Abstract

A REVIEW OF IMPORTANT FACTS DESCRIBE IN AYURVEDA WHILE CONSUMPTION OF HONEY FOR HEALTH BENEFITS

Snehavibha Mishra and Santosh Kumari*

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Abstract

Honey is an organic natural substance that is produced from the nectar of flowers by Apis mellifera and is a sweet, flavorful liquid. It contains sugars, small quantities of proteins, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, aroma compounds, and polyphones. It is widely accepted as food and medicine by all generations, traditions and civilizations, in both ancient and modern science. Honey is heavily used by ancient countries such as shri lanka, india, Nepal and Pakistan in their traditional medicinal systems. It is used as a remedy for burns, cataracts, ulcers, diabetes, wound healing, etc. The medicinal properties of honey have been known since ancient times. There are many types of bees honey mentioned in Ayurveda. Their effects differ and „Makshika’ is considered medicinally the best. According to modern scientific view, the best bees honey is made up by Apis mellifera capensis. In Ayurveda, Madhu (honey) is used for both internal and external applications. It shows mild laxative, bactericidal, sedative and antiseptic properties and is found to be useful in the treatment of bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, cough and cold, eye diseases, wounds, constipation, hiccups, skin disorders, worm infestation and urinary tract disorders etc. Old honey reduces fat and obesity and is highly scarificant. Honey is much used in the preparation of confection and electuaries and as an adjunct to decoctions, pills and powders. But problem of its adulteration is becoming a common issue in present scenario, so it is always necessary to use genuine honey for attaining desired benefits and reject the spurious and adulterated honey which is sold cheaper in the market. While using of Madhu precautions should be taken because of its some side effects given in Ayurveda science. The aim of this study is to emphasize the review of Madhu (honey) and precautions to be taken while using honey as explained in Ayurveda & biomedical science.

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