So sweet!

Besides being an excellent source of instant energy, honey also has antiseptic qualities. An application of honey by itself or with ghee helps heals burns, ulcers, wounds and scalds.

Honey is also an antidote to cough and cold. A mixture of honey and distilled vinegar or lime juice in equal quantity is an excellent cure for cough. Take honey in cold water if you have trouble falling asleep. If taken in hot milk, it is said to increase the sexual prowess.

Lime in honey is excellent for regulating internal glandular secretions of both sexes at all ages. New honey is considered a laxative; it also stimulates digestion. Asthma patients can get much relief from a teaspoonful or two of honey in a cup of boiled water while still warm. Since this nectar also dries up phlegm and clears the system of mucous, it is highly recommended for the aged.

A concoction of honey with lime chuna applied externally is excellent for relieving headache and cramps. Honey also helps clean greasy hands.

In addition to honey, bees provide other important products like pollen, beeswax, propolis, venom and royal jelly. Royal jelly is a secretion of worker honey bees and is a rich source of vitamin B-complex and C. It is also said to fight anorexia, weight loss, emaciation and premature ageing.

The author is a lecturer in the Physiology Dept, GSS Medical College, Faridkot.