Indulging in a slice of fresh bread topped with raw honey is a beloved treat of mine. Besides its delectable flavor, raw honey boasts numerous health benefits, thanks to its rich content of bee pollen and propolis, revered for their medicinal properties since ancient times.

But why opt for locally sourced and raw honey? The reason lies in preserving its natural goodness. Once honey undergoes filtration and high-temperature heating, many of its health-enhancing properties are compromised. Choosing locally sourced honey ensures that it contains allergens specific to your area, potentially aiding in allergy relief. In contrast, industrialized honey, devoid of its distinctive flavors and often adulterated with added sugars, lacks the wholesome qualities of raw, local varieties. Moreover, commercial honey production, involving the mass transportation of bees for crop pollination, disrupts the natural order, making locally sourced raw honey the preferred choice for both taste and health.

Let’s take a look at some health benefits of local, raw honey.

• Quercetin, a component of honey, has been found in studies to reduce inflammation and pollen allergy symptoms. Quercetin stabilizes the cell membranes that release histamine, which triggers allergic reactions.
• Raw honey contains bee pollen and bee propolis, which boosts the immune system and builds immunity to allergens.
• Local, raw honey has healing and antimicrobial properties.
• The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. The phytonutrients are also thought to be the reason raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits.
• It has been found that local, raw honey is a natural antiseptic which makes it perfect for treating wounds. Many types of bacteria can’t survive in honey, therefor honey speeds up healing, reduce swelling, and gives tissue the opportunity to grow back more quickly.
• Raw honey calms the inflammation of the stomach and therefore it may help tame stomach flu and is a great pain reliever.

Honey, your soul is golden.