Linden honey: benefits and harms, medicinal properties

Honey is one of the most attractive sweet foods in human history. It appeared in the Stone Age. Historians claim that ancient people immediately learned about the benefits of nectar and used the honey of wild bees for food. The ancient Egyptians made him a symbol of prosperity and wealth, he stood on the tables of the nobility. In the modern world, there are many varieties of honey, it is classified according to several characteristics. Useful properties and contraindications of linden honey depend on the properties of linden. The type of wood also affects the shades and taste.

Characteristics and features of linden honey

Honey is flower and honeydew. Flower nectar is collected from shrub buds and flowering trees. The honeydew type means that bees collect the secretions of sweet syrup, which settles on the leaves of plants. The linden variety can be a combination of two types: linden flowers form nectar, and honeydew secretions accumulate on the leaves. These properties give linden honey a special taste and aroma. The benefits of its use are hidden in the unique binding of diverse elements.

Linden is a unique tree from the mallow family, which is widespread in the western parts of Europe, the European part of Russia. The tree reaches 40 meters in height, belongs to the deciduous type. Linden blooms in July, the timing may differ from changes in weather conditions. The sweet linden scent lingers in the air in summer, when the bees work tirelessly around the buds and collect the nectar.

The peculiarity of this species is complete monoflorism. This means that bees will collect every last drop of nectar from only one tree, without mixing it with other varieties. After pumping out of the hives, linden honey acquires its own special characteristics, which determine its useful properties.

Colour

The shade of the product changes during maturation. The freshly harvested collection will be transparent, amber in color, with a rich sheen of golden hue. As it ripens, a precipitate appears in it: gradual crystallization changes the color of the product to white. If during the collection it was not without mixing another variety, then the color will become saturated yellow. Connoisseurs say that the ripe linden blossom should be white.

Scent

The smell of linden honey cannot be described in words. It recalls the sunny days of mid-summer, a mixture of floral scents. Those familiar with the scent of linden flowers will recognize this variety by its characteristic scent.

Taste

The ripened product has a dense consistency, and when it enters the mouth, it begins to melt, which affects the taste buds. This is the sweetest variety. This property is explained by the high content of sucrose in it.

Crystallization

For each variety, the crystallization process is important, which is an indicator of the maturation of honey.

The linden variety has average crystal formation. It remains liquid for about 90 days from the date of collection. Some species are able to maintain a liquid structure for about 1 year.

Crystallization goes through several stages. First, a sediment appears, which slowly sinks to the bottom. Gradually, the structure becomes the same: linden honey is candied.

Chemical composition and caloric content of linden honey

The benefits of linden honey for the human body is determined by the value of the elements that are in its composition.

Caloric content - 323 kcal.

Protein - 0.5 g, no fat and about 80 g carbohydrates per 100 g.

Sugar content:

The product contains 16 useful amino acids.

Vitamins are presented:

• thiamine;
• ribaflavin;
• niacin;
• pyridoxine;
• biotin;
• pantothenic, folic and ascorbic acids.

Micro- and macroelements: compounds of zinc, selenium, iodine, phosphorus, iron.

Connoisseurs of honey claim that the amount of useful substances with their unique properties in linden honey reaches 400 at different stages of maturation.

Useful properties of linden honey

The benefits of linden blossom apply to all body systems. It is used both internally and externally. These properties make it especially popular.

The content of vitamins and amino acids makes the collection useful for those who suffer from certain diseases of the digestive tract. The elements have an anti-inflammatory effect on the walls of the stomach.

One of the useful and specific qualities is considered its antipyretic effect: a few spoons can normalize body temperature. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The variety also has a diaphoretic effect, which is beneficial in feverish conditions.

The content of flavonoids gives the product antioxidant and tonic qualities.

The presence of ascorbic acid contributes to its active use for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which are often accompanied by edema of the mucous membranes of the throat, cough. Adding to a warm drink helps relieve symptoms.

With colds, phlegm does not come off well, its presence in the body is harmful and makes it difficult to cure. Nectar helps to liquefy phlegm and remove them from the body.

A cup of warm tea with a spoonful of linden blossom can provide sedation, which is of great benefit in times of stress.

