Whether you love the great outdoors or you’re building a self-sufficient homestead, it’s crucial to fill your bag or pantry with essential items that keep you going. Raw honey, a time-tested favorite since the days of the pharaohs, is a must-have for your readiness strategy. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antimicrobial powers, honey is a versatile addition that supports your health and well-being.
Plus, if you want to treat yourself a little, this golden elixir also doubles as a natural skincare helper. So, don’t forget to consider adding honey to your preps—it’s a sweet way to boost your preparedness.
Nutritional Supplement
Keeping honey in your kitchen isn’t just about a sweet indulgence—it’s an essential nutritional powerhouse. Unlike the somewhat dull processed sugar lacking in health benefits, honey, often referred to as “food for the gods,” is a treasure trove of naturally occurring vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and vitamin C. It doesn’t stop there—this golden goodness also delivers vital minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, among others.
And here’s the kicker: adding honey to your preps isn’t just about the taste; it’s a smart move for your health. Plus, honey brings along flavonoids that work as natural anti-inflammatories, perfect for times of physical stress. So, don’t forget to consider adding honey to your preps—it’s a sweet way to boost your nutritional intake.
Did you know that honey is sweeter than sugar?
Using honey isn’t just a practical choice—it’s a delightful experience for your taste buds. Don’t underestimate the joy of savoring this heavenly food. Making it a part of your daily meals is as easy as trying out different recipes. Here’s a handy tip: honey is way sweeter than sugar, so you can use about a quarter less honey to achieve the same level of sweetness.
When you’re experimenting with a new recipe, start by substituting only half of the sugar with honey, and then adjust to your liking. Keep in mind that the richer the flavor of your honey, the more it will shine in the final dish. Baked goods, on the other hand, might brown faster and unevenly with honey, so lower the oven temperature by at least 25°F and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of honey to slow down and even out the browning.
Also, consider reducing the amount of liquids by about ¼ cup for each cup of honey, though it’s not a strict rule. So, when you’re adding honey to your preps, remember it’s not just about utility—it’s about enhancing the simple pleasures of eating.
Choosing the right honey
Choosing the right honey is key to unlocking its full benefits. Raw honey is a treasure trove, boasting pollen, yeast, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that team up for both medicinal and nutritional perks. This mix gives raw honey a natural cloudy look, a sign of its quality. Whether it’s liquid, creamed, or crystallized, all forms of raw honey are suitable for medicinal uses. When picking out honey, keep an eye out for the label that proudly says “raw, unfiltered.”
On the flip side, commercial honey often undergoes pasteurization and filtration to achieve a clear and visually appealing product. While it may come in liquid, creamed, or crystallized forms, this type of honey lacks medicinal value and is not recommended for any medicinal purposes.
Now, there’s also comb honey, straight from the hive with raw honey tucked within the cells. It carries the same medicinal qualities as any other form of raw honey. Beekeepers might include a piece of comb in a jar of raw honey or sell the comb separately.
Quick note: Hold off on giving honey to children under 1 year old due to the potential presence of Clostridium botulinum, which can lead to botulism—a rare but serious nervous system disorder in infants. However, adults, children over 1 year old, and pregnant or lactating women can safely enjoy the goodness of honey. So, when adding honey to your preps, make sure you choose wisely for maximum benefits.
Adding honey to your preps provides an energy boost
Boosting your energy levels is another compelling reason to have honey in your toolkit. While the natural vitamins and minerals in honey are reason enough, its quick energy delivery during intense physical activity is a game-changer.
When people reach for sugar or high fructose corn syrup for a rapid energy kick, honey steps in with a unique approach. It balances blood-glucose levels by offering fast-acting glucose for immediate use and slow-absorbing fructose for sustained fuel. With a lower glycemic index (55) compared to table sugar (68), honey becomes a more suitable choice, especially for those with diabetes—though a bit of caution is advised, especially in emergency situations.
When you’re in the midst of energy-draining activities or carrying a hefty load, make sure to have lightweight honey pouches at the ready. Pour your desired amount into snack-sized zip-top bags before your activity. When that energy boost is needed, just snip off a small corner and squeeze the honey into your mouth or a water bottle for an instant energy lift. Keep in mind that warmer water makes honey dissolve more easily, but a bit of vigorous shaking will do the trick even with the most stubborn honeys in cold liquids.
For a convenient on-the-go option, consider transporting honey in the honeycomb itself. You can pack the entire block and nibble on small amounts as needed. Alternatively, stash bite-sized honeycomb pieces in zip-top bags or small plastic containers, swapping them out for energy gummies one or two at a time. So, when you’re gearing up for an energy boost, make sure you are adding honey to your preps—it’s a versatile and natural way to keep your energy levels up.
