your immune system - Honey contains antioxidants and bacteria fighting properties that can ward off infections caused by bacteria, virus, and fungi. That's why it is known as one of the best immunity-boosting foods.

Helps control and prevent Eczema - Since honey makes the skin soft and supple, it is great for treating and controlling eczema which is often accompanied by dry, itchy, red and flaky skin. Mix honey into olive oil and massage into these dry patches for relief. Regular use will treat your eczema well.

Heal your gums - Bleeding gums and gingivitis can be treated by mixing honey with water and using it as a mouthwash. You can also rub honey directly onto painful gums for instant relief.

Cure your dandruff - Mix honey with your hair oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. Soft and smooth scalp is yours to flaunt!

Your health comes first at all times. Including this antioxidant-rich food in your diet is definitely going to boost your health and make you feel happy, one since it is so good for your health and two since it is sweet... Can you resist something sweet? I cannot !! lol.
For now, stay healthy and let Nature take its course in your life!

* These home remedies are not a substitute for your regular medication. Please consult your doctor if you have any medical concerns before trying them out or have any reaction to the same.

Back to Blog