The amino acids present in the product are involved in metabolic processes at all levels of the body.

The anti-inflammatory effect of the variety explains its widespread external use: it is recommended as one of the means of relieving inflammation in the oral cavity. Small wounds and skin lesions are softened with linden harvested products.

For women

Useful properties of linden honey are used by women in the preparation of masks for the skin and hair. There are also options for external use in women. Aqueous solutions with the addition of the product treat thrush. The approach of such therapy during pregnancy is especially in demand. During this period, it is recommended not to use medications unnecessarily, so as not to harm the development of the fetus.

For men

The use of linden honey for men is to improve potency. In modern life, men are often under stress, leading to a decrease in the body's metabolic processes, intestinal problems.

Linden variety is useful in that it has an effect on all body systems, stabilizes the reproductive system with regular use.

For children

Despite the fact that young children love sweets, honey is not recommended to be included in the children's menu before the age of 3. In the absence of health problems and special recommendations of pediatricians, sweetness is introduced into the diet gradually, so as not to harm the growing body.

Over time, the habit of drinking warm milk with fragrant linden honey at night has a relaxing effect on children, helps to calm down and fall asleep.

Is it possible for linden honey during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life: at this time, you have to deny yourself many of your favorite dishes in order to avoid harm to the development of the unborn child.

Honey is taken with extreme caution during pregnancy. High fructose levels can trigger high blood sugar levels.

There is a high probability of developing an allergic reaction, since honey is a vegetable product. This effect can appear even in the absence of allergic reactions before pregnancy.

Is linden honey allowed for nursing mothers

For nursing mothers, the product may not be useful because of the possible harmful effect on the baby. Skin diathesis often develops in newborns and breastfed babies.

Warm tea with the addition of a minimum amount of linden honey helps to increase lactation and saturates the mother's milk with additional beneficial nutrients. When carefully applied and analyzed, linden honey can be beneficial in optimizing the composition of human milk.

Linden honey for weight loss

When choosing a diet, women are guided by what can be consumed and what is prohibited. Linden honey for weight loss is useful for those who follow a carbohydrate diet.

There are honey diets for which it is recommended to use lime or buckwheat varieties.

Feature of the approach:

• exclusion from the menu of all sweet products, except honey;
• increased fluid intake;
• adding fiber and lactic acid products for daily use.

The benefits of honey diets are based on the product's ability to improve metabolism and promote active digestion of food.

How to use lime honey correctly

Many people adhere to the deeply ingrained misconception that hot milk helps with honey for colds. This cooking option will do more harm than good.

Under the influence of a hot liquid, the molecules of compounds of chemical elements are decomposed: they decompose with the formation of carcinogenic substances. It would be correct to drink a spoonful of honey with a warm drink or mix them, while the temperature should not exceed 60 ° C.

Traditional medicine recipes with linden honey

The medicinal properties of linden honey are highly valued, although there are contraindications. The popularity of the product has grown since ancient times, over the centuries of its existence, traditional medicine has accumulated many recipes for all cases of diseases.

For coughs and colds

The medicinal property of linden honey is considered especially valuable in treating the throat; its benefits are unique in this.

Treatment begins with tea. Linden tea made from flowers has a good effect.

For colds, it is recommended to drink warm water or tea with the addition of 1 tbsp. l. of this variety.

With coughing fits that interfere with sleep and exhaust the patient, it is recommended to keep 1 tsp of honey in the mouth until it is completely dissolved. This technique helps to soften the sore throat, eliminates puffiness, relieves spasms. Honey cakes are made on the chest in the treatment of bronchitis and pleurisy.

For problems with the gastrointestinal tract

Linden honey has a useful property - to influence the acidity of the stomach.In order to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to know exactly all indicators of acidity.

For people with increased acidity, the method of taking the product on an empty stomach is not suitable: it will cause harm that threatens inflammation.

Treatment of gastritis of any complexity involves adding the product to meals, with the complete elimination of sugar.

For mouth ulcers and stomatitis

In dentistry, the lime variety is used for rinsing and treating mouth ulcers.

