"Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the
spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a
drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a
Sign for those who give thought"(16:69).
Although honey's healing benefits were known to Muslims more than a
thousand years ago, scientists are just now beginning to research it's
amazing powers. Indeed, Peter Molan, biochemist at the University of
Waikato (New Zealand) has - for the past 17 years – researched into the
healing properties of honey and has shown scientifically that all honeys
have varying degrees of such properties (Molan, p.1). Honey contains
many minerals and vitamins beneficial to man. However, one of the most
important properties seems to be its antibiotic action.
Each drop of honey contains many minerals (/potassium, sodium,
phosphate, copper, iron, calcium, manganese/), enzymes, trace elements,
vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, K), as well as /beta-carotene/.
Honey also contains glucose, fructose and saccharine (70%) and is very
preservative just by itself (billybee.com). Of course honey from a
supermarket, which has been heated and filtered, may not be as
therapeutic as one taken directly from the comb (Ifas, p.4).
Molan's favorite story about honey makes reference to a 20-year-old
wound in a British woman.
Bacteria had been festering in an abscess in her armpit for years,
resisting all the antibiotics she had taken. Nothing seemed to help her
and she could barely use her arm. In August 1999, she heard about
honey's healing effects and convinced her doctors to put some in her
dressing.
At that point they were willing to try anything and were not very
hopeful that anything would work.
However, they were quite surprised when one month later the wound
finally healed and the woman could use her arm again.
Since then, honeys have been tested on the different species of bacteria
responsible for wound infection (Molan, p.2). The State Medical Society
of Wisconsin announced," It is only a matter of time before antibiotics
lose their effectiveness because their overuse creates ever-stronger germs."
Thus, we may have to go back to the to the old fashioned remedy.
However, "old fashioned", is not as bad as it sounds. Effectively, the
potency of honey was found to be superior to all types of antibiotics.
Two years ago, Australia approved honey as a medicine and began selling
it in pharmacies (Whichman, p.1).
Honey is now known for its antibiotic, antioxidant and antiviral
capabilities.
In fact, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which
is believed to be the main reason for its anti-microbial activity.
If one wants to use it as a dressing, the best way is to use sterilized
honey.
However, the only way to sterilize honey without destroying its
antibacterial agents is through gamma-irradiations.
Honey is also used for sore throats, colds, heartburn, fever blisters, cuts,
acne, skin disorders, ulcers, stomach inflammations and cataracts… and
its flavor excites the appetite (The National Honey Board).
The advantage of the honey used externally is that during the healing
process the re-growth of the sick part of the body is enhanced by
honey's moisturizing properties. Molan explains the mechanism of this
process:
1. The nectar, being made of glucose and fructose, is very attracted
by water. When put on a wound, it absorbs water and body fluids,
taking and destroying bacteria and inhibiting their growth too.
2. Raw honey contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that produces a mild
antiseptic when mixed with a bit of water.
3. This enzyme is destroyed by heat and pasteurization. That is why
it cannot be found in commercial honeys (Molan, p.3)
Of course raw, unprocessed honey, which is usually darker, has the most
medicinal and nutritional value and is even the most flavorful.
Particularly active, Manuka Honey from New Zealand has all the healing
antibacterial properties of other honeys, with some additional
components. "All honey is not created equal, however certain types such
as "active" Manuka from New Zealand and perhaps Honeydew from Central
Europe are more effective for infections," says Molan (Molan, p.2).
While the healing properties of honey may be news to modern science,
Prophet Mohammad (saws) commented on its value 1400 years ago. Indeed,
once a man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has got loose
motions." The Prophet said to him, "Let him drink honey (Bukhari)."
Furthermore, the work of Molan has provided substantial evidence that
honey holds promise in the treatment of peptic ulcers and upper
gastroenteritis disorders.
Despite its high acid concentration, the nectar is very digestible and
tones the kidneys. The Prophet (saws) also said, "If there is any
healing in your medicines, then it is in cupping, a gulp of honey or
branding with fire (cauterization) that suits the ailment, but I don't
like to be (cauterized) branded with fire." Indeed, honey also
nourishes, regulates and purifies blood circulation. Its fructose is the
only natural inert sugar and it goes straight into the blood, nourishing
nerves and providing the brain with extra energy.
In case of first-degree burns, "the raw wild flower honey formed a
flexible protective barrier which prevents infections, absorbs pus and
reduced pain, irritation and odor" writes Leigh Broadhurst
(Healthwellexchange.com). A Romanian doctor stated that he tried honey
on cataract patients, and 2002 of his 2094 patients recovered completely
(Islamweb.net).
Another function has been found for honey too: an Oklahoma allergist has
said that raw honey is an excellent treatment for 90% of all allergies.
A person who is suffering from an allergy to a certain plant should eat
honey made from this plant (Reallyrawhoney.com).
Honey can also help heal Tinea, for it has anti-fungal activities; but
not many species of fungi have been tested. Mycoses are quite difficult
to treat, for they need both anti-fungal and antibacterial treatment.
However, Manuka honey showed that its hydrogen peroxide factors inhibit
the growth of fungi. Although, the concentration of honey needed to
treat Mycoses is higher than that needed to treat bacteria (Molan, p.3).
However, paradoxical, sweet honey can also protect the teeth. Its
anti-microbial activity has been tested on several species of dental
plaque bacteria. A study shows that honey has been proven to sharply
reduce acid production, thus killing the bacteria responsible for dental
caries. Researchers believe that it also makes a difference in fighting
inflammatory infections of the gums (Cbshealthwatch.com).
One Companion of the Prophet reported, "In our holy battles, we used to
get honey (Bukhari)."
According to what we now know, this was a logical choice for travelers
and soldiers, as honey is a supersaturated sugar and is easy to digest
because of the monosaccharides; it is also a superior antibiotic. The
natural carbohydrates contained within honey, when combined with
proteins, help maintain a good glycaemia - which is important for
recovering after a hard-days efforts.
By maintaining a good glucose level, honey also maintains a good insulin
level and helps people to avoid hypoglycemia.
Some studies showed that this nectar could thus boost endurance
performance in athletes (Cbshealthwatch.com).
However, although honey is a very safe and natural remedy, it should not
be given to infants under one year-old. Honey is a source of bacteria
spores that product a toxin which can cause infant botulism, even though
it is rare (a risk of botulism exists in the ingestion of any uncooked
food!).
Botulism is a rare disease that affects the nervous system and can lead
to palsy.
Nevertheless, it can still be use as a dressing for burns and cuts
(Manukahoneyusa.com).
"And your Lord taught the honey bee…" (16:68). This verse explains the
excessive production of the bees.
They have been taught to produce not only for themselves but also for
human beings! The excellent organization within the hive is also proof
of this "teaching."
So, honey should be the first choice in cases of health problems as it
is natural and has a high nutrient value; it does not have the side
effects of drugs and is more affordable than most other kinds of therapy.
*References:*
Molan, Peter, MD. "Honey Research."
Sahih Bukhari. "Book of Medicine."
Ifas. "/APIS Newspaper./" University of Florida. August 2000.
The National Honey Board.
Whichman, Julie. "Honey." /Health Watch/. Vol 21:12. March16 2000.
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