Honey/Madhu - Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more
Honey/Madhu - The delicious aroma
yellowish liquid that is produced by honey bees is honey. It is a sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees. Bee's honey is one of the most valued and appreciated natural substances known to mankind since ancient times. The medicinal properties of honey have been known since ancient times. There are many types of bee's honey mentioned in Ayurveda. According to Modern scientific view, the best bee's honey is made by Apis mellifera Capensis. Honey produced by this varieties of honey bees is the best-known, due to its worldwide commercial production and human consumption.
Bees produce honey from the sugary secretions of plants(i.e floral nectar) or from secretions of other insects(such as honeydew), by regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and water evaporation. Bees store honey in wax structures called honeycombs. Traditionally, honey is used in the treatment of eye diseases, bronchial asthma, throat infections, tuberculosis, thirst, hiccups, fatigue, dizziness, hepatitis, constipation, worm infestation, piles, eczema, healing of ulcers, and wounds and used as a nutritious supplement.
It shows Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticancer, and antimetastatic effects. honey could be considered as a natural therapeutic agent for various medicinal purposes. It is used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people. It promotes semen and mental health. Aged honey is used to treat vomiting, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes mellitus. Honey is highly popular in cosmetic treatment.
- Maximum limit for intake of Honey : 4-5 teaspoon/day
Formation of Honey
The saliva of Apis mellifera gets mixed with the nectar and is converted into dextrose and levulose by the action of invertase. Then it is regurgitated into the comb cells and gets dehydrated by the synchronised movement of the bees. It is stored and remains sealed as ripe honey. During the ripening of the honey, invertse converts the sucrose from nectar into invert sugars.
Some special points
• The water activity (WA) of honey is between 0.56 and 0.62.
• PH value is almost 3.9
• Honey was utilized as a natural sweetener from ancient period since it has high level of fructose (honey is 25% sweeter than tablet sugar).
• Honey no needs to refrigerate, because it never spoils, and it can also be stored unopened at room temperature in a dry place.
Nutritional value of Honey
Pure honey also consists of flavonoids, polyphenols, reducing compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinone, and volatile compounds.
• All of the water-soluble vitamins exist in honey, with Vitamin C being the most frequent.
• Approximately 31 variable minerals have been found in honey, including all of the major minerals, such as phosphorus, sodium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, and chlorine. With this it also includes some rare minerals such as silicon (Si), rubidium (RB), vanadium (V), zirconium (Zr), lithium (Li), and strontium (Sr).
• volatile compounds of honey are generally low but include aldehydes, alcohols, hydrocarbons, ketones, acid esters, benzene and its derivatives, pyran, terpene and its derivatives, norisoprenoids, as well as sulfur, furan, and cyclic compounds.
• Some bioactive compounds, including galangin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and isorhamnetin, are present in all types of honey whereas naringenin and hesperetin are found only in specific varieties.
• Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey.
- phenolic and flavonoid compounds in honey consist of gallic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isorhamnetin, ferulic acids, myricetin, chrysin, coumaric acid, apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, hesperetin, galangin, catechin, luteolin, and naringenin.
• sugar : large amount of Monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) and smaller quantities of disaccharides (sucrose, galactose, alpha, beta-trehalose, gentiobiose, and laminaribiose), trisaccharides (melezitose, maltotriose, 1-ketose, panose, isomaltose glucose, erlose, isomaltotriose, theanderose, centose, isopanose, and maltopentaose), and oligosaccharides are present in honey.
#All these compounds which is found in honey, changes according to floral source, the climatic and geographical conditions.
Antioxidant effect:
Highly reactive ingredient drive from oxygen which named free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during metabolism. These ingredients interact with lipids and protein components in the cell membranes, enzymes as well as DNA. These damaging reactions may lead to various diseases, damage and aging. Fortunately, antioxidants intercept free radicals before they can do damage. Both enzymatic and nonenzymatic substances apply in protective antioxidant.
- Honey have large amount of antioxidants which helps to prevent damage due to free radicals.
Types of Honey
1) Comb honey – taken directly from the bee wax comb and stored as it is.
2) Liquid honey – the wax cappings are cut and combs are processed in honey centrifuge extractor.
3) Granulated honey – honey is frozen, water elements are separated, leaving behind honey granules.
4) Creamed honey – a blend of 1 part of granulated honey and 9 parts liquid honey is made and stored in 57 degrees until it becomes firm.
5) Chunk honey – comb honey stored in a jar with liquid honey poured over it.
