"And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There comes forth from within it a beverage of many colours, in which there is healing for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. (Surat an-Nahl, 68-69)

"Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this
is a Sign for those who give thought"(16:69).

Although honey's healing benefits were known to Muslims more than a thousand years ago, scientists are just now beginning to research its amazing powers. Indeed, a  biochemist at the from  New Zealand has – for the past 17 years – researched into the healing properties of honey and has shown scientifically that all honeys have varying degrees of such properties Honey contains many minerals and vitamins beneficial to man. However, one of the most important properties seems
to be its antibiotic action.

Each drop of honey contains many minerals (potassium, sodium, phosphate, copper, iron, calcium, manganese), enzymes, trace elements, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, K), as well as beta-carotene. Honey
also contains glucose, fructose and saccharine (70%) and is very preservative just by itself Of course honey from a supermarket, which has been heated and filtered, may not be as therapeutic as one taken directly from the comb

A  favourite story about honey makes reference to a 20-year-old wound in a British woman. Bacteria had been festering in an abscess in her armpit for years, resisting all the antibiotics she had taken. Nothing
seemed to help her and she could barely use her arm.  she heard about honey's healing effects and convinced her doctors to put some in her dressing. At that point they were willing to try anything and were not
very hopeful that anything would work. However, they were quite surprised when one month later the wound finally healed and the woman could use her arm again.

Since then, honeys have been tested on the different species of bacteria responsible for wound infection. Doctors then said “ It is only a matter of time before antibiotics lose their effectiveness
because their overuse creates ever-stronger germs.”

Thus, we may have to go back to the to the old fashioned remedy. However, "old fashioned", is not as bad as it sounds. Effectively, the potency of honey was found to be superior to all types of antibiotics.
Two years ago, Australia approved honey as a medicine and began selling it in pharmacies

Honey is now known for its antibiotic, antioxidant and antiviral capabilities. In fact, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for its anti-microbial activity. If one wants to use it as a dressing, the best way is to use sterilized honey. However, the only way to sterilize honey without destroying its antibacterial agents is through
gamma-irradiations. Honey is also used for sore throats, colds, heartburn, fever blisters, cuts, acne, skin disorders, ulcers, stomach inflammations and cataracts… and its flavour excites the appetite.

The advantage of the honey used externally is that during the healing process the re-growth of the sick part of the body is enhanced by honey's moisturizing properties.

While the healing properties of honey may be news to modern science, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) commented on its value 1400 years ago. Indeed, once a man came to the Prophet S.A.W and said, "My brother has got loose motions." The Prophet S.A.W said to him, "Let him drink honey (Bukhari)."

The Prophet (S.A.W.) also said, "If there is any healing in your medicines, then it is in cupping, a gulp of honey or branding with fire (cauterization) that suits the ailment, but I don't like to be
(cauterized) branded with fire." Indeed, honey also nourishes, regulates and purifies blood circulation. Its fructose is the only
natural inert sugar and it goes straight into the blood, nourishing nerves and providing the brain with extra energy.

One Companion of the Prophet Muhammed S.A.W. reported, "In our holy battles, we used to get honey (Bukhari)." According to what we now know, this was a logical choice for travellers and soldiers, as honey
is a supersaturated sugar and is easy to digest because of the monosaccharide; it is also a superior antibiotic. The natural carbohydrates contained within honey, when combined with proteins,
help maintain a good glycaemia – which is important for recovering after a hard-days efforts. By maintaining a good glucose level, honey also maintains a good insulin level and helps people to avoid hypoglycaemia. Some studies showed that this nectar could thus boost endurance performance in athletes.

"And your Lord taught the honey bee…" (16:68). this verse explains the excessive production of the bees. They have been taught to produce not only for themselves but also for human beings! The excellent
organization within the hive is also proof of this "teaching."

So, honey should be the first choice in cases of health problems as it is natural and has a high nutrient value; it does not have the side effects of drugs and is more affordable than most other kinds of
therapy.

—
Ammarah
Radio Islam
+27118547022
ammarah@radioislam.co.za
www.radioislam.co.za