For rinsing, use a honey solution 2 times a day. For this, 1 tbsp. l. dissolve in a glass of warm water.

Gingivitis involves bleeding gums, the presence of wounds and microdamages to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Honey is used in the form of a compression-type lotion application.

With diseases of the cardiovascular system

The benefits of honey for those suffering from cardiovascular disease depend on the state of health.

Linden variety helps to lower blood pressure, which is necessary to maintain normal heart function. In case of heart failure, honey is beneficial in normalizing blood composition.

Failures in the work of organs that cause arrhythmias are removed with the help of regular use of drugs that can normalize hemoglobin. It is recommended to add lime or buckwheat varieties to the composition of drinks.

Heart muscle is strengthened with a recipe based on hawthorn fruit:

• water - 0.5 l;
• hawthorn, fruits - 500 g;
• lime collection - 100 g.

The hawthorn broth is filtered, honey is added, mixed. The broth is drunk in 2 tbsp. l before meals daily, the course of treatment is 30 days.

For quick wound healing

The antibacterial property is beneficial in treating small wounds. A mixture is applied to them, which includes the content of honey and petroleum jelly in equal proportions.

For eye diseases

Diseases associated with inflammation of the mucous membranes, redness, suppuration are treated with:

• solutions;
• compresses;
• ointments.

In order to avoid harm, it is better to coordinate the preparation of such funds with a doctor. Laying honey behind the eyelid can only be done if there are no signs of acute inflammation.

The use of linden honey in cosmetology

Linden variety has been used in home cosmetology for many centuries. Its ability to influence cells makes it a product that can have a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

Linden honey for hair beauty

The benefits of linden honey for hair are recognized by world cosmetologists. This explains its use as an additive in the production of industrial cosmetic care products.

Traditional methods of beauty for hair are more effective, since the basis is a natural product without chemical impurities. At home, wash your hair with honey shampoo. It is prepared by mixing with an egg until smooth.

Hair lightening mask

• 1 tbsp. l. linden variety;
• cognac - a few drops;
• yolk.

The mass is heated until a homogeneous structure is obtained, applied to the hair for 30 minutes. Regular use lightens hair by 1 - 2 tones.

Linden honey for facial skin

Face masks are especially popular. The structure, smell and taste of such products are additional stimuli for preparation.

Ingredients for all types:

• linden tax - 1 tbsp. l .;
• castor oil - 2 - 3 drops;
• lemon juice - 2 - 3 drops.

The mixture is applied to the face, washed off after 20 minutes.

The benefits of such masks are noticeable with regular use. They even out the complexion, promote active cell regeneration. The property of honey to relieve inflammation helps with facial skin irritations, acne formation.

The harm of linden honey and contraindications

They talk about the dangers of linden honey when they consider it as a product containing an increased amount of sugar.

Anyone who has problems with blood clotting, lime honey can be harmful.

Despite the fact that the product is recommended for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, it can be harmful during periods of exacerbations. In these situations, the opinion of a gastroenterologist should be sought before use.

Linden variety may not be useful for those with a tendency to develop allergic reactions. It is a strong allergen due to its plant base and increased biological activity.

How to distinguish natural linden honey from fake

Selling honey is a lucrative business, which is why there is a counterfeiting system in the market. In order not to buy a product that can harm the body, it is better to purchase only from trusted sellers.

In appearance

You can distinguish honey on your own by how it looks. Outwardly, a fresh lime collection will be light yellow or white with a yellowish tinge - at a later stage of maturity.

With the help of available tools

There are additional methods for determining the naturalness of the product. One of the most popular homemade methods is dipping stainless steel wire into a bowl of honey. With its natural composition, the wire remains absolutely clean.

When honey is stirred in a glass of warm water, no harmful sediment is formed: the natural product is completely dissolved.

If you use vinegar essence, the result of the counterfeit product test will be the characteristic foaming and hissing of the honey-water solution.

Such fakes are harmful to health, therefore, special care should be taken when buying.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties and contraindications of linden honey have clear explanations. Moderate consumption of real linden honey is not harmful. It has a general strengthening effect on the body, helps to increase natural immunity and keep it at a high level.

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