Honey for colds: which one helps best, recipes

Chemical composition

The composition of honey is unique. The main part of it is carbohydrates: the product is high in calories - 284 calories, but at the same time it contains a huge amount of valuable microelements, amino acids and biologically active enzymes. This is what makes nectar processed by bees so valuable.

The composition of the acacia, may or linden variety is different, but the content of the main ingredients is preserved.

Fructose – 33–42%. The more fructose, the sweeter the taste. Fructose is absorbed instantly, does not cause insulin release and guarantees immediate restoration of performance.
Glucose – 27–36%. It is inferior in sweetness to glucose, but ensures crystallization of honey. The energy value of glucose is the same, but insulin is required for its absorption.
Disaccharides – the flower variety contains up to 5–6% sucrose, the honeydew variety contains up to 10%. In the mature composition it is almost absent. Maltose serves as a sign of ripeness: this substance is very sweet and adds some caramel flavor to the taste. In linden there is 5–8% maltose, in sunflower it is only 0.8–2.9%. The content of dextrins is also estimated - 1–4%; they appear during the decomposition of starch.
Water – from 15 to 21%. Water has a significant impact on taste, consistency and longevity. According to GOST standards, category A honey is distinguished - with a water content of less than 18.6%, B - 18.6-19%, C - less than 20-21%. A composition containing more than 21% water is substandard. With this amount of liquid, it begins to ferment: under the action of enzymes, carbohydrates are broken down into acetic acid.
Proteins are, more precisely, enzymes. Protein substances get here with pollen and the secretion of the insect's salivary glands. The main role is played by invertase - it breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, and amylase - breaks down starch. Enzymes form the carbohydrate composition of the product.

Vitamins
Honey collection contains almost all essential amino acids. They can react with sugars. Temperature accelerates the process, so when honey is heated it becomes cloudy and caramelizes.

The taste of the composition is improved by organic acids: citric, oxalic, lactic, malic. Their content is different, which is determined by the place where pollen is collected.
Bee honey contains a huge amount of macroelements for a plant product. 1 tablespoon per day is enough to get 25% of the daily dose of cobalt, 7% of iron, 33% of potassium, as well as zinc, manganese, sulfur, copper.
The benefits of honey are due to vitamins. The product is especially rich in group B compounds, ascorbic acid, and nicotinamide. Its value lies in the fact that vitamins are preserved here for decades. Honey collected 10 years ago remains a medicinal product.
Phytoncides are antibiotics of plant origin. Benzoic acid is especially active - it suppresses the proliferation of pathogenic microflora.
Aromatics not only provide a wonderful aroma. Essential oils of flower nectar remain almost unchanged in honey collection, and they actively stimulate cellular metabolism. In the old days, severe purulent wounds were treated with a bee product: the composition draws out pus, disinfects the wound surface and prevents scarring.

Honey is a viscous substance produced by bees and related insects. The product is obtained by partial digestion of nectar or sugary plant secretions in the crop of a honey bee. The substance has a complex composition and has outstanding medicinal properties.

Honey is a product against 100 diseases. Since ancient times it has been used to treat colds, sore throats, coughs, burns, and skin diseases. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties are so high that it was and is used for infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, for disorders of the digestive system, for the treatment of wounds, severe rashes, and purulent acne.

The ratio and amount of microelements in honey is very similar to the concentration and proportions of substances in human blood.

The healing properties of honey for colds

Bee honey can completely replace medications for colds. It relieves both the cause of the disease and its symptoms:

anti-inflammatory - a combination of vitamins, a loading dose of glucose and microelements in exactly this proportion effectively affects inflammation, both local and generalized;
bactericidal - due to the high content of phytoncides, honey collection also helps with infectious diseases: it suppresses the proliferation of bacteria;
immunomodulatory - honey is taken for colds to stimulate the immune system. For preventive purposes, the product acts as a deeper-level immunomodulator;
diaphoretic - in itself it is not an antipyretic, but it stimulates thermoregulation and the functioning of the sweat glands. This speeds up recovery by normalizing heat exchange;
emollient – honey for colds moisturizes the mucous membranes and forms a protective film on the sore throat. This alleviates the symptoms of the disease: cough, tickling, pain, feeling of a “lump”;
the composition promotes the separation of the epithelium and the removal of unhealthy sputum. It helps turn a dry hacking cough into a productive one and get rid of it faster;
regenerating – the honey mixture stimulates metabolism, restores the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates regenerative processes. Honey for colds helps restore tissue in the respiratory tract as effectively as it does the skin after a deep cut or irritation.

