The earliest record of beekeeping dates to 2,400 B.C. Ancient Egyptians used honey as a sweetener, a healing medicine and for embalming fluid. Since the early days of discovering the benefits of honey people have continued to use honey.
Honey, especially Manuka, can be used to treat burns. It can also help dandruff, itchy skin and acne. To treat acne, add a couple of teaspoons of it to a face mask or scrub.
Curb a cough — with better results than over-the-counter cough medicine — by consuming one teaspoon of it every few hours, or by mixing some into a warm cup of ginger tea.
A spoonful of honey can calm heartburn caused by acid reflux, and is used in some cultures to reduce diarrhea in adults (mix 4 tablespoons into a cup of hot water).
Some experts say consuming raw local honey daily can lessen the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Traces of flower pollen in it provides repeated exposure to allergens.
Honey may help the medicine go down easier, but never give it to children under age 1 because of the risk of botulism.
Regular honey consumption may lower triglyceride levels, especially when it is used to replace sugar.