There is more to raw Sark honey than what meets the eye, mainly because of the multiple health benefits it can offer.
• Potentially treating coughs:
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that raw honey can act as a demulcent, or a substance that helps relieve irritation in the mouth or throat by forming a protective film. Raw honey works just as well as dextromethorphan (an ingredient in over-the-counter medicines) in soothing cough caused by upper respiratory tract infections, usually among children. Raw honey can also serve as a remedy for sleep difficulties caused by these infections.
• Helping with wound treatment:
Raw honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Research has revealed that unprocessed honey helped with both wound and ulcer healing. One study highlighted that 58 out of 59 wounds improved following a topical application of honey. In particular, a type of honey called Manuka honey, made with pollen gathered from the Manuka bush’s flowers, was already used for this purpose. Clinical trials discovered Manuka honey’s ability to eradicate more than 250 clinical bacteria strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
• Delivering an energy boost:
You can use raw honey to help provide a quick pre- or post-workout energy boost. Raw honey can be beneficial for athletes searching for a “time-released fuel” to deliver energy over a longer period of time.
• Assisting with free radical elimination:
Antioxidants called phenolic compounds are present in honey, which helps protect the body from free radical-initiated cell damage.
• Helping decrease allergy symptoms:
More often than not, locally produced honey may contain pollen spores picked up by bees from local plants. Consuming locally produced raw honey is highly ideal because it can allow the honey to boost the body’s health and resistance against certain allergens.
• Serving as a remedy against herpes wounds:
Good-quality raw honey can offer benefits against herpes sores by drawing fluid away from the wound. Raw honey’s high sugar content can suppress microorganism growth too. Worker bees secrete an enzyme called glucose oxidase into the nectar. When the honey comes into contact with the wound, the enzyme then releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide.