Honey - Yummy!

This past week my hedges have been blooming and we have an abundance of honeybees. I love to hear the little guys buzzing because I know they are making some yummy honey!

This week I've also had a friend and a family member become diagnosed with Anemia.
Anemia develops when blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells; they transport oxygen to the organs. If the red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then the body isn't getting enough iron. Symptoms include fatigue, poor concentration, shortness of breath, palpitations, restless leg syndrome, etc.

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S., affecting about 3.5 million people. Certain forms are hereditary, while others are caused from blood loss during menstruation and increased blood supply demands during pregnancy. Seniors are at a greater risk because of poor diet and other medical conditions.

Both my friend and my family member were prescribed iron supplements. So I thought I would do a little research on natural foods that help with iron deficiencies and HONEY was one of them! The darker the honey, the better -1 to 2 tablespoons a day.

Here are a few other ways to use honey as medicine. No, I'm not saying don't go to the doctor - I'm saying honey is healthy:) Use your own judgement - if you have a deadly knife wound - I probably wouldn't put honey on it:)

1. Allergies - raw, organic honey helps treat 90% of allergies.

2. Anemia - Darker is better. Try drizzling 1 tablespoon on a banana.

3. Conjunctivitis - dissolve honey in equal amounts of warm water. When cooled, apply as lotion or eye bath.

4. Fatigue or exhaustion - helps with tiredness and fatigue because it is easily absorbed into the blood. I use it when I am training for 1/2 marathons. Instead of Gu (a runners supplement) I use honey sticks.

5. Headaches and migraines - 2 teaspoons taken at meals to prevent headaches. 1 teaspoon dissolved in a glass of warm water for migraines. Repeat in 20 minutes if migraine persists.

6. Heart disease - Honey used instead of sugar helps fight against cholesterol.

7. High blood pressure - Mix 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of ginger juice, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Take 2 times a day for high blood pressure.

8. Insomnia - 1 teaspoon of honey mixed with lukewarm water or milk - drink before going to bed.

9. Poor digestion - Drink 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and dilute with water.

10. Sore throat - let 1 teaspoon of honey melt in the back of the mouth and trickle down the throat.

Beauty treatments

Skin Softening Bath

Add ¼ cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine

Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Moisture Mask

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Honey Cleansing Scrub

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Firming Face Mask

Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

RECIPES:

Baked Dijon Salmon

PREP TIME
20 Min
COOK TIME
15 Min
READY IN
35 Min

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
4 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard, and honey. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs, pecans, and parsley.
Brush each salmon fillet lightly with honey mustard mixture, and sprinkle the tops of the fillets with the bread crumb mixture.
Bake salmon 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with a wedge of lemon.

Honey Roasted Red Potatoes


PREP TIME
10 Min
COOK TIME
35 Min
READY IN
45 Min

INGREDIENTS

1 pound red potatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons diced onion
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly coat an 11x7 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Place potatoes in a single layer in prepared dish, and top with onion. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, mustard, salt and pepper; drizzle over potatoes and onion.
Bake in the preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 35 minutes or until tender, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

No Bake Peanut Butter Drops

Ingredients

1/2 cup HONEY

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 cup grapenut cereal or granola

1/2 cup raisins or mini chocolate chips

Directions
Combine all ingredients. Shape into small balls and refrigerate for at least one hour. Yields: 24 drops

IMPORTANT: Honey contains a bacteria that might be harmful to infants. It should never be fed to children younger than 1 year old; otherwise it could lead to food poisoning.

Organic and raw honey is the best choice. So thank the bees and eat some honey intentionally!