Honey has been used for its medicinal and anti-aging properties, and even for simple culinary pleasure, for thousands of years in cultures around the world. But despite its rich history and centuries of documentation, many people today are unaware of the possibilities with this versatile resource. The more common approach lately is to turn to the myriad of modern chemical-based salves, beauty masks with unpronounceable ingredients, and multi-syllable, potentially harmful sugar alternatives.

If you're interested in a more natural approach, this wholesome, potent, multi-tasking food may help you address many of these needs without chemicals, while saving you money and simplifying your shopping list.

Honey has been attributed, scientifically and anecdotally, with a wide range of virtues:

• 
  
• antibacterial dressing for cuts, scrapes and burns
• 
  
• insomnia aid
• 
  
• potential treatment for stomach ulcers
• 
  
• energy booster
• 
  
• can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms
• 
  
• treatment for diarrhea
• 
  
• diet aid (In addition to maintaining sugar levels, honey may keep you feeling fuller longer while satisfying your sweet tooth.)

Depending on how you want to use this sweet serum, the type of honey you need can vary. No matter what you're intended use, unprocessed honey is best, as processing can interfere with the natural properties of honey. For healing, it's been suggested that some honeys have higher antioxidant levels than others. Manuka honey from New Zealand is often noted for its antioxidant powers. (It is, of course, always a good idea to discuss any new treatments with your doctor before implementing them. Please note that honey is strongly and uniformly discouraged for children aged 1 year or younger, due to the possible presence of botulism spores.)

For healing wounds, soothing throats, smoothing wrinkles and more, you might need little (or nothing) more than a jar of sticky, golden honey. Or you might simply choose to delight your taste buds with a rich, unadulterated natural treat.

You can find more information about the benefits of honey in Nancy Eischen's Mother Earth News article, 'Healing with Honey.'