Honey has been used as a natural sweetener for thousands of years, but that’s not all the benefits associated with it. It can also be used as a binding agent, an easy way to arm oneself against seasonal allergies and a natural antiseptic for wounds and acne outbreaks.

The benefits of raw honey from Hawaii go far beyond your palate.

• Heal wounds.  Honey is chock-full of antimicrobial properties. For this reason, a dab of honey can be a natural substitute for antibacterial ointments on mild to moderate abrasions, cuts, and first-degree burns.

• Prevent acne. According to researchers at the University of Texas Health and Science Center, honey’s antimicrobial properties make it a great acne fighter too! The doctors recommend using a mixture of honey and water when washing the face. In addition to flushing the dermal bacteria, hydrogen peroxide excreted by honey yields additional antiseptic benefits.

• Natural allergy relief. If you’re tired of the side-effects associated with over-the-counter allergy medicines, or are interested in learning about natural allergy remedies, look no further than a spoonful or two of honey. While scientists have trouble agreeing whether or not a dose of honey a day keeps the allergy meds at bay, anecdotal evidence indicates that it does. If nothing else, it’s way more fun to take a spoonful of honey than a spoonful of medicine. It’s important that the honey you use for this purpose be raw, unfiltered, and local. If you’re visiting or live in Hawaii, our raw, unfiltered honey will work. If you’re not in Hawaii, look for raw, natural, unfiltered honey from your local area.

• Soothe a sore throat. Whether your throat is itchy and raw from allergies or inflamed from a seasonal cold, some hot water, a dollop of honey, some minced, fresh ginger root, and a few drops of fresh lemon juice can help. Sip slowly and enjoy the soothing effects.

Visit Hawaii’s Local Buzz to order raw honey from Hawaii for your pantry and medicine cabinets.