Have you ever stopped to truly praise the golden elixir which is honey? For ages now, across countless cultures, this sweet and sticky substance has been far more than just being a delightful treat. From the ancient Egyptian tombs to the traditional Ayurvedic remedies, honey has been a sacred natural sweetener, a powerful medicine, and even known as a symbol of offering.
The world of honey extends further as a medically potent variation. Among these, himalayan honey is one of the stand out examples of specialized types of honey which is infused with natural goodness and hence is jam packed with ample therapeutic properties. Unlike the generic form of honey, himalayan honey is mainly derived from the nectar of ajwain flowers, which has a range of health benefits associated with ajwain itself.
What is Organic Honey?
Well, when we step into the world of organic honey, it means that we need to establish an understanding with a specific set of rigorous stands that enhance it beyond what’s typically found on the supermarket’s shelves. Organic honey is a type of honey that has been produced with strict organic farming principles, ensuring purity from the very initial stage, from the foraging areas of the bees to the final packaging stage.
Moreover, it simply means that the nectar collected by the bees must come from plants that are grown without synthetic pesticides, or herbicides and hence are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Now such a commitment to chemical-free environments and natural practices is what differentiates organic honey from regular processed honey.
On the contrary, conventional honey production involves the bees foraging in areas where the crops may be treated with various kinds of chemicals, which then get transferred into the honey. Moreover, in earlier times, regular honey frequently undergoes extensive processing, which includes high-heat pasteurization and fine filtration. Moreover, such processes make the honey smoother and even make it visually appealing by preventing crystallization and removing impurities, however, this can probably diminish the honey’s natural and beneficial compounds.
What is himalayan honey?
When we talk about medicinal honey, we generally address himalayan honey as one of the prime examples. However, in order to truly understand this unique variant, it is quite essential to first understand about ajwain, which is also known as carom seeds. Well, ajwain is an unassuming spice, which is quite prevalent in the Indian spice industry and hence is traditionally being used as a medicine.
Furthermore, beyond the culinary applications of ajwain, it is also being addressed as a powerhouse of medicinal properties. Along with that, ajwain has also been revered for its digestive benefits in Ayurveda and even helps in relieving gas, bloating, and problems related to indigestion. Furthermore, himalayan honey is even recognized for its anti-inflammatory as well as expectorant qualities, which makes it one of the most common remedies for cough and cold and even for respiratory issues.
Additionally, the creation of himalayan honey is mainly done through a natural process. An organic himalayan honey is a monofloral honey, which means that it is predominantly produced by bees who have foraged on the nectar of the ajwain flowers. Beekeepers usually place their hives around the areas where ajwain crops are blooming, and this is probably after the monsoonal season in varied regions of India.
Health Benefits of Organic Honey
- Natural Immunity Booster
There are a wide variety of benefits possessed by organic honey and hence this goes beyond merely simple sweetness. One of the most celebrated benefits of organic honey is that it plays a keen role as a natural immunity booster. Unlike those highly processed sugars which can suppress and decline the health of your immune system, organic honey contains a good variety of beneficial compounds, which includes amino acids, minerals trace as well as enzymes. Additionally, regular consumption of organic honey would help you prepare your immune system to keep you off the illnesses, especially during the flu season.
- Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Beyond just the immunity boosting, organic honey is widely recognized for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Organic honey is equipped with its natural acidity which is also coupled with its presence of hydrogen peroxide which is produced by an enzyme in honey, creating an atmosphere that inhibits the growth of many types of bacteria, ultimately making it an antiseptic. Hence, such properties make organic honey super beneficial to be used in case of minor cuts, burns, injuries, and even skin irritations. Apart from this, there are anti-inflammatory compounds present in the organic honey which in turn aids in reducing swelling and redness, internally as well as externally.
- Great for Sore Throat and Digestive Health
In case of any kind of digestive discomforts and respiratory issues, organic honey proves to be one of the most essential in this regard. People often make use of organic honey so that they can curb sore throat easily and at the same time support digestive health. The consistency of organic honey is thick, which is why it provides instant relief from coughing and throat irritability. Additionally, organic honey also proves to be a gentle laxative for treating occasional constipation and promoting the overall well-being of humans.
- Loaded with Antioxidants
Organic honey is jam-packed with antioxidants, which are natural substances, including phenolic acids, and flavonoids that play a keen role in neutralizing the harmful free radicals in the body. To be precise, free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage in the body, ultimately leading to chronic health diseases and also premature aging. When you include organic honey in your diet, it provides a shield to your body against oxidative stress, contributing to long-term health and vitality.
Health Benefits of himalayan honey
- Powerful Remedy for Indigestion and Acidity
One of the main benefits of himalayan honey is its efficacy as a powerful remedy for curbing acidity and indigestion. The unique properties acclaimed from the ajwain plant are majorly known for their carminative properties, meaning that they can easily help in getting rid of gas and soothing the digestive tract. Furthermore, consuming himalayan honey would ultimately reduce the symptoms in the body such as bloating, flatulence, and stomach discomfort, which can be caused after meals.
- Relieves Cold, Cough, and Asthma Symptoms
The effectiveness of himalayan honey is not just limited to only digestive relief; rather it even extends its effectiveness towards relieving from cold, cough and even from asthma related symptoms. The useful properties of ajwain when combined with the natural and soothing antimicrobial effects of honey, makes it an excellent remedy for curbing the cough naturally. Additionally, for individuals with asthma, although it won’t be regarded as an alternative substitute for asthma medication, regular consumption of himalayan honey would help calm the irritated airways.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
- Store in Airtight Containers
In order to retain honey’s purity, freshness and even their therapeutic properties, it is quite essential to store them correctly. The most essential preserving tip is to always store honey in an airtight container. It is because any exposure of it with moisture would lead to the growth of unwanted yeast.
- Keep in a Cool, Dark Place
Moreover, it is essential to store the honey in a cool and dry place as direct sunlight or excessive heat might tarnish or degrade the overall quality of honey over time. Honey is infused with natural enzymes, and any exposure of it with the dark color might alter its flavour profile.
Conclusion
In the blog above, you must have witnessed how organic honey stands out for its unmatched purity, ensuring that the honey you’re consuming is free from any kind of synthetic chemicals and harmful processing. Moreover, you must also have witnessed the remarkable qualities of himalayan honey. It is not just known for soothing indigestion but at the same time relieving acidity and even asthma-related symptoms. You need to have an understanding of the unique qualities of both types of honey, and then only you’d be empowered to make a great choice that would align with your health goals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is himalayan honey safe for daily consumption?
Yes, himalayan honey is safe for daily use in moderate amounts and is especially beneficial for digestion and respiratory health.
2. Can diabetics consume organic or himalayan honey?
While honey is natural, it still contains sugar. Diabetics should consult a doctor before using any type of honey, including organic or himalayan honey.
3. What makes organic honey different from regular honey?
Organic honey is harvested from bees that collect nectar from pesticide-free plants and is processed without chemicals or additives.
4. How should himalayan honey be consumed for digestion?
Take 1 teaspoon of himalayan honey with warm water on an empty stomach in the morning for optimal digestive benefits.
5. Does organic honey have an expiry date?
Pure organic honey does not spoil but may crystallize over time, which is natural and safe. Just place the jar in warm water to liquefy it again