#Properties
• Madhura – sweet
• Kashaya Anurasa – astringent sub taste
• Rooksha – dry
• Sheeta – coolant
• Improves appetite and digestive fire (Agnideepanam)
• Varnyam – Improves skin complexion
• Svarya – lmproves voice quality
• Laghu – light to digest
• Sukumara – improves softness of skin
• lekhanam – scraps the inner side of the channels
• hrudya– Good for heart
• Vajikarana – aphrodisiac
• Sandhana – heals wounds and fractures quickly
• shodhanam ropanam – Cleanses and heals
• chakshushyam – Good for eyes
• Prasadhana – improves skin qualities
• sookshma marganusari – Penetrates deep into body channels
• vishaprashamanam – Natural detox agent
• Chakshushya – good for the eyes (vision),
• Pitta shleshmahara – Balances Pitta and Kapha
• Medohara – useful in obesity
• Chedi – breaks up hard masses,
• Trut – relieves thirst,
• Shelshmahara – balances Kapha
#Used for
• Visha – toxicity
• Hidhma – hiccup
• Asrapitta – bleeding conditions
• Meha – diabetes, urinary tract diseases
• Kushta – skin diseases
• Krumi – worm infestation
• Chardi – vomiting
• Shwasa – dyspnoea, chronic respiratory diseases
• Kasa – cough, cold
• Atisara – diarrhoea
• Vrana shodhana – cleanses wounds
• Vrana sandhana, ropana – heals wound quickly
• Vatala – increases Vata
• Ruksha – dry
Uses, Remedies, Benefits and Application
1) Honey with cold water is used in Insomnia.
2) Honey with warm barley water is used in constipation and indigestion.
3) Applied externally along with ghee in wounds, burns, scalds and non-healing ulcers.
- honey makes wounds sterile in less time, enhances healing, and doesn’t leave as much scarring. Honey induces leukocytes to release cytokines, which is what begins the tissue repair cascades.
4) Externally applied along with lime in headache, abdominal colic, bruises and sprains.
5) Honey with juice extract of neem or giloy or Daruharidra is used in jaundice.
6) Honey can heal lesions from herpes just as quickly as ointments you find at a pharmacy, and it’s even better at reducing itchiness.
7) Honey is very good for eyes and eyesight.
Intake : 10 ml of honey mixed with 10 ml of carrot juice and consumed regularly will improve eyesight.
8) Honey is good for improving appetite, especially in children.
9) Apply fresh bee's honey directly on wounds and burns.
10) stop premature aging
Intake : Mix 4 tablespoons of honey, one teaspoon Cinnamon, 3 cups of water and leave a boil. Addressing 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day.
11) Place a spoonful of honey with two tablespoons of warm water, one teaspoon cinnamon, Make the dough and rub the affected area, the pain due to arthritis will disappear within minutes. With this you should drink warm water with 2 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
12) Face wash: Mix a small quantity of lemon juice into 5ml of bee's honey and apply on face before washing.
14) Facial to improve smoothness: A tablespoon of honey whisked together with white of an egg, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and 1/4 cup of flour makes an excellent firming mask. Just smooth on the face, leave on 15 min, and rinse off with warm water.
15) Cracked lips: Apply bee's honey on cracked lips.
16) Hair luster: Mix 5ml of bee's honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse.
17) Conditioner: Mix 10 ml of olive oil into 5ml of bee's honey and apply on hair. Wash after 15 min.
18) The regular use of honey per day with cinnamon strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viruses. Honey contains many vitamins and iron. The daily use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
19) Honey is an excellent co drink for many Ayurvedic medicines. It acts as a catalyst and helps to deliver medicines to the target area at a faster pace.
20) Because honey has cleansing, detoxifying and drying action, its application on clogged skin pores can help to open them up, leading to quicker healing.
21) Because of the penetrating and scraping effect, regular application of honey is beneficial to get rid of black heads, white heads and keratosis.
22) Honey is mentioned as the best remedy for Kapha Dosha. So, honey is useful to relieve skin itching and allergic dermatitis.
23) Honey has potent antibacterial and antifungal actions. Hence, useful in bacterial infections of the skin such as erysipelas, impetigo, folliculitis, furuncles and carbuncles.
24) Administration of Lelitaka (purified Sulphur) along with the juice of Amla together with honey is a remedy par excellence for the cure of 18 types of Kustha (skin diseases) - Charaka Samhita
25) It is also used as a naturalpreservative and sweetener in many Ayurveda or in traditional medicines.
26) Indigestion : Ginger (Zingiber officinale) juice with honey, Lemon (Citrus limon) juice with honey with Navaratna kalka Roasted cumin seeds powder with honey, Roasted cloves powder with honey.
27) Decoction prepared by Bark of Beli (Aegle marmelos) root and internal part of the mango seed with honey.
