The natural way to help beat colds and viruses
Most of us are familiar with taking honey when we are feeling under the weather with colds, flu and viruses but how does honey boost your immune system?
Mary Poppins used to sing ‘a spoonful of medicine makes the medicine go down.’ Now, we hate to quibble but she would have been better off giving the children a spoonful of honey!*
Unprocessed, natural honey (like ours at Hedgeley Honey) contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. On top of that, it has antimicrobial properties which can help to reduce inflammation and antibacterial constituents. Consuming honey on a daily basis can help strengthen our immune system.
Why does honey boost your immune system?
Nutrition content varies but one tablespoon or 21 grams of honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Natural honey also has small amounts of calcium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin and zinc. It is also a source of amino acids, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds.
Just one teaspoon of our Hedgeley Honey a day, whether Heather, Blossom or Borage, can help to support your immune system. If you have a cold, add a teaspoon of honey to lemon juice and fresh ginger (not powdered) with hot water to make a superfood drink. This will keep you hydrated and you’ll gain the extra health benefits from the lemon and ginger.
Just add lemon and ginger (and whisky)!
Ginger root also boosts the immune system and helps stop inflammation. It’s a strong antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. Lemons are full of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and vitamin B9, important for the immune system and other anti-inflammatory nutrients. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts your immune system. It promotes the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting off infections.
Of course, you could make the traditional Scottish ‘hot toddie’ by adding a tot of whisky before you go to bed to help you sleep.
*Don’t forget, don’t give babies honey. According to the NHS, very occasionally, honey contains bacteria that can produce toxins in their intestines, leading to infant botulism, a serious illness. Wait until they’re over one year old to introduce honey into their diet and in moderation. Too much sugar (and honey is a sugar) can lead to tooth decay. Always follow a rigorous dental hygiene routine.