Honey is medicine
Using Herbs and Honey to fight Cold and Flu Season
As winter settles in and we buckle down for these cold months, the garden shifts into a quieter, more reflective space. It is a time when we can really enjoy the garden because there is less pest pressure and there aren’t as many chores to keep up with. Unfortunately, it is also a time when many people are struggling with colds and flu and some of them don’t even think to keep the germs to themselves... Since the days of covid, I have been intent on using natural medicine to support my immune system. Much of this is indigenous knowledge that our ancestors carried. In case you missed it, last week I shared a video about how you can a make a simple 3 ingredient cough syrup at home. (You can find it under the videos page or click here)
Being a beekeeper, I like combining my knowledge of herbal medicine with my knowledge of the medicinal properties of honey. I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I am simply sharing simple home remedies to help you fight cold and flu using ingredients that you can grow at home or buy relatively easily and affordably. Our gardens offer incredible immunity boosters like garlic, ginger, lemon, umhlonyana (artemisia afra), thyme, yarrow etc. When it comes to soothing winter ailments, raw, local honey can also be used to support our bodies to stay healthy and strong. Honey has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years. But not all honey is created equal. Let’s dive into the powerful health benefits of honey for treating colds and flu, and why finding the real stuff matters more than you think.
How Raw Honey Fights Colds and Flu
When you are battling a winter cold, raw honey acts as a multi-functional powerhouse to support your recovery:
1. A Natural Cough Suppressant
If a persistent cough is keeping you up at night, honey is one of the most effective remedies available. It has a thick, viscous texture that coats the lining of the throat, instantly soothing irritation and calming the cough reflex.
2. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties
Raw honey has antimicrobial properties. While it won't cure a viral infection instantly, it helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the throat, preventing secondary infections and giving your immune system a much-needed boost.
3. Packed with Antioxidants
Colds and flu trigger inflammation in the body, which leads to aches, pains, and fatigue. Raw honey is brimming with polyphenols and flavonoids—potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, helping your body heal more efficiently.
4. The Power of "Local" for Seasonal Resilience
When you consume local honey (not mass-produced, important honey), you are consuming a product made from the exact environment you live in. The bees gather pollen from local plants and trees, introducing micro-doses of these environmental allergens into the honey. Consuming local honey regularly can help build your body’s natural tolerance and resilience to regional allergens, which often exacerbate seasonal respiratory issues.
Beware of Adulterated Honey
Sadly, the honey industry is plagued by adulteration. Adulterated honey is mass-produced honey that has been diluted with cheap, manufactured sugar syrups (like high-fructose corn syrup or rice syrup). The shelves of many of our supermarkets are filled with highly processed bottles labelled "honey" that are anything but! If you don’t believe me, check out the Department of Agriculture which had a campaign to clamp down on adulterated honey only a few months ago.
To maximise profits, some dubious commercial processors might also put the honey through heavy heat pasteurisation and ultra-filtration. Pasteurisation kills the beneficial live enzymes, neutralizes the antiviral properties, and ‘cooks out’ the vitamins, leaving behind a dead, sugary syrup that does absolutely nothing to help your body fight off a cold. To ensure you are getting the medicinal benefits, look for honey that is explicitly labeled "Raw" and "Unfiltered." Please do yourself a favour and read the label!
The best way to ensure your honey is unadulterated is to support a local beekeeper or buy from trusted local farms. When you buy straight from the source, you aren’t just getting an immune-boosting medicine; you are supporting sustainable beekeeping and the vital pollinators in your local eco-system. If you want to buy honey from me, I sell my honey under the Verity Living brand. You can buy it online → here ; we deliver across South Africa.
A Simple Cold-Busting Kitchen Remedy
To make a quick "honey medicine" at home, try mixing a tablespoon of raw honey with fresh grated ginger, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in warm (not boiling!) water. Avoid using boiling water, as extreme heat can damage the raw honey's active enzymes. Sip slowly, let it coat your throat, and let nature do the rest. (Note: Do not give honey to infants under the age of 12 months).
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Gardening in and of itself is healing to the body and mind. Take care of yourself and keep on growing!