28) As a demulcent, honey and luke warm(slightly more than room temperature; this is just to remove coldness of water) barley water are given internally in constipation and indigestion, in bronchial affections, asthma, chronic colds, troublesome coughs and sore-throat.
29) It is used as a medium in the preservation of cornea.
30) Honey, mixed with onion juice, is a good remedy for arteriosclerosis.
31) In old age honey is especially useful in providing energy and heat to the body, which has little of it at that stage. In addition to it “it dries up the phlegm and clears the system of mucus which isthe two necessary weaknesses that a man generally fall victim to in his old age.”
32) Honey With lime it is used as an external application to the temples in headache, to the abdomen or round the navel in colic and to other painful parts, such as bruises and sprains.
33) Honey by itself or mixed with ghee, applied to burns, ulcers, scalds and wounds soothes and heals them rapidly.
34) Rubbed over the teeth with charcoal powder it makes them clean and white as snow. Rubbed over greasy, dirty hands, it cleanses them rapidly.
35) It has hypnotic action in bringing sound sleep if taken with cold water before going to bed in doses of two teaspoonfuls in a big cupful of water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey.
36) It decreases flatulence and increases general metabolism and also the quantity of urine among children.
37) Recent researches have proved that Rasanjana Madhu Ashchyotana (RM eye drops) are very effective in the management of Netra Abhishyanda. Infective conjunctivitis.
38) Fresh honey helps to increase body mass while old honey produces constipation and decrease body mass.
39) The use of honey internally and of sunlight externally to the body direct, has been eulogized as an ideal remedy to regulate the secretion of the internal glands and calcium metabolism.
40) In severe cases of malnutrition with heart weakness and in cases of pneumonia, honey has been found to have a marked effect in reviving the heart’s action and keeping the patient alive.
41) It is a useful laxative for children who take it readily; and it is safer and far better for them than cane-sugar.
42) When combined with milk, honey forms an ideal food for growing children and adults.
43) As a demulcent, honey and warm barley water are given internally in constipation and indigestion, in bronchial affections, asthma, chronic colds, troublesome coughs and sore-throat.
44) Honey is an important ingredient of certain lotions, cosmetics, soaps, creams, balms, toilet waters and inhalants
45) Honey works quicker than many antibiotics because it is easily absorbed into the blood stream.
46) Honey prevents infection and promotes healing.
47) It has been proved that honey promotes rapid healing as it stimulates tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and fibroblast growth. Epithelial cell growth is stimulated as these cells grow with the skin level lso that no scab is formed and so no excessive scarring and hypertrophication. Anti-inflammatory action of honey soothes and promotes healing by reducing pain and swelling.
48) Naturally darker honey has greater antioxidant properties. Acetic, Butanoic, Formic, Citric, Succinic, Lactic, Malic, Pyroglutamic, Gluconic acids and a number of aromatic acids are found in honey. Bee's honey is free of Cholesterol.
49) In the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so breath stays fresh throughout the day. It maintains dental hygiene and cleanliness of the smell of the mouth.
50) Common Cold : Blend equal parts sitopaladi, talisadi and mahasudarshan. Combine ½ teaspoon of this herbal formula with honey. Lick from a spoon throughout the day.
51) Consuming one spoon of honey daily helps us to lead a healthy long life.
52) Cough: Mix equal parts maricha and pippali. Along honey. Lick from a spoon.
53) Allergies: Take ½ teaspoon of honey and turmeric in the morning.
Types and qualities of Honey according to Sushruta samhita
• Makshika honey is collected by large honey bees. It isLaghu (lighter than Kshaudra), Ruksha (Dry), It's useful in Kamla (Jaundise) Arsha (Piles) Kshata (Phithis) Kasa (Cough) diseases. It is the best and especially beneficial in diseases like Asthma.
• Bhramara honey is collected by large bees. This honey is Guru (heavy - not easily digested) because of its Picchila(Slimy) and Ati Swadu (excessively sweet) properties. It is Rakta Pitta shamak.
• Kshaudra honey is collected by medium sized honey bees. It is Sheeth (Cold), Laghu (light - easy to digest) and Lekhana (Anti-obesive). It is the best and especially beneficial in diseases like Prameha (Diabetes).
• Pauttika honey is collected by very large bees from the nectar of poisonous flowers. It is Ruksha (Dry), Ushna(Hot), it increases Vata, Rakta and Pitta, and this is also Chedana (liquefaction). It produces burning sensation in the chest. It is also a sedative and reduces fat. It is useful in disease like Diabetes and Dysuria.
• Chatra honey is Madhura (Sweet after digestion), Guru(heavy), Sheetha (Cold) and Picchila (Slimy). It cures bleeding disorders, leucoderma (Shwitra), urethritic discharges and worm infestations.
