Honey, a true elixir of well-being and health: that’s why it’s good for you. Honey has always been considered a real elixir of well-being and health. Honey is also one of the most used natural remedies against flu symptoms as it is an excellent soothing remedy for coughs and sore throats. Honey has always been known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies indicate that honey has shown the ability to limit and counter the development of different types of bacteria involved, for example, in respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, also highlighting anti-inflammatory and calming properties for coughs and cold symptoms; in particular these properties have been demonstrated by a study2 of the Department of Pediatrics and Public Health Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania. Research has confirmed that honey offers benefits and relief especially during the night. The secret would be its sweetness: it seems that its soothing power derives from the fact that the sweet substances naturally induce the salivation reflex, causing mucus secretions and the sedative and emollient effect on the pharynx and larynx.

Honey as a natural remedy for cough and sore throat
As proof, honey is also mentioned by the World Health Organization, just as a natural remedy for coughs, sore throats and colds. As far as dental health is concerned, the high sugar content has often been associated with a potential risk of caries which, however, is still lower than sugar (white or cane) .In addition, dark honeys and those produced in arid areas hinder the formation of plaque, thanks to the higher content of antioxidants. It is also of fundamental importance to remember that honey has a lower Glycemic Index (GI) than other sweeteners, especially those in which fructose prevails over glucose and which keep their liquid state longer (they crystallize less such as Acacia’s honey). That is why it can be included in the diet of diabetics. In fact, several studies have shown that constant consumption (12 weeks) of honey has a more favorable effect on fasting blood sugar, total and LDL cholesterolemia, and triglycerides. Last but not least, it is necessary to remember its many applications for the well-being of the skin. In fact, honey, in addition to protecting the epidermis from the action of atmospheric agents such as wind or smog, also guarantees protection against the attack of dangerous microorganisms that could cause damage of a certain importance. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, it guarantees an almost constant level of hydration, in contrast to skin dryness, since it absorbs and retains water. Honey is rich in antioxidants useful for fighting free radicals, implicated in the mechanisms of skin aging, and for these reasons it is used as a fundamental ingredient in masks, scrubs and packs for both the skin and the hair. And again honey is useful for giving energy, tone and vitality to the skin and hair.

Acacia honey: health benefits
Acacia honey, one of the best known and most appreciated in our country, is a unifloral honey produced by bees thanks to the nectar of the locust tree, particularly widespread in Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Campania and Abruzzo. Robinia honey is a honey that contains high amounts of fructose, which is why it is particularly sweet and has a lower tendency to crystallize than other types of honey. Acacia honey is therefore liquid and is characterized by a very light yellow color, transparent or slightly cloudy, and by a delicate flavor, which does not excessively alter the taste of foods and drinks to which it is added. Acacia honey can be used to sweeten coffee, tea, herbal tea and other hot and cold drinks, including flavored waters or it can be consumed as food, for example spread on slices of toast for breakfast, alone or with hazelnut and chocolate creams, paying attention to the quantities, so as not to exceed the daily calories. Acacia honey can also be used to make energy bars with oilseeds and nuts or to make sweet and sour sauces with apple cider vinegar, to be used as a condiment.

Given the emollient, soothing and healing properties of acacia honey, this product is also an excellent natural remedy for coughs, sore throats and excess phlegm. To enjoy the benefits of honey in case of throat irritation, just take a teaspoon as needed, alone or with the addition of a drop of thyme essential oil, or add it to cough and sore throat infusions. In addition to calming coughs, acacia honey can also be beneficial for irritations of the oral cavity and stomach, such as gingivitis, stomatitis, heartburn and ulcers. In these cases it can be added to emollient herbal teas based on mallow, to be consumed or used for mouth rinses.