To treat the disease, honey is required in medicinal doses. A jar eaten at once will not bring tangible benefits.

Honey

Which honey to choose

In order for the bee product to be beneficial, it is important to follow the correct dosage and pay attention to the naturalness of the composition. Below are some varieties of honey that have proven their health benefits.

Linden: used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, laryngitis, sore throat and runny nose. Reduces fever, has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Taiga: daily consumption has a beneficial effect on the overall strengthening of the body.
Acacia: gives a general strengthening effect, relieves irritation in the throat, relieves cough.
Maisky: effectively fights most manifestations of colds.
Melilot: used to treat the throat, cleanses and restores the inflammatory process.
Cedar: has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, strengthens the immune system, and helps fight loss of strength.
Balkan: used to combat coughs, has an analgesic effect.

Which honey is best for colds?

The composition and properties of the product depend on its origin. Nectar collected from different plants contains a special combination of vitamins, amino acids and microelements that make it an effective remedy against a specific disease.

Honey for colds is chosen from the following options.

Acacia - does not contain pollen, which often causes an allergic reaction. It contains a minimum of organic acids, therefore it restores irritated mucous membranes and helps to get rid of cough faster. Even people with diabetes can use the acacia variety for colds.
With propolis - bee glue or glue that bees produce to disinfect honeycombs. It acts as a strong antioxidant, immunomodulator, and antimicrobial agent. Helps eliminate pain in the throat and ears, relieves inflammation, speeds up recovery. The composition with propolis is used in the treatment of tumors.

Propolis is a powerful allergen. Before use, it is necessary to check for the absence of an allergic reaction.

Allergy

Linden is a strong diaphoretic and antipyretic. The variety suppresses the growth of bacteria, is effective against viruses, and disinfects mucous membranes. Linden honey replaces aspirin, ibuprofen, and panadol for colds, sore throat, and laryngitis.
Raspberry is a rare variety. Helps with diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Buckwheat - includes a higher concentration of beneficial microelements and acts as a strong immunostimulant. The composition has a diuretic effect, so during treatment you need to drink more water.
May or herbal - the first honey collection, contains the largest number of enzymes. Helps with colds and infectious diseases.

Which honey is better for colds is determined not by the taste of the product, but by its medicinal properties.

Only completely natural honey has a healing effect. The product obtained by feeding bees with sugar contains practically no enzymes and amino acids.

Natural honey

The use of honey in the treatment of colds

There are many ways to treat a cold with honey.

It is used as drops, for oral administration, and inhalation.

Honey cough medicines:

with viburnum. Prepare dried berries, you need about 1 cup. This amount is poured into a liter of boiling water. It is necessary to leave for about 10 minutes, and after cooling, strain. Add 2 tbsp to the broth. l. honey It is consumed orally warm 3 times a day, a single dose is 0.5-1 glass. The product is also effective at temperature;
with black radish. Honey is mixed with root juice in equal proportions. The dosage is the same for adults and children (2 tbsp), with the only difference being that the latter are recommended to take 3 doses per day, not 4;
Another option for using black radish is the following: peel it and cut it into cubes, put it in a jar and pour honey over it. Place in a cool place for 3 days, after covering with gauze. Syrup dosage - 1 tsp, used for the treatment of runny nose and cough;
with mother and stepmother. For 1 glass of hot water, take 1 tbsp. l. herbs and brews. After infusion, it is filtered, honey is added, and the decoction is drunk in three doses a day. Helps make the cough more productive.

Honey for a runny nose

There are also ways to use honey to treat a runny nose:

with the addition of aloe. Combined with aloe juice, honey effectively helps eliminate rhinitis, both viral and allergic. Drops made from these two components are instilled into the nasal passages. This honey-based remedy for colds quickly eliminates a runny nose. Hypertension and vascular diseases are direct contraindications to the use of aloe-based products; it is not recommended to use the product during pregnancy;
with onion juice. Onions have phytoncidal properties and are effective as an antiseptic, so they have been used in alternative medicine for treatment for a very long time. Preparation of the product: squeeze out the juice and dilute it with boiled water at a temperature of 50-60 degrees, which should be taken in half the volume. Next you should add 1 tbsp. l. honey and leave to infuse. Drops are used for instillation into the nose as needed. It is also allowed to be used as a gargle to prevent sore throat, the procedure is carried out once a day;
with beets. Beetroot juice even helps with chronic runny nose if mixed with honey. To do this, you need to peel the root vegetable, grind it in a meat grinder and 5 tsp. mix juice with 1 tsp. honey Place five drops into both nostrils.

For laryngitis:

with lemon. Squeeze the juice from one fruit and add 1 tbsp. l. honey Take 1 tsp three times a day;
with carrot juice. In 0.5 tbsp. freshly squeezed carrot juice add 1 tbsp. l. honey Drink the entire mixture at once and repeat the next day;
with milk and carrot juice. When your throat hurts, this remedy will help: mix the juice with hot milk and honey in equal parts. Drink 0.5 cups before going to bed.

Inhalations with herbal remedies

To prepare the decoction, use your choice of herbs: basil, sage, parsley, mint or chamomile. Eucalyptus aroma oil and 2-3 tbsp are added to the decoction. l. honey

Next, you need to cover yourself with a towel and breathe over the hot broth. Indications for the procedure: bronchitis, cough, sore throat and laryngitis. Do not inhale during hyperthermia.

Who is honey contraindicated for?

Honey is used for colds if there are no contraindications. There are few of them:

individual sensitivity to any component;
prone to caries - the product causes caries even faster than sweets and pure sugar. After consuming it, it is recommended to rinse your mouth;
It is better not to give honey to children under 3 years of age if they have a cold. The immune system at this age is still very weak, there is a high risk of developing an allergic reaction;
for diabetes mellitus and other disorders caused by impaired absorption of carbohydrates, you can eat only certain varieties and in very limited quantities. In severe conditions it is prohibited;
During pregnancy, bee products are prohibited. There is a high risk of allergies. For the same reasons, it is recommended to avoid them during breastfeeding;
When you have a cold, you should not eat honey on an empty stomach. Carbohydrates provoke excessive insulin secretion, which worsens the patient's condition.

Caries

Children under 3 years old

Diabetes

Pregnancy

How to treat a cold with honey

Treatment of colds with honey involves 3 methods:

orally – the patient receives a certain dose of the product in its pure form. It is better to do this after the main meal;
tea with honey for colds is the most common way. In addition to tea, you can cook with wine, milk, beer, mix with turmeric, lemon, beets, currants;
in the form of inhalations - a few drops of liquid honey are added to the solution for inhalation. Its therapeutic effect is due to phytoncides and essential oils.

One of the common myths is that hot drinking enhances healing properties. This is wrong. High temperature changes the composition and reduces enzyme activity. To maximize the benefits of honey collection, tea with honey is drunk warm, not hot.

Tea temperature

How to cure a cold with honey: traditional medicine recipes

The following remedy has been successfully used to treat colds: 1 tbsp. l. dried black elderberry fruits, pour 1 cup of boiling water, place in a boiling water bath, cook for 10 minutes, leave for 20 minutes, strain, add 1 tbsp. l. honey, mix and take 1/4 cup of the mixture 4 times a day before meals as a diaphoretic.

For sore throat you need to take 1 tbsp. l. aloe juice and honey, add 2 tbsp. l. vodka, mix and apply as a compress to the sore spot.

The following remedy helps cure flu and colds: take 1 tsp. chopped garlic and honey, mix and eat at night, washed down with warm boiled water. You need to treat a cold with this recipe with honey until you recover completely.

Remedy for the treatment of tracheobronchitis: pour 0.5 cups of viburnum berries into 0.5 liters of boiling water, put on fire, bring to a boil, cook for 8-10 minutes, strain, add 3 tbsp. l. honey, mix and take 0.5 cups of the mixture 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

For colds, the following remedy is successfully used: 1 tbsp. l. dried linden flowers pour 1 cup of boiling water, cover, leave for 30 minutes, strain, add 1 tbsp. l. honey, mix and take 1/2 - 1/4 cup of this mixture 3 - 4 times a day before meals as a diaphoretic.

The following remedy helps cure a cold: 1 tbsp. l. dried raspberries, pour 1 cup of boiling water, cover, leave for 20 minutes, strain, add 1 tbsp. l. honey, mix and take 0.5 cups of the mixture 5 - 6 times a day as a diaphoretic.

Inhalations for the treatment of colds: take 1 part honey, add 3 parts water, mix, heat in a water bath, then pour into a kettle and inhale the vapors through the kettle's spout. Carry out the procedure at night for 15 - 20 minutes. The course of treatment is until recovery.

If you have hoarseness, you need to take equal parts of alcohol, honey and linseed oil, mix and take 1 tbsp every hour. l. mixtures. Treat yourself until you recover.

Cough treatment: heat 200 g of honey in a water bath until liquefied, then add 50 g of elecampane roots, dried and ground in a coffee grinder, mix and cool in an open container. Take 1 tsp. mixture 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, washed down with warm water.

When coughing, the following remedy helps: take 1 tbsp. l. honey, add 2 fresh raw chicken eggs, mix, then add 1 glass of cold boiled water and mix again. Take honey for colds during the day in small sips every hour.

To treat cough, pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis, the following remedy is used: take 200 g of honey, add 100 g of vanilla sugar and 100 g of good butter, mix thoroughly and take 1 tsp. mixture 3 times a day before meals. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.

The following remedy helps cure laryngitis: take 1 raw fresh chicken egg, beat it well, add 1 tsp. honey, mix and drink before bed. Repeat every evening until recovery.

When coughing, a honey compress before bed helps: spread liquid honey on your chest and back, put a linen rag on top, then plastic wrap and tie a warm scarf on top. Additionally, drink diaphoretic tea. Repeat the procedure every evening until recovery.

Cough remedy: take 1 tsp at night. honey with 5 drops of fir or sea buckthorn oil. The course of treatment is until recovery.

For sinusitis, the following remedy helps: take 1 tbsp. l. honey, add 1 tsp. table salt, mix into a homogeneous mass, place on your forehead, cover with cling film and wrap yourself in a warm scarf (do not lie down while sitting). After 2 - 3 hours, thick mucus will begin to secrete from the nose. Perform this procedure 2 - 3 times a day. The course of treatment is until complete recovery.

Inhalation with honey over a teapot (first one nostril, then the other) helps cure sinusitis. Place 1 tbsp on a kettle of hot water. l. honey The course of treatment is 10 days.

For night coughs in children, you need to heat 1 glass of milk, add 1 fresh raw chicken egg, 1 tsp. honey, mix and give the child 0.5 cups to drink before bed, and after a while - another 0.5 cups.

Remedy for treating a persistent cough: take 1.5 kg of honey, 1 glass of crushed aloe leaves, 200 g of butter, 150 g of birch buds and 50 g of dried linden blossom. Wash the aloe leaves, keep in the refrigerator for 10 days, then chop and add honey. Pour birch buds with 1 glass of water, put on fire, bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 1-2 minutes, then strain, squeeze, add to honey and mix well.

Honey collection during a cold acts as a remedy. It must be consumed in strictly dosage and in mixture with other products that can help with inflammatory diseases. The recipes are simple, the ingredients for them are quite affordable.

Inhalation against colds is rarely used and in vain: the healing effect of the procedure is impressive. The medicinal substance goes directly to the site of inflammation and acts immediately, and not after digestion and absorption.

For aerosol inhalation, a composition is prepared from distilled water and honey. The share of the latter can be 50%, more often the dose is less – 10–25%. For 1 procedure, 15–20 ml of solution is required. It is not advisable to cook it for the whole day at once.

Inhalation is carried out in the morning 30 minutes before meals. You cannot talk during the procedure and half an hour after it. If this cannot be done before meals, inhalation is performed 2 hours after breakfast.

For steam inhalation, pour 50 ml of water into the kettle. Boil, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey. A funnel on a long base or a tube rolled up from newspaper is inserted into the spout. The procedure begins immediately, breathing honey vapors for 10–15 minutes.

Wine with honey

Mulled wine is an excellent way to prevent colds in winter. Recipe for adults only.

Heat 250 ml of red wine over low heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 pcs. star anise. 3 pcs. carnations. Do not bring to a boil. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of honey in a hot drink and remove from the stove. Drink hot or warm. For taste, add orange peels, lemon slices, and ginger. Ginger drink with pepper has a stimulating effect.

Honey with wine

Vodka with honey

Recipes based on alcoholic drinks can only be used in the initial stages of the disease, as long as there is no high fever. In case of fever, such drugs are prohibited.

50 ml of vodka, 50 g of honey, 3 slices of lemon, a pinch of ground ginger and cumin are heated in a water bath for 10 minutes, without bringing to a boil. Drink a portion before bedtime.

Unlike mulled wine, the drink does not have a warming effect, so it is not used for prevention.

Vodka with honey

Honey with propolis

This composition is used not only for oral administration, but also as a rubbing and compress. The recipe is simple: place 100 g of honey, 10 g of propolis in a saucepan and melt in a water bath. Then the mixture is placed on a piece of gauze and applied in the chest area or between the shoulder blades. The patient is covered with a blanket for 20–30 minutes.

The procedure is performed twice a day. A compress is very effective in preventing a cold from developing into tracheitis and bronchitis.

Honey with propolis

Milk with honey

The most popular option, suitable for both adults and children. Both components have an excellent anti-cold effect.

The first recipe is simple: a glass of milk is heated to a temperature of no more than 65 C, a tablespoon of honey is dissolved. How to drink? 30 minutes before bedtime, as this composition has a strong calming effect.

To enhance the diaphoretic effect of the composition and protect a sore throat, add a teaspoon of butter to the milk.

Eggnog - beat egg yolk. Add ½ liter of milk to 5 tablespoons of honey and heat. The mixture is combined with the yolk. The medicine is taken one tablespoon before each meal.

Milk with honey

Beer with honey

Beer with honey for colds is a drink that tastes unpleasant, but is quite effective. Beer contains a considerable amount of vitamins and microelements, which enhances the therapeutic effect of the product.

Heat 500 ml of beer until it boils, add 3 tablespoons of bee product and stir. Drink at night.

Another recipe: heat 500 ml of beer over low heat, add 2 tablespoons of honey, juice of 1 lemon, and spices - cloves, cinnamon, ginger - to the warm drink. Continue heating the liquid until it thickens. Take at night.

This treatment option is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Beer with honey

Cognac is often used as a base for medicines, as the drink has a disinfecting and analgesic effect. When you have a cold, add 1 tablespoon of cognac and honey to a glass of freshly brewed black tea and drink it a day.

You can add lemon, raspberries, and red pepper to the drink.

Recipes with honey for colds

Inhalations with herbal remedies

For aerosol inhalation, a composition is prepared from distilled water and honey. The share of the latter can be 50%, more often the dose is less – 10–25%. For 1 procedure, 15–20 ml of solution is required. It is not advisable to cook it for the whole day at once.

Inhalation is carried out in the morning 30 minutes before meals. You cannot talk during the procedure and half an hour after it. If this cannot be done before meals, inhalation is performed 2 hours after breakfast.

For steam inhalation, pour 50 ml of water into the kettle. Boil, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey. A funnel on a long base or a tube rolled up from newspaper is inserted into the spout. The procedure begins immediately, breathing honey vapors for 10–15 minutes.

Wine with honey

Mulled wine is an excellent way to prevent colds in winter. Recipe for adults only.

Honey with wine

Vodka with honey

Recipes based on alcoholic drinks can only be used in the initial stages of the disease, as long as there is no high fever. In case of fever, such drugs are prohibited.

50 ml of vodka, 50 g of honey, 3 slices of lemon, a pinch of ground ginger and cumin are heated in a water bath for 10 minutes, without bringing to a boil. Drink a portion before bedtime.

Unlike mulled wine, the drink does not have a warming effect, so it is not used for prevention.

Vodka with honey

Honey with propolis

The procedure is performed twice a day. A compress is very effective in preventing a cold from developing into tracheitis and bronchitis.

Honey with propolis

Milk with honey

The most popular option, suitable for both adults and children. Both components have an excellent anti-cold effect.

The first recipe is simple: a glass of milk is heated to a temperature of no more than +65 C, a tablespoon of honey is dissolved. How to drink? 30 minutes before bedtime, as this composition has a strong calming effect.

To enhance the diaphoretic effect of the composition and protect a sore throat, add a teaspoon of butter to the milk.

Eggnog - beat egg yolk. Add ½ liter of milk to 5 tablespoons of honey and heat. The mixture is combined with the yolk. The medicine is taken one tablespoon before each meal.

Milk with honey

Beer with honey

Heat 500 ml of beer until it boils, add 3 tablespoons of bee product and stir. Drink at night.

This treatment option is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Beer with honey

Cognac with honey for colds

You can add lemon, raspberries, and red pepper to the drink.

What kind of honey helps against colds?

Honey is a natural product and is indicated for the treatment of runny nose, sore throat, bronchitis and a number of other diseases. Honey has many varieties. But only some types are suitable for fighting colds.

Honey with propolis

Honey with propolis has a wide range of applications: treatment of cancer, burns, wounds, cervical erosion, colds, etc. This type of honey has antifungal, antiviral, rejuvenating, and analgesic properties. It contains vitamins of groups B, C, pollen, essential oils, resin, wax.

Propolis is a natural antibiotic. Honey with propolis has a lemon tint and a bitter taste. To prevent colds, you need to consume 1 teaspoon 1 - 2 times a day. To treat colds, sore throat, bronchitis, take an onion, carefully remove the core with a knife and place 1 - 2 teaspoons of honey in the resulting cavity. Leave for 12 - 24 hours. Consume the honey-onion mixture 3-4 times a day. You can use radish in the same way.

It must be remembered that honey with propolis is contraindicated if you are allergic to honey or propolis. Store honey with propolis in a cool place protected from light. Its healing properties last for a year. The cost of 1 kilogram is about 550 rubles.

Acacia honey

Acacia honey is collected by bees from yellow and white acacia trees. Honey has a mild taste and floral aroma. It does not have a bitter taste. Due to the high percentage of fructose, acacia honey is easily digestible. It is hypoallergenic. Thanks to this, acacia honey is excellent for treating colds in children. For treatment and prevention, dissolve 1 teaspoon in a glass of warm water. Take the solution warm, half a glass 2 times a day. To treat colds in adults, it is necessary to consume 2 - 3 tablespoons of acacia honey per day, washed down with warm water or milk. The cost of 1 kilogram is about 750 rubles.

Linden honey

The color of linden honey can vary from yellow to greenish. Honey has a characteristic pleasant aroma. Has powerful antibacterial properties. Thanks to this, it is an indispensable assistant in the treatment of sore throat, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma and a number of other diseases. To prevent and treat colds, dissolve 2 tablespoons of linden honey in 1 glass of warm milk. Take at night. Cost 1 kilogram about 650 rubles.

Raspberry honey

The color of honey is light amber. Honey has a characteristic subtle raspberry aroma and a pleasant berry taste. It is noteworthy that 2-3 weeks after pumping out of the honeycomb, the honey crystallizes into a cream-colored mass. This does not indicate counterfeit or poor quality honey. Raspberry honey is a preventative against influenza. Useful for treating colds. To do this, take a medium-sized horseradish root and squeeze out the juice. Mix the resulting juice with raspberry honey in a 1:1 ratio. Take 1 tbsp before bed. spoon with warm water.

Remember that hot water and hot milk have a detrimental effect on the valuable properties of honey. By drinking honey with hot milk, you will not get a miraculous effect, but rather the opposite. Therefore, drink only warm drinks with honey and be healthy!

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