Health Benefits of Elderflower

Ms H

In late May large clusters of small cream-coloured elderflowers decorate the landscape. Elderflower, Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family of Andoxaceae.

The elderflowers contain flavones and flavonols: quercetin, isoquercitin and anthocyanins,triterpenoids: β-amyrin, erythrodiol, and oleanolic acid,that are known for their antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The elderflowers hold cinnamic acid may helps with allergies and regulates blood glucose levels. The elderflower’s components showed antibacterial anti-viral and anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Tincture stops bleeding. Elderflower is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, flu, and shortness of breath.

Elderflower can be dried for later use or may be soaked or cooked down into a drink or tincture. While elderflower is typically found to be safe for consumption, the leaves, twigs, and roots are toxic and can lead to the build up of poisonous cyanide in the body.

Health Benefits of Honey

Ms H

Bees are the only insects that make food for people and one bee makes 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its entire life. Honey is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water. Eating honey can make you smarter.  Honey is 80% natural sugar, with the exact combination of fructose and glucose, which is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream so it has a healthy glycemic index. Honey is a healthier choice for a diabetic patient then the refined sugar or any other non-nutritive sweeteners. Honey is a sugar, so consume it in moderation. It has a high caloric value.

Nutritional value of honey:

It is natural sweetener, which contains antioxidants and free of fat and cholesterol. Darker honey tends to have higher antioxidant level.

Vitamins present in honey:

vitamin B₆, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, particular amino acids.

Minerals found in honey:

calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc, manganese.

The nutritional value of manuka honey is 4 times higher than flower honey.

Health Benefits of honey:

Its flavonoids and antioxidant contents reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Helps regulate blood sugar.

Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey.

The external application of honey is affective, it heals wounds and burns due to its anti-bacterial properties.

Honey contains a large amount of friendly bacteria, so it is probiotic.

It is powerful home beauty treatment.

Types of honey:

manuka, alfalfa, buckwheat, eucalyptus, blueberry, clover, orange blossom, wildflower, acacia, avocado, basswood, sage, sourwood.