Honey is a natural and affordable ingredient used as a suitable alternative to medicines in many lung problems. It has long been used as a natural remedy to treat several diseases and as a key ingredient in various preparations such as antihistamines, expectorants, cough suppressants, and painkillers. But have you ever heard about the benefits of bee honey in treating cystic fibrosis? Yes, it is true! Reading further about how honey helps treat this disease lets us understand more about cystic fibrosis.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is a hereditary disease that most generally influences the lungs. It is autosomal recessive, which implies that two copies of the defective gene cause the disease.
The impacts of cystic fibrosis include trouble breathing and coughing up sputum created because of lung infections that often happen because of the disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this illness as of now.
Does Bee Honey Help in Curing Cystic Fibrosis?
Monofloral honey, produced using the nectar of a single type of flower, is widely known for its benefits in curing cystic fibrosis. Monofloral honey contains many compounds that give a variety of beneficial properties that are not present in the regular honey that we consume.
These beneficial compounds offer honey antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its wide range of medicinal benefits, monofloral honey like Manuka honey, Clover honey, etc., are constantly regarded as a “wonderfood”, and rightly so.
1. In Treats Respiratory Infections
Combinations of monofloral honey with antibiotics have been found to have a potent effect in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria even if consumed in minimum quantities.
2. It is a Great Anti-Inflammatory Agent
A patient suffering from cystic fibrosis often experiences lung problems due to clogging of the airways because of mucus buildup. This inflammation usually results in causing a variety of other symptoms that are associated with the disease. Honey is known to have a powerful effect against inflammation because of the methylglyoxal content and other factors present in it.
How to Consume Honey in the Right Way to Avail Benefits?
As bee honey is entirely a natural food, there is no specific dosage for consuming it. However, it is generally recommended that it is safe to consume one teaspoon of honey in between meals daily orally 2-3 times a day.
Honey can be consumed with or without water. Make sure to use lukewarm or cold water to mix honey. It is suggested never to mix honey in hot water, as the high temperature leads to removing many of the essential compounds present in honey.
Though cystic fibrosis doesn’t have a cure, monofloral honey can be used as a treatment option for the undesirable conditions that are caused by the disease. Honey has been used to have a potent action against inflammation and infection both. As limited research shows the utility of honey in cystic fibrosis, it can surely help manage the condition by reducing cough and inflammation.