• Arghya honey is beneficial for eyes, eliminates vitiated Kapha and Pitta Dosha, Kashaya (Astringent in taste), Katu Vipaka (Pungent after digestion) Balya(Strengthening).
• Oudalaka honey is useful in skin diseases and helps in modulation of voice. It is Kashaya (Astringent) and Amla Rasa (Sour), Katu Vipaka (Pungent after digestion) and aggravates Pitta.
• Dala honey is Ruksha (Dry). It mitigates vomiting and diabetes mellitus.
Caution:
- Do not eat honey in excess quantity due to its properties -heavy, rough, astringent and cold. If taken in excessive quantity, produced a condition called Madhvama(a situation called indigestion of honey in Ayurveda) no other kind of indigestion is more difficult to treat than that caused by honey because of the need of opposite kinds of treatment. Hence it is very severe and kills immediately like poison.
- Honey should not be heated, or mixed with hot foods. Also should not be consumed when you are working in hot environment where you are exposed to more heat or during hot seasons. Honey includes nectar of various flowers of which some may be poisonous. Poison has hot or Ushnaqualities. When honey is mixed with hot and spicy foods the poisonous properties get enhanced and cause imbalance of Doshas.
- In the honey industry, heat treatments are usually applied to maintain honey's quality and shelf life. Heat treatment is used to avoid crystallisation and allow the easy use of honey, but treatment with heat affect the antioxidant and antibacterial activities.
- Honey and water, honey and ghee, mixed in equal quantities should not be consumed. as it has been proved that heating of honey reduces the specific gravity with a subsequent rise in its ash value, pH, HMF (hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde), browning, phenolics, and antioxidant activity. The mixing of honey with ghee brings about enhancement in browning, antioxidants and specific gravity without altering the food consumption and organ weight of the rats. The study revealed that heated honey (>1400C) mixed with ghee produces HMF which may produce deleterious effects and act as a poison in due course.
- Honey should not be consumed with lotus seed.
- Mixing rain water with honey is not beneficial.
- Honey and ghee should not be consumed together in equal quantities.
- Honey should not be used after prolonged exposure to excessive sunlight, excessive summer.
- Honey and ghee should not be consumed together in equal quantities.
- Madhu should not be used during Sweating treatment
- Radish enhances the toxic effects of honey.
Note: 1) Honey is an excellent co drink for many Ayurvedic medicines. It acts as a catalyst and helps to deliver medicines to the target area at a faster rate.
2) According to Sushruta, mature honey eliminates vitiated Tridosha while immature honey vitiates Tridosha and is sour in taste.
3) Honey has a laxative effect on the digestion system of an individual and helps provide relief from constipation.
4) old honey means one year old. Old honey is useful against cholesterol, fat tissue and obesity. So, wherever you expect absorbent and fat burning effects, old honey is the best to use.
- Take a few kilograms of honey, Fill it in mud pots up to 80% of pots’ capacity, seal it tightly. Keep it in a dry area and keep away from sun exposure for one year.
5) Crystallisation of honey occurs as a natural process due to the separation of dextrose as solid, leaving levulose in liquid form. Granulation may be either partial or complete. It liquefies when kept in warm water, granulation occurs with storage, cold weather, presence of minute air bubbles, colloids, pollen and dust particles. Addition of fatty acids prevent crystallisation.
6) Fermentation of honey :
Poorly processed, unripe honey, with excessive moisture will have the growth of yeast and decomposes the sugars in honey into acetic acid, Carbon dioxide and water. Ripened honey with 80% sugars and maintained at 22 % moisture is not liable to fermentation, but it may set in if kept exposed to atmosphere or upon granulation. Fermentation results in acids with souring thus it loses it nutritive value and gets a foamy layer on its top.
Adulterants:
Honey is adulterated with cane sugar, corn syrup and artificial invert sugar which are obtained by acid hydrolysis of sucrose. The sugar contains furfural which gives red color with resorcinol in presence of hydrochloric acid on prolonged heating or storage of the honey; furfural may be formed in the genuine honey
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Refrance :
1) NCBI honey,
2) chark samhita,
3) Wikipedia,
4) pubmed,
5) international research journal of pharmacy
6) sciencedirect.com
7) Ayujournal : an international quarterly journal of Ayurveda
8) Sushruta samhita
9) science daily
10) Bhojana Kutuhalam
11) Bhaishajya Ratnavali
12) J Apither ● 2017 ● Vol 2 ● Issue 1
13) IJAPR | September2015 | Vol 3 | Issue 9 ; ISSN: 2322 -0902
14) Ashtang sangraha
15) Kaideva nighantu
16) Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (3)
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