Honey (natural and unprocessed) is an excellent natural remedy for a variety of ailments. This article outlines the findings of studies that have found honey to be a remedy for treating viruses like the common cold, and skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and cold sores. Honey Shortens the Duration of a Cold A new study has found that eating honey reduces the duration of the common cold; more specifically, eating two ounces of honey a day reduces the length of the common cold by up two days.
The researchers, from Jahrom University of Medical Science in Iran recruited men and women within 24 hours of catching a cold.
All 60 patients were given traditional therapies - such as decongestants and anti-pyretics (drugs to lower a temperature) - but half of them were also given a dose of honey - two ounces (around four tablespoons) - every day.
Researchers monitored a range of symptoms including a runny nose, muscle pain, fever, coughing and sneezing. They did not know who had been given the honey.
At the end of the study, which was reported in the Archives of Medical Research, the researchers found a significant difference in duration of all symptoms, with the honey group faring much better. It's thought that this is due to compounds in honey such as phenolic acid and flavonoids.
Research paper details:
Pourahmad M, Sobhanian S. Effect of honey on the common cold. Archives of Medical Research Vol 40, Issue 3, April 2009, Pages 224-225
Honey Fights Viruses and skin Infections
This is not the first stdy to find honey to be effective against viruses. In recent trials at the Dubai Medical Centre, Dr Noori Al-Waili has researched and published many papers on using honey as a natural healer, to treat skin conditions including seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, and the herpes virus.
Honey Relieves dandruff and Its Causes
A paper published in 2001 looked at seborrheic dermatitis. This is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky scales that form on oily areas such as the scalp, and is a common cause of dandruff.
Research paper details:
