Raw Honey vs. Processed Honey

Raw honey is a natural sweetener bees produce from flower nectar. Unlike processed honey, raw honey is unfiltered and unpasteurized, which retains more natural nutrients and beneficial properties. Raw honey is packed with natural goodness and tastes more complex than processed honey.

Most of us have honey in the kitchen pantry—it is packaged in various ways, such as a cute bear-shaped bottle or a small glass jar. However, did you know that most of the honey we buy from the grocery store is processed, so many natural benefits have been stripped away?

Processed honey is often heated and filtered, which can destroy beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients. Raw honey is usually thicker, more opaque than processed honey, and has a richer, more complex flavor profile.

It’s not to say that all honey you purchase in stores has been “ultra-processed.” To get the benefits of honey, you need to look for brands labeled as organic. Honey sold from a farmer's market or health food store generally contains more beneficial properties than processed honey at the grocery store.

Raw honey is pure and not ultra-processed – meaning it doesn’t lose nutritional value. Raw honey contains bee pollen, and when purchased locally, it can help prevent and lessen sensitivity to pollen allergies.

Raw honey contains beneficial minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and propolis. It’s a natural energy source that can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, heal wounds, and even be used as a natural cough syrup. This is not where the list of benefits ends! Raw honey can even help with acne and help hydrate your hair.

To get all the benefits raw honey offers, try going to your local farmers market or a health food store (instead of the grocery store). When you buy local honey, you support your local farmer and get a high-quality product with more antioxidants, amino acids, and antimicrobial properties.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Raw Honey

  • Enzymes: Raw honey contains enzymes like amylase, which helps digest carbohydrates.
  • Antioxidants: It is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help protect cells from damage.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: It contains small amounts of vitamins (such as vitamins C and B) and minerals (including calcium, magnesium, and potassium).
  • Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties: Raw honey has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it useful for wound healing and as a natural preservative.
  • Soothing Sore Throats: Its thick consistency and antimicrobial properties can help soothe sore throats and reduce coughing.
  • Allergy Relief: Some believe that consuming local raw honey can help build immunity to local pollen and reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
  • Digestive Health: Raw honey can act as a prebiotic, promoting beneficial gut bacteria growth.

Raw Honey Safety and Storage

Raw honey should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism, a rare but severe illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores. Store raw honey in a cool, dry place. Raw honey can crystallize over time; gently warming it in warm water can return it to liquid.

Home Remedies Using Raw Honey

Below are some home remedies using raw honey.

Sore Throat/Cough Remedy

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.

  • 2 teaspoons raw honey
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice

Directions for Use

  1. Put honey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until liquefied (start with 10 seconds on 50% power).
  2. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice into the bowl of honey.
  3. Mix thoroughly, then use a spoon to take the mixture.

If you heat the honey, ensure it is not too hot when ingested. This remedy is not recommended for children under one.

Minor Cuts and Burns

This home remedy has been around for a long time. Honey is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal, which can be beneficial in wound healing. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to minor cuts and burns. Its antibacterial properties can help prevent infection and promote faster healing.

Apply warmed honey to the area and wrap with a strip of gauze or band-aid. Replace the wound covering daily or more frequently as needed.

Upset Stomach

A spoonful of honey can soothe an upset stomach. The next time you have an upset stomach, try a spoonful of honey. Taking honey in small amounts should be safe, but check with your doctor if you have any bee-related allergies.

Allergy Relief

Consuming a small amount of local raw honey daily can help your body build tolerance to local pollen. The trace amounts of pollen in raw honey may act like a natural vaccine, potentially reducing allergy symptoms over time. Start with a teaspoon daily, and gradually increase the amount to help your immune system adapt.

Digestive Health

Take a teaspoon of raw honey on an empty stomach to aid digestion. The natural enzymes in raw honey, such as amylase and invertase, help break down carbohydrates and sugars, improving gut health. This can alleviate symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating and constipation, and promote a healthy balance of gut flora.

Natural Sleep Aid

Mix a teaspoon of raw honey into a glass of warm milk or herbal tea before bed. This combination is a natural remedy to help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. Honey's natural sugars can slightly raise insulin levels, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain more quickly, promoting relaxation and sleep.

Acne Treatment

Apply raw honey directly to acne-prone areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne and soothe irritated skin. For added benefits, mix honey with a pinch of cinnamon, which has antimicrobial properties, to create a potent acne-fighting mask.

Hair Hydration

Mix two tablespoons of raw honey with one tablespoon of olive oil to create a nourishing hair mask. Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the ends and dry areas, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before washing your hair thoroughly with shampoo. This treatment helps hydrate and condition your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.

Raw Honey Safety and Precautions

Do not give honey (of any kind) to infants because of the risk of infant botulism. This rare but severe illness is caused by Clostridium botulinum spores, which can be present in honey.