Honey under the microscope - what's in it?

Honey under the microscope - what's in it?

Honey - this liquid gold of nature - has been known for thousands of years in many cultures not only as a food but also as a medicinal product. But what makes honey so valuable? And how can we protect the honey bee that provides us with this precious raw material? In this article, you will learn how honey and propolis promote your health, why the death of bees is a serious threat worldwide and what you can do to protect honey bees. We also offer you an overview of different types of honey with their unique properties and tell you how you can use onion juice with honey as a natural home remedy.

Honey – more than just sweet pleasure

Honey is made up of about 80% sugar, mainly fructose and glucose, and 20% water. But honey's true treasures lie in the enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals that give it its healing properties. Honey has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it a natural remedy that is used in both modern medicine and naturopathy.

The antibacterial effect of honey is due to the release of hydrogen peroxide, which kills bacteria. This makes honey a valuable agent in the treatment of wounds and infections. Medical Manuka honey from New Zealand is particularly valued for its strong antibacterial effect due to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. Honey is also often used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats, as it soothes irritated mucous membranes and has an anti-inflammatory effect. A 2012 study showed that honey can help relieve coughs and improve sleep, especially in children (Pediatrics, 2012). In addition, the flavonoids contained in honey are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and thus reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Propolis – The natural protective shield of bees

Propolis can be used in different ways, depending on the effect you want to achieve. One of the most common forms is propolis tincture. This can either be applied pure to the skin, for example for small wounds or skin irritations, or a few drops can be added to water, tea or juice to strengthen the immune system. The tincture is also suitable for internal consumption to relieve inflammation. Another popular form is propolis capsules or tablets, which are particularly suitable as a dietary supplement to support the immune system. They are easy to dose and do not have an intense taste.

Propolis is also available as an ointment or cream, which can be used for skin problems such as dry skin, rashes or small wounds. The anti-inflammatory properties of propolis help to soothe the skin and promote healing. Propolis honey is also a popular variant in which honey is enriched with propolis. This can be used to strengthen the immune system, as well as to sweeten tea or as a spread on bread.

Propolis products are available in pharmacies, health food stores, organic shops or online. When buying, you should make sure that the products are free of additives and of organic quality in order to achieve the best possible effect. The purity of the propolis tincture is particularly important for its effectiveness. Propolis therefore offers a natural and versatile way to promote well-being and strengthen your own immune system.

The Extinction of Bees – A Global Problem

Although honey and propolis are true miracle cures, the bees that provide these valuable products are facing a serious threat. The global bee decline is alarming and is caused by factors such as the use of pesticides, monocultures, climate change and disease. According to a 2019 United Nations report, about 40% of pollinator species, including bees, are threatened with extinction. The bee decline is particularly serious in North America and Europe, where many bee colonies have already been lost.

In the USA, the number of bee colonies has decreased by around 60% since the 1940s. In Europe, France, Italy and Germany are particularly affected. In Germany, beekeepers reported a loss of around 30% of their bee colonies in the winter of 2017/2018. Pesticides from the neonicotinoid group are particularly threatening, as they damage the bees' nervous system and lead to their death. The situation is also critical in China; in some regions, farmers now have to pollinate their fruit trees by hand because the natural pollinators have disappeared.

What you can do to protect the honey bee

There are a number of things you can do to protect honey bees. One option is to grow bee-friendly plants such as lavender, coneflowers or cornflowers in your garden or on your balcony. These plants provide the bees with valuable food. Buying organic food is also an important contribution, as it is produced without the use of harmful pesticides and thus helps to preserve the environment. It is also important to buy honey and other bee products from local beekeepers who keep their bee colonies sustainably and in a species-appropriate manner.

Even small everyday measures can help the bees. Avoid mowing the lawn too often or too short, as flowering wild herbs such as dandelions or clover provide important food sources for the bees. If you let a small area of ​​your garden grow "wild", you support biodiversity and create additional habitat for bees and other insects.

Initiatives and projects that work to protect bees and their habitats also deserve support. These include, for example, NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union Germany), which works to create and preserve habitats, and "Deutschland buzzt", an initiative that promotes bee-friendly cities. Participating in local planting campaigns or offering nesting aids can also help the bees. By taking such measures, we can actively contribute to protecting honey bees and thus also to biodiversity.

Onion juice with honey – a proven home remedy

A tried and tested home remedy that is particularly used for coughs and colds is onion juice with honey. The anti-inflammatory properties of the onion combined with the antibacterial effects of the honey make this home remedy a powerful weapon against cold symptoms. To make the onion juice, chop an onion finely and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. After a few hours, a juice forms that you can take several times a day to relieve coughs and strengthen the immune system.

Types of Honey – Origin, Taste, Health and Price

The world of honey is diverse. Depending on the flower source, region and time of harvest, the types of honey can vary greatly. Here is an overview of 20 different types of honey, their origin, taste, health benefits and special features as well as a price per kilogram.

Conclusion: Honey – valuable for health and nature

Honey is a valuable natural product that impresses not only with its taste but also with its healing properties. It can have antibacterial effects, strengthen the immune system and offer antioxidant benefits. But without bees there would be no honey. The global decline in bee populations not only threatens honey production but also the global food supply. By growing bee-friendly plants, avoiding pesticides and buying locally produced honey, you can make an important contribution to protecting honey bees.

And when the next cold comes, try the tried and tested home remedy: onion juice with honey. Your health will thank you and you will appreciate the potential of this “miracle cure” anew.