Whether we spread it on our morning toast, stir it into a hot cup of tea, or take a spoonful directly from the jar to soothe a sore throat, honey is cherished for its adaptability. However, we frequently neglect to acknowledge its ancient origins and remarkable healing attributes.
The Historical Significance of Honey
Since antiquity, honey has been acknowledged for its therapeutic properties. Records from ancient Egypt suggest that honey-making practices date back to around 3000 BC, utilized for various reasons including alleviating cold symptoms and combating bacterial infections.
As societies advanced, the Greeks believed that honey could contribute to longevity. During the Roman Empire, its popularity soared to the extent that a “honey tax” was established.
Honey’s antibacterial properties were formally acknowledged in 1892, and since then, it has been valued for its immune-boosting benefits.
“The immune system primarily serves to defend against external threats and to heal damaged cells,” notes Alyson Munkley, ND. “Honey is exceptional in enhancing both of these capabilities due to its antibacterial and antiviral nature.”
Varieties of Honey
Currently, there are over 300 varieties of honey available globally, each offering a distinctive flavor profile influenced by the nectar source from which bees extract it, along with a host of health benefits.
Manuka
Regarded as the epitome of nutritious honeys, Manuka honey is one of the few varieties recognized as medical grade, due to its elevated levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a natural antibacterial agent that aids in combating infection and reducing inflammation to enhance overall immunity.
Harvested from a shrub native to New Zealand, manuka honey has an earthy, medicinal taste. Each bottle is marked with a grading system that indicates its potency—the higher the rating, the stronger the antibacterial benefits (and usually, the higher the cost).
Buckwheat
While manuka is often considered top-tier, buckwheat honey rivals it with a robust flavor and high nutrient content. This darker honey variety is sourced from Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Its rarity is partly due to the buckwheat flower’s diminutive size, leading bees to gather nectar from a greater number of flowers. The toffee-flavored honey is abundant in antioxidants, with research indicating it may have even higher levels than manuka honey.
“Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting immune cells, like white blood cells, from the damaging effects of free radicals,” states Munkley. “The antioxidants present in honey can also improve immune cell function and alleviate excessive inflammation during infections.”
Clover
Clover honey, harvested from various clover flower species, is the most commonly found type on grocery store shelves. It features a light amber color and a smooth, syrupy sweetness. Particularly the raw variants of clover honey are effective in bolstering the immune system by fending off harmful bacteria and aiding in infection prevention.
Wildflower
Wildflower honey is created when bees pollinate a variety of blossoms, resulting in a rich source of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids that help mitigate oxidative stress and bolster immune health. Research assessing 57 different blossom honeys found that wildflower varieties exhibited the strongest antibacterial effects.
Raw Honey
Raw honey, which has not undergone pasteurization, is viewed as more nutrient-dense compared to its processed counterparts. “Raw honey retains more medicinal qualities because it contains significantly higher levels of naturally occurring enzymes and antioxidants,” explains Munkley. “The delicate phytonutrients can suffer damage from heat treatments.”
The natural acidity and low moisture levels in honey inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, meaning raw honey is generally safe for healthy adults to consume.
Propolis
Propolis, often referenced as “bee glue,” is not technically honey but deserves recognition for its nutritional value. Made from tree sap and beeswax along with various plant materials, bees utilize this sticky substance to seal gaps in their hives and deter invaders. This versatile compound is available in various forms such as tinctures, sprays, capsules, and lozenges.
Propolis shares many health benefits with honey yet possesses even more robust antimicrobial properties, effective against illnesses like persistent colds and sore throats.
In contrast to honey, propolis has a naturally lower sugar content. “For individuals with diabetes looking to enjoy some benefits of honey without consuming sugar, propolis is an excellent alternative,” Munkley notes.
The Natural Source
While honey stands out as a valuable pantry item packed with health advantages, its captivating appearance—sticky and glimmering—reveals even greater strength: the bees that produce it. These remarkable insects can travel up to 5 miles (8 km) from their hives to gather nectar and pollinate flowering crops.
“When selecting honey, it’s vital to support local beekeepers, as thriving bee populations are crucial for local food production,” Munkley stresses. “This aspect contributes to the broader immune system of our environment—our local ecosystem.”
This article originally appeared in the September 2025 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
