Honey "Healing For Mankind"

 

The liquid gold and its benefits.

Among the foods and drinks that Allah azawajal has provided for us, some are so enriched that Allah has mentioned about them in Quran and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has advised us to take them for certain, they contain the blessings of Allah.

One such food is honey-the liquid gold. Allah has mentioned it in Quran as the "healing for mankind". The phrase weighs enough to give one idea how blessed the honey must be.

“And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in people’s habitations… there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for humankind.  Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.” 

The benefit of honey does not stop at the mere satisfaction of taste buds, rather its benefits in health have long been proven and promoted.

In one of the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he (saw) says

“Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Quran is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Quran, and honey.”

Various benefits of Honey

1. It is an incredible antiseptic and antioxidant.

2. It boosts one's immune system.

3. Reduces inflammation, heals tissues and fights infections.

4. Used for treating digestive problems such as stomach ulcers, indigestion, gastroenteritis.

5. It regulates blood sugar levels and hemoglobin levels.

6. It is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes as it helps in eliminating most of the sugars.

7. Pure honey relieves one of the common cold symptoms.

8. Provides relief from a cough and upper respiratory infections.

9. Honey applied to a wound or a burn can promote healing and sometimes better than the conventional ointments and dressings.

10. It is an excellent source of easily assimilated energy, ingest just prior to exercise and to replenish your energy levels.

11. It cleanses arteries and bowel impurities.

12. It opens obstructions of the liver, kidney, and bladder.

13. Honey is also used as detoxicant for drug users, and as an antitoxin to treat accidental eating of poisonous plants of the nightshade family (Hyoscyamus niger), or wild fungus, among others.

14. When taken as a drink mixed with hot water only, it helps as a remedy for dog bites. 

15. Honey is a natural preservative and can be used to preserve meat for up to 3 months. It is also used in pickling vegetables.

16. It cures head lice and other parasites when applied on one's scalp.

17. It can be used as hair softner, conditioner and promotes hair growth.

18. Using it as an eye salve, honey brightens one's vision, while brushing one's teeth with honey whiten's them.

19. When used as a mouthwash, it strengthens the gums and eliminates gum diseases.

20. It opens the pores of blood vessels and eases menstrual discharge, forces out phlegm, and opens obstruction of the liver, kidney, and bladder. 

Some hadith related to honey and its uses.

1. It is narrated by Abi Sai'd AI-Khidri in the traditions that a man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and reported that his brother was complaining of irregular bowel movement. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised:

"Make him drink honey." The man came back the next day and said: "I made him drink honey and it did not help! The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave the same advice for two or three times, and the man kept coming back with the same answer. After the third or fourth time, The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said: "God spoke the truth, and your brother's belly lies." The same tradition was reported in Sahih Muslim wherein the man said: "My brother's belly is squeamish." - Meaning that he is nauseous, feels queasy and that his digestive system is upset.
(Reported in Sahih Bukhari)

2. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sometimes drink an infusion of water sweetened with honey on an empty stomach, and such a custom holds ample benefits and subtle secrets. Ibn Maja noted a prophetic saying narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A.), that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whosoever eats honey (at least) three times per month will meet with no great affliction."

3. In another tradition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Make use of the two remedies: Honey and the Qur'an."

Quranic verses about honey

1. "A cure for the diseases of the hearts." (Qur'an 10:57)

2. "From its belly comes forth a drink of varying colors, wherein is a cure for people. Surely there is a sign for those who would give thought." (Qur'an 16:69)

Surely Allah is all knowing, May He guide us and grant good health to everyone.