The Unique Health and Cosmetic Benefits of Buckwheat Honey

The Unique Health and Cosmetic Benefits of Buckwheat Honey

Buckwheat honey or buckwheat hulls as they are commonly known, has been a staple of traditional diets for centuries. Its unique properties have made it a popular addition to teas and herbal medicines, and its use in cooking extends further still. This type of honey is very similar in composition to granola, although buckwheat hulls are not branless and contain no bran. Honey is primarily produced from the nectar of the buckwheat flour, and in the United States it is largely used in breakfast cereals.

NATIVE AMERICANS FOR MEDICINAL

Buckwheat honey has been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and is often suggested to treat colds, coughs, sore throats, stomach ulcers, and other maladies. The Greeks even referred to buckwheat as "the sweet elixir" and used it in a variety of culinary dishes including breads and beer. While there are many uses for honey around the globe, it is mostly known for its nutritional benefits and is used in many different recipes. One of the most popular uses is in baking recipes, where it is often combined with rice, cinnamon, nuts, raisins, and honey to create sweet and delicious desserts.

SERIOUS MEDICAL AILMENTS

Buckwheat has also been used to treat some serious medical ailments, and its natural antiseptic properties make it highly effective in healing burns and cuts. Buckwheat can be used both internally and externally to reduce blood glucose levels and to improve the immune system. It can also be used to heal wounds, prevent infection, relieve sinusitis and ear infections, and reduce the occurrence of fevers and sore throats.

A number of beekeepers have been making honey made from buckwheat flowers since the late 19th century. While some of this type of honey was considered to have beekeeper qualities, the best type is produced by keeping bees that have chosen to call the hive their home. Honey from bees that choose to nest in an area other than the hive is called combs of honey. Honey produced from bees that build their nests around a comb (a waxy substance that collects honey) is called hive honey. All types of buckwheat honey are produced equally, so it doesn't matter which type of bees make the honey.

BUCKWHEAT BLOSSOMS

The color and flavor of honey produced from buckwheat blossoms vary depending on the type of flowers the bees select to produce the honey. White honey comes from bees that have chosen to work in the shade instead of on the open pollinated bushes. This type of honey will have a clear taste and look similar to honey made from other flowers.

Buckwheat honey also has a high amount of sweetness, although not as much as most other honeys. It does have a distinct "cooked out" aftertaste from the addition of the raw honey and any enzymes or floral particles that may be present during the processing. Many people prefer the taste of sweetened buckwheat honey over regular store-bought sugar, since it has a distinct, slightly tart, aftertaste. People who feel that the natural sweetness of fresh buckwheat honey suits them better than other types of honey will find that they are right!

ANTIOXIDANT CHARACTERISTICS

Although there aren't as many antioxidant characteristics in honey as there are in blueberry, cranberry, and lemon flavors, none of the benefits of antioxidants honey could compare to the health benefits of red gum. This type of honey is produced from the flowers of a red gum tree. As the name implies, the flowers are eaten, but what makes them unique is the way the honey is processed. Instead of being frozen like most other flowers are, the red gum flowers are soaked and then dried. During this process, the oil from the flowers becomes concentrated, along with any flavors or scent from the blossoms.

In addition to the health benefits, there are also a number of cosmetic benefits associated with buckwheat honeys, especially when used in the making of skin care products. Since bees gather pollen for the nectar that they make honey from, the bees help fight off bacteria and insects that would destroy and threaten crops. Many natural skin care products are based on the benefits of bees, whether that is for healing or simply looking better. Whether you enjoy the flavor of honey, or you want to make something that tastes great, local honey in your area is the way to go.

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