Bees are the makers of honey, a deliciously sweet, healthy resource when in a raw state. The consumption of local raw honey helps relieve a cough, abate a sore throat, improves sleep, relieves constipation, and helps maintain an equal energy level. Further, it helps moisturize skin, is a natural antiseptic that effectively heals wounds, and is an anti-inflammatory aid. This article focuses on a standard recipe to promote health for a multitude of common conditions.

Standard Recipe to Promote Health:

This recipe helps to sooth a cough, reduces ulcer flare-ups, regulates intestinal tract, and reduces pain associated with a sore throat. Further, daily consumption helps alleviate allergy symptoms, increases resistance to the cold or flu, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, acts as an effective antacid, and helps reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 oz. (177 to 236ml) Apple Cider
• 1 Tbsp. (15ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
• ¼ Tsp. (1.25g) Ginger
• ½ Tsp. (2.5g) Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. (30ml) Local Raw Honey

Directions:

Mix apple cider, ginger, and cinnamon. Heat apple cider mixture in microwave or on the stove-top using medium heat; do not allow the cider to boil. The goal is warm the cider and gently blend the spices. Place the warmed cider mixture in a mug and stir in the apple cider vinegar and raw honey. Stir until honey is completely dissolved, and drink in one sitting.

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: Is there a substitution for apple cider vinegar?

A: No. Not all vinegars produce the same results, as they are derived from different sources. However, do not worry, apple cider vinegar is readily found alongside other types of vinegar in grocery markets.

Q: Can I use honey purchased from a grocery market?

A: No. Although store bought honey and raw honey might look similar their property makeup is completely different. It has to do with the temperature during the pasteurization process. Honey in the comb is hard. Honey farmers that offer local raw honey warm the honey for extraction purposes only and do so at a low enough temperature as to not kill off active enzymes. In the United States store bought honey is superheated to kill off all enzyme properties, leaving the product as an alternative sweetener to refined sugar.

Q: Does the honey have to be local?

A: Ideally, yes, and here is why. Honeybees collect and process the local pollen of your region. This is particularly important to allergy sufferers. View local raw honey in a similar manner to allergy shots. When consuming local raw honey you are building up your tolerance to environmental elements. For people receiving allergy shots, the consumption of local raw honey can expedite building a stronger immunity. In addition, the honey can help reduce the sting associated with the shot site by placing honey over the area.

Q: Is honey safe for children?

A: It is believed that children one year or younger should avoid honey (store bought or otherwise), as their intestinal tract is not yet developed enough to properly process it. For small children, it is wisest to talk to your pediatrician before entering any new food into a child's diet. This allows the doctor to monitor any potential sensitivity towards food.

To find raw honey distributors in the United States, Canada, or Germany, browse the Honey Locator. Be sure to ask the beekeeper specifically if their product is local raw honey.