THE MEDICINAL VALUE OF
THIS ANCIENT OLD PRODUCT
A GENERAL MEDICINE FOR VARIOUS AILMENTS
Honey has been a traditional medicinal food in many ancient cultures around the world for centuries. Made popular by its sweet taste, ancient civilizations embraced it as a valuable gift of nature and used it as a natural and nutritious sweetener. Cave paintings dating back some 8000 years, have been discovered depicting people using what seems to be honey. Its medicinal use was first documented in Greece in 2400 BC, when Hippocrates singled it out for its healing properties and recommended it as a general medicine for various ailments of the time. There is also evidence that ancient Egyptians used honey for oral hygiene and ancient Indians were aware of its medicinal properties considering it as a precious healing ingredient.
RAW ORGANIC HONEY
There are many different types of honey and its consistency mainly varies depending on the variety in local pollen. Other factors such as the weather and geographical conditions determine colour, taste, purity, sugar levels and nutritional value. All honeys however, consist of glucose, enzymes, fructose and organic acids and they all are rich in various minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Raw organic honey contains traces of wax yeast and pollen, so it is rich in enzymes and often crystallises creating honeycomb. Pasteurisation destroys some of the active ingredients such as the yeast and most enzymes, so once processed it does not crystallize.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Honey promotes overall health and well-being and numerous studies prove that its properties are beneficial to human health. Honey helps to boost the immune system and is an excellent natural source of energy. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and it contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is also a pre-biotic and helps the gastro-intestinal tract. Another little known fact is that its fructose content accelerates the metabolism of alcohol in the body, thus making it a good treatment for hangovers.
CYPRUS APICULTURE
Honey has existed in Cyprus since ancient times and was used a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good fortune and it has been an integral part of Cypriot cuisine and a traditional medicine for centuries. Cyprus has a long tradition of Apiculture and produces a high quality product that has a high purity. The warm climate, diverse flora, and rich bio-diversity of the island create the perfect conditions for bees to thrive and produce their high-quality honey. Cypriot beekeepers are committed to producing many unique and special versions of Cyprus honey, whilst following traditional beekeeping practices. They use sustainable methods to ensure the health and well-being of their bees and their dedication to this age-old industry has helped to earn Cyprus honey a reputation for being one of the best in the world.
CYPRUS HONEY
Cyprus honey is a prized commodity that is truly special. This unique high quality product has an exceptional taste, and offers general health benefits to all that consume it. Cyprus honey has rich and distinct flavours that make the product stand head and shoulders above other types of honey. This is all due to magic of the Cyprus honey bees and the varied flora that exists on the island. Cyprus honey bees feed on the pollen of a diverse range of flora, which includes various seasonal flowers, fruit trees and aromatic herbs. This all helps to create the unique taste and texture of Cyprus honey that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Differing variants of Cyprus honey is based on seasonal shifts and bees, at different times of the year, often accumulate pollen from different seasonal flora. which in turn creates different variants of quality honey. Overall, Cyprus honey is cherished by both locals and visitors alike and whether it is enjoyed on its own or used in Cyprus’s famous pastries, Cyprus honey is a true treasure that continues to captivate and delight all of those who have the opportunity to taste and enjoy it.
THE MAGIC OF HONEY IN ANCIENT TIMES
THE AMBER NECTAR OF CYPRUS
Held in a very high esteem, honey in age-old Cyprus, was much more than a simple food item. It held considerable significance in ancient times, both culturally and practically, and was used extensively for health remedies and in religious ceremonies. It also became a burgeoning export, which boosted the local economy of the island throughout the ages.
Here are some key points highlighting its importance
Economic Importance: Beekeeping was an established agricultural practice in ancient Cyprus, contributing to local economies. Honey was traded and valued, sometimes even used as currency.
Cultural Practices: Honey was featured in various cultural practices, including celebrations and festivals. It was a common wedding gift and played a role in marking significant life events.
Nutritional Value: Honey was a vital source of nutrition, and was one of the few natural sweeteners available in ancient times. It is still a common ingredient in Cypriot cuisine and is used extensively in desserts and to enhance several sauces. Honey is also used to enhance some wines and as a sweetener in hot beverages. Honey was also considered a superfood and to be a good source of energy so was often consumed by athletes.
Medicinal Use: Cypriots of old utilised honey for its medicinal properties. It was used in various remedies and was used as a gelling agent for open wounds. Honey was also employed as a cough medicine and was also used as a cure for most digestive issues. Unbeknown to the ancient Cypriots, most of these remedies often yielded good results because of the honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Religious and Mythological Symbolism: Honey was often associated with divinity and mythology. It was considered by the ancient people of Cyprus to be a food of the gods, with references to both ambrosia and nectar. Honey often played a role in rituals and offerings to deities.
