Health honey, sometimes called medicinal honey, is a natural product that has been used for thousands of years for its antibacterial and healing properties. Honey itself is a complex substance with over 200 different components, including sugars, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, but health honey stands out for its particularly potent properties. Unlike ordinary honey, health honey has a high content of natural bioactive substances, which makes it an effective agent for promoting wound healing, fighting bacteria and supporting the body's immune system.

One of the most well-known types of health honey is manuka honey, which comes from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which grows in New Zealand and some parts of Australia. Manuka honey's unique antibacterial properties have made it popular in both medical and health promoting contexts. The active ingredient in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MGO), a substance that has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that are otherwise resistant to antibiotics.

But while manuka honey has become synonymous with health honey, there are other types of honey that offer similar, if not better, benefits. An example of this is Kjartan's health honey, which is made in Norway with carefully selected wild plants from the Norwegian forest. This health honey has been shown to be a powerful natural remedy against infections and wounds, and like manuka honey, it contains high levels of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances.

What makes health honey unique?

Health honey has a number of properties that distinguish it from other honey and make it useful in both health and medicine:

• Antibacterial properties : Health honey contains natural substances that can fight bacteria, and some varieties have been shown to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it useful in treating infections.
• Promotes healing : Honey's high levels of antioxidants and enzymes help speed up wound healing by keeping the wound clean and moist, which promotes cell recovery.
• Anti-inflammatory : Many types of health honey, including that from Kjartans, have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve irritation and swelling, both when used externally and internally.
• Moisture retention : The health honey's composition makes it excellent at binding moisture, which not only helps with skin care but can also have positive effects on digestion.

Why choose health honey over regular honey?

What makes health honey special is not only its antibacterial power, but also the way in which it has been produced. Unlike processed honey, which is often heated and filtered to become clear and fluid, health honey retains all its natural substances. This means that it not only retains its nutrients, but also its taste and therapeutic properties.

The Norwegian health honey from Kjartans is a good example of this. By using raw honey from forest plants and heather flowers, this honey gets a distinctive flavor and a high content of bioactive substances. Unlike manuka honey, which is obtained from a single plant source, Kjartan's health honey benefits from the unique plant species in the Norwegian forest, which gives it a wider spectrum of beneficial substances. This makes it an option for those looking for a natural and effective solution to strengthen their immune system and treat minor skin damage.

How is health honey used?

Health honey has many uses and can be applied both internally and externally:

• Wound care : Thanks to its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, health honey is often used to treat wounds, burns and skin irritations. It is applied directly to the skin or to a sterile dressing to keep the wound clean and moist.
• Coughs and Sore Throats : Another common use of health honey is as a relief for sore throats and coughs. It can be taken directly or mixed with warm water and lemon for a soothing effect.
• Stomach and digestion : Certain types of health honey, including manuka and wild honey, can help balance the bacterial flora in the stomach and promote healthy digestion.
• Skin care : Due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, health honey is also used in natural skin care products to treat dry and sensitive skin.

Health benefits of health honey

• Natural immune support : The health honey's high concentration of antioxidants and antibacterial substances helps to strengthen the body's natural defenses against infections.
• Antibiotic alternatives : Studies have shown that certain types of health honey, including that from Kjartans, can be effective against bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics.
• Lowers blood sugar levels slowly : Because honey has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, it doesn't affect blood sugar levels as quickly, making it a healthier option for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
• Natural anti-inflammatory : Health honey has been shown to reduce inflammation, making it a natural remedy for a range of inflammatory conditions, from skin problems to indigestion.

In conclusion, health honey offers an impressive array of health benefits, whether used for external wound healing or as part of a healthy diet. With its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, health honey is a powerful, natural option to support a healthy lifestyle and treat minor health problems.