Adding honey to your preps as Medicine
The nutritional value of honey is undeniable, but its medicinal prowess is what truly makes it a must-have. In the days of pioneers, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory powers of honey were common knowledge, and today, as interest in alternative treatments for everyday ailments grows, these properties are making a comeback.
Modern science is even joining the party, with research confirming honey’s healing effects on everything from burns to inflamed gums to infected wounds.
When it comes to treating deep wounds and burns, especially in situations where infection or immediate medical attention is uncertain, honey takes the spotlight. Thanks to its low pH and high sugar content, honey not only hinders but can prevent the growth of various bacteria species. It also extracts moisture from the wound environment, dehydrating any existing bacteria.
Most honey types even produce hydrogen peroxide—the same chemical you find in that little brown bottle in your medicine cabinet—through the action of enzymes when it contacts wound fluids (except for Manuka honey). The antimicrobial effects of honey are so potent that it keeps sterile wounds sterile and gradually sterilizes infected wounds over time.
Now, when it comes to selecting honey for serious burns and wounds, choose wisely. Manuka honey from New Zealand is the top pick, known for its high efficacy and ability to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
While it might be a bit pricey and challenging to find in local stores, online sources offer various selections with differing levels of antimicrobial potency. Just make sure to grab Manuka honey with a UMF or MGO rating, indicating its antibacterial strength—the higher the rating, the more effective.
But honey’s healing powers aren’t limited to extreme conditions. For common cold symptoms like coughs and sore throats, a tablespoon or two of raw, unfiltered honey can provide relief throughout the day. When it comes to soothing coughs, buckwheat honey is a star performer, often rivaling or surpassing common cough suppressants and antihistamines.
For ailments like vomiting and diarrhea caused by bacteria, honey, especially Manuka or Tualang honey, can be a potent remedy. The dosage may vary, but it’s crucial to consume the honey raw and undiluted for the best chances of a speedy recovery.
Luckily, you don’t need the highest-priced honey for less severe conditions. Most varieties of raw, unfiltered honey—whether clover, wildflower, or others—work well for sore throats, infected gums, minor wounds and burns, insect bites (providing almost instant relief), poison ivy, and many other conditions due to their anti-inflammatory qualities.
Regardless of severity or condition, the application is generally the same. For internal issues, take 1 or 2 tablespoons (adjust for children) at least twice daily, more if needed. Even adding a generous dollop of honey to hot tea can do the trick. For external troubles, apply honey directly to the affected site—dab, smear, or pour—and cover it with a non-absorbent material to keep it in place, away from clothing, and hidden from hungry bugs. Change dressings at least twice daily, more often for severe wounds.
Note: If your condition is serious or life-threatening, don’t hesitate to seek medical care. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical services. So, when adding honey to your preps, consider its multifaceted uses—it’s not just a sweetener but a versatile remedy for various conditions.
Honey is great for skin care
Once you’ve filled your belly and tended to your wounds, indulge yourself with whatever honey is left. Honey’s soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisture-attracting properties work wonders for cracked fingers, chapped lips, and wind-burnt skin. Apply a thin layer to the affected area, cover with bandages if needed, and leave it overnight if possible. When it’s time to remove it, a warm water rinse should do the trick. If you have larger areas in need of care, pour ½ to 1 cup of honey into warm water and soak. For an extra touch, add powdered oats to maximize the skin-soothing qualities of both.
While raw honey isn’t a cure-all or a magical solution, its ability to heal, comfort, and nourish earns it a nearly sacred spot in any preparedness plan. As research uncovers the validity of “old-fashioned” honey uses, it’s likely that modern medicine will continue incorporating this liquid gold into everyday practices, beyond just burn- and wound-care centers.
In the meantime, keep some honey stashed away and give it a try whenever you feel under the weather or just need a little pick-me-up. If a small dab doesn’t do the trick, why not try a bigger one? Adding honey to your preps isn’t just about practicality; it’s about embracing a natural remedy with a sweet touch.
Concluding
In conclusion, honey emerges as an indispensable addition to any prepper’s stockpile, proving its worth on multiple fronts. Beyond its delectable taste, honey showcases a remarkable array of nutritional, medicinal, and practical benefits.
From providing essential vitamins and minerals to serving as a potent antibacterial agent for wound care, honey’s versatility shines through. Its energy-boosting properties, coupled with its ability to soothe various ailments, make it a valuable asset for both sustenance and well-being.
As a natural sweetener, skincare aid, and trusted remedy for an array of conditions, honey transcends its culinary role, earning its place as a multifaceted and enduring ally in the preparedness toolkit.
So, when considering your preps, don’t forget to add honey—it’s not just a sweet treat; it’s a golden elixir of health, nourishment, and resilience.
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