nectar of flowers. "The definition of honey stipulates a pure product
that does not allow for the addition of any other substance. This
includes, but is not limited to, water or other sweeteners," according
to the United States National Honey Board 2003 and other nations' food
regulations. Honey is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has
attractive chemicalproperties for baking. Honey has a distinctive
flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other
sweeteners.
Liquid honey does not spoil. Because of its high sugar concentration,
it kills most bacteria by crenation. Natural airborne yeasts cannot
become active in it because the moisture content is too low. Natural,
raw honey varies from 14% to 18% moisture content. As long as the
moisture content remains under 18%, virtually no organism can
successfully multiply to significant amounts in honey, though,
importantly, enough bacteria survive to make honey dangerous for
infants (especially Clostridium botulinum).
The study of pollens and spores in raw honey (melissopalynology)can
determine floral sources of honey. Because bees carry an electrostatic
charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of
melissopalynology can be used in area environmental studies of
radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution.
A main effect of bees collecting nectar to make honey is pollination,
which is crucial for flowering plants.
Islam and honey
More than 1400 years ago Allaah and His messenger told us that honey
can heal a variety of medical problems.
Allaah Says (what means): "And the Lord inspired the bee, saying: Take
your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they
erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made
easy (for you)'. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of
varying colors wherein is healing for men. Verilyin this is indeed a
sign for people who think." [Quran 16:68-69]
The Prophet has also told us of the healing found within honey for a
variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments. It is
reported by Al-Bukhaari that a man cameto the Prophet because his
brother had a stomach disorder. The Prophet said: "Let him drink
honey." The man returned asecond time complaining that no improvement
happened in his brother's case, and again the Prophet responded: "Let
him drink honey." The man returned again, and said: "I have done
thatbut to no avail." Thereupon the Prophet responded: "Allaah has
said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him
drink honey." He drank it and was cured.
It is also reported that the Prophet said: "Make use of the two
remedies: honey and the Quran." (At-Tirmithi)
Modern medicine has only recently discovered the fact that honey is a
remedy to many diseases. Traditional uses of honey have included honey
mixedwith lemon for sore throats. Honey coats the throat and reduces
throat irritation. Research has already shown that honey blocks the
growth of oral bacteria.
Honey has also been used for stomach pains and problems. Modern
research shows that honey is effective when used in the treatment of
gastric or pepticstomach ulcers. Research has also revealed that honey
is effective in the treatment of various wounds and infections because
of its antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal)
properties.
Researchers are not absolutely sure why honey heals but they are
learning new things about honey everyday. As mentioned in the
beginning, honey contains a variety of sugars and minerals. Honey is
also considered an antioxidant. This means it allows the blood to
circulate better and provide more oxygen to areas of the body such as
the brain.
Honey can also be used externallyto promote healing when appliedto
wounds, even postoperative wounds. Honey has also been effective in
its use to treat burns. It has even been shown to be lowin calories
and useful as a sweetener for diabetics, people with heart disease or
those overweight.
Although there is healing in honey for a variety of medical disorders,
certain precautions should be taken:
1- Children under the age of one year should not be given honey
due to the possibility of infant botulism. This type of foodpoisoning
can be deadly, however, it only seems to affect infants under one year
of age.
2- If you have any known allergies to specific plants, then you
should make sure the honey you are using is not produced from that
plant.
3- People with allergies to bee stings should be careful when
using other bee-related products such as propolis or royal jelly.
However, if these precautions arefollowed, then honey may, Allaah
willing provide healing for you.
Conclusion
Muslims acknowledge and acceptthat Allaah and His Prophet know better
and that our CreatorHas revealed the truth. Therefore,we study the
research that is available, not to confirm or deny the truth that has
been revealed by Allaah and his Prophet but to learn of new ways we
can use honey.
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