Truly,
honey is a superfood, a nectarian delight and an effective healing
agent all in one. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, enzymes and
antioxidants, lots of carbohydrates in the form of sugars and even some
amino acids. So sweet is it that, taken together, its unique combination
of fructose and glucose makes it sweeter than table sugar.
When
you have a moment, hold up a clear jar of honey up in the sunlight and
see the golden nectar for what it is. Its amber color reflects much of
the sun’s energy which was utilized in its process of creation.
In
Ayurveda honey is considered one of the most effective natural delivery
systems for the therapeutic administration of herbal preparations and
other remedies.
As in all healing systems throughout the world,
there is much subtlety and nuance associated with every healing agent
“under the sun”. By that we mean that a single food or herb or spice has
different healing qualities associated with it depending on it’s
source, its specific type, ripeness, exact time of being picked or
harvested, what kind of ground it is grown in, among several other
determinants.
In
the case of honey there are additional differences which are even more
subtle, but no less important in distinguishing one healing application
from another. By way of illustration, here is a list of the eight
different types of honey identified within Ayurveda which can be found
at the website linked below:
Types of Honey:
Eight types
of honey are described in ayurveda depending on the type of bee which
collects it. They are Pouttika, Bhramara, Kshoudra, Makshika, Chatra,
Arghya, Oudalaka, Dala.
Pouttika – This honey is collected by
very large bees from the nectar of poisonous flowers. It increases vata,
causes gout and burning sensation in chest. It is also sedative and
reduces fat.
Bhramara – This honey is collected by large bees and sticky in nature.
Kshoudra – (Honey collected by medium sized honey bees) light and cold in nature. Dissolves Kapha.
Makshika – (Honey collected by small honey bees) very light and dry natured. Useful in VataKapha diseases and kapha diseases.
Chatra – Heavy and cold in nature useful in gout, Leucoderma (Shwitra).
Arghya – Good for eyes but causes arthritis.
Oudalaka – Useful in skin diseases, and helps in modulation of voice.
Dala – Dry and reduces vomiting.
Amongst all the above “Makshika” is considered as the best type with immense medicinal properties.
{SOURCE: “Therapeutic uses of Honey in Ayurveda” by Dr. Krishna.R.S at Pioneer Thinking}
Without
delving into the ayurvedic nomenclature we can quickly see just how
important this expanded understanding may be for those using honey
medicinally on a regular basis, as well as for those who eat a lot in
their regular diet like The Health Coach.
According to Ayurveda,
honey possesses many useful medicinal properties which are not well
unknown, except among the many practitioners of this ancient system of
health and wellness. What follows is just a short list of some of
honey’s more common usages which can be found at the same website:
Some Health Benefits of Honey:
a. Honey is very good for eyes and eye sight.
b. It quenches thirst.
c. Dissolves kapha.
d. Reduces effects of poison.
e. Stops hiccups.
f. It is very useful in urinary tract disorders, worm infestations, bronchial asthma, cough, diarrhea and nausea, vomiting.
g. Cleanse the wounds.
h. It heals wounds.
i. Helps in quick healing of deep wounds.
j. Initiates growth of healthy granulation tissue.
k. Honey which is newly collected from bee hive increases body weight and is a mild laxative.
l. Honey which is stored and is old helps in metabolism of fat and scrapes Kapha.
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