A sweet remedy

In keeping with growing demand, many shops sell honey in Abu Dhabi


Honey, a naturally sweet substance made by bees from concentrated plant nectar, has been used for centuries on wounds and burns. Both ancient Egyptians and native Americans used honey for diverse medicinal purposes. The ancient Chinese used honey to prevent smallpox wounds from scarring.

Honey was a common home remedy until the advent of antibiotic creams. As antibiotic-resistant bacteria increase, old folk remedies are being re-investigated. Researchers worldwide are confirming honey's medicinal properties.

In Abu Dhabi in recent years, to meet the increasing demand for honey and its products, many shops have opened specialising in honey and herb products. Al Sidr Natural Honey is one such, with a reputation among its customers for the quality honey and herb products.

Owner Mohammed Younis notes that the popularity of honey and herb products has been increasing steadily. When he came to Abu Dhabi 18 years ago, from Jordan, he began with a small shop. Today, apart from being a dealer, he owns two shops and supplies honey products to most of the major supermarkets and outlets. His shops have no fewer than 60 types of honey from different countries in Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. The best - and most expensive - honey comes in two types: Jardan Sidr and Sammer, both from Yemen.

Honey's thick texture provides a protective barrier and creates a moist atmosphere that allows skin cells to grow without scabbing. The high sugar content draws dirt out of the wound and moisture in, helping reduce infection.

The fact that it is successful in fighting some of the antibiotic resistant strains of infection makes it a scientific breakthrough. Even more important is the fact that it is inexpensive and easy to obtain. Time will tell if honey is truly one of nature's under-appreciated miracle medicines.

Many people believe honey is high in calories and may cause weight gain. An average teaspoon of honey only contains about 25 calories, which convert quickly and efficiently into 'energy', unlike white sugar. Honey is nutrient rich, containing protein, carbohydrate, hormones, organic acids, anti-microbial compounds an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, traces of amino acids and antioxidants.

It also contains a rich supply of live enzymes. Honey may contain other medicinal compounds, depending on the type of plant from which the pollen was taken. Younis's shop specialises in separate honey for diabetes and blood pressure.

Honey is often treated with a pasteurising process to minimise crystallisation once packaged. This process may involve exposure to high temperatures that can destroy some of the valuable natural enzymes in honey. Raw, unprocessed honey is generally preferred over honey that has been heavily processed.

There is a wide variety of honey products, from Royal Bee Jelly (reportedly giving energy as well as being used to treat hardness in veins, inflammation of the nerves, anaemia, rheumatism, weakness and fertility problems in men and women) through to bees' wax (used for candles, body creams, ointments and lotions, soaps and polishes). Other honey products include honey shampoo, cream with royal jelly, soap, hair oil, ointment, royal honey, comb honey and beech wood honey with Oligo.

If you want to experience honey's healing properties for yourself, add a bottle to your first aid kit. Store it in a dark, cool place as heat and light can strip honey of its antibacterial properties. Discover for yourself what the Egyptians and Chinese have known for centuries.