Essential Facts about Raw Honey
Names
- Sanskrit: Pushparasa, Pushpasava
- Hindi: Shahad
- English: Raw Honey
- Other names (types of honey in Ayurveda): Makshika, Bhraamara, Kshaudra, Paittaka
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Sweet
- Guna (qualities): Heavy, Dry, Cold
- Virya (action/potency): Warming
- Vipaka (post-digestive effects): Sweet
- Dosha (constitution): Balances Pitta and Kapha
Habitat
Because bees live on every continent except Antarctica, and raw honey comes from bees, raw honey can be found throughout the entire world.
Description
Raw honey is essentially unprocessed honey. Honey that has a more viscous quality has been heated and pasteurized. Raw honey also contains more nutrients than honey which has been processed.
Nutrients
Raw honey is rich in a variety of essential nutrients. That’s why many health practitioners (not merely those practicing the Ayurvedic tradition) recommend using it to boost wellness. Among the more significant nutrients it contains are zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as numerous vitamins.
Medicinal Uses of Raw Honey
There are several different ways you may use raw honey benefits to boost your own wellness. You may also simply consume honey on a regular basis to support your overall health and improve the flow of prana.
Treating Coughs
Raw honey has long been used to sooth irritating coughs. It’s worth noting that Western science has studied and confirmed its cough-suppressing effects.
Improving Skin
Raw honey has natural antibacterial qualities. Thus, it is often applied to the skin, particularly when a wound or sore requires healing. In the Ayurvedic tradition, honey has also been known to reduce pain when applied to wounds.
Treating Respiratory Conditions
Honey can support lung health as well. It’s especially beneficial to people with asthma. Simply breathing in the scent of raw honey for a few moments can make it much easier for a person with asthma to breathe.
Promoting Sleep
Ancient Ayurvedic texts recommend honey for the treatment of insomnia. For the best effects, it’s recommended that you take two teaspoons of honey mixed with water before bed. Additionally, honey is considered a sedative in general. Reducing stress may also be among raw honey’s benefits.
Application and Dosage of Raw Honey
The amount of honey you take will depend on how you use it. If you’re using it to treat a wound, just use a sufficient amount to cover the affected area thoroughly. To improve breathing in asthma, place it under the nose, using enough that the scent is noticeable. For coughs and insomnia, two teaspoons mixed with water is enough.
If you’re looking to boost general health and wellness, consider combining it with nutrient-rich botanicals and spices, or consuming Chyawanprash.
Again, it’s worth mentioning that Ayurvedic practitioners are by no means the only health experts who recommend using honey medicinally. Throughout history, numerous cultures have known of its benefits. Because it’s easy to find, it’s also one of the most convenient Ayurvedic ingredients to take advantage of.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
