18/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 18, 2025 theSunday Special XII

Honey, I’m home Raw, golden and sticky in the best way, it is more than a sweet drizzle on toast. Here’s why your kitchen staple doubles as a quiet healer

Honey has been shown to speed up healing wounds, burns and even ulcers.

I T’S the kind of thing that lives quietly in a cupboard. You bring it out for sore throats, drizzle it over pancakes or stir it into a cup of tea – and then forget about it. But honey is far more than just a kitchen sweetener, especially the raw or minimally processed kind. It’s a natural remedy that has stood the test of time, quietly helping with everything from skin to sleep. Used for thousands of years in Ayurve da, traditional Chinese medicine and Malay jamu remedies, honey has earned its place as a trusted healer across cultures. It’s rich in antioxidants, boasts antibacte rial and anti-inflammatory properties and provides a quick, clean energy boost thanks to its simple sugar composition. 7KH EHVW SDUW"

home remedy for dry coughs or raspy voices. It’s even backed by research; some studies show that honey can be as H̆ HFWLYH DV RYHU WKH FRXQWHU FRXJK V\UXS especially in children (though not recom mended for those under one year old). Supports digestive health Honey can act as a mild prebiotic, helping to feed the good bacteria in your gut. When taken on an empty stomach with warm water, it can help stimulate diges tion and reduce occasional bloating or discomfort. In some Malay and Chinese traditions, honey is used alongside apple cider vinegar or lemon water as part of a gentle detox routine. While it’s not a cure-all, it’s a gentle and natural way to support your gut and kick-start your PHWDEROLVP ¿UVW WKLQJ LQ WKH PRUQLQJ Natural energy booster Unlike processed sugar, honey provides a steady energy release without the post-snack crash. Its mix of glucose and fructose is easily digested, making it a favourite among athletes and early

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risers. A teaspoon before a workout or even during an afternoon slump can help sustain your energy levels without reach ing for a sugary drink. Some parents even add a touch of honey to their children’s breakfast porridge or smoothies to make mornings less of a battle. Skin repair and hydration Honey is a natural humectant, it draws moisture into the skin and helps retain it. Both local beauty brands and DIY

enthusiasts swear by honey masks for dry or acne-prone skin. Its antimicrobial properties make it a popular ingredient in calming masks, while its antioxidants help support skin repair and recovery. A small amount applied to blemishes or dry patches can provide relief, especially when mixed with ingredients like yoghurt, oats or turmeric. In a pinch, raw honey can even be dabbed onto minor burns or cuts to aid healing (always on clean skin, of course). Supports restful sleep If you’ve ever struggled with sleep but didn’t want to reach for medication, honey might help. A small spoonful before bed, especially when paired with warm milk or chamomile tea, may help regulate melatonin production and promote deeper rest. It also helps stabilise blood sugar levels overnight, which in turn can keep your liver from overworking and disrupting your sleep cycle. This practice is commonly used in traditional remedies, particularly among older generations who understand that a bit of natural sweetness at night could calm the system. Helps with wound healing Applied topically, honey has been shown to accelerate the healing of wounds, burns, and even ulcers. Medical-grade honey dressings are now used in some hospitals, especially for chronic or non healing wounds. The high sugar content and low pH of honey help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, while its anti LQÀDPPDWRU\ SURSHUWLHV UHGXFH VZHOOLQJ While you wouldn’t use your pantry honey for open wounds, it’s another reminder that this golden liquid is more than a treat.

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