Lavender Honey: Benefits And Uses

Lavender honey is associated with strengthening the immune system and is also used as a healing agent. Lavender honey is a product obtained from the nectar that bees subtract from the flowers of wild lavender ( Lavandula stoechas ) and other plant species. According to a study shared in the journal Molecules, this monofloral honey contains volatile compounds associated with health benefits. In particular, its contribution of fatty acids, antioxidants, and carbohydrates helps to strengthen defenses and calm various ailments. Let’s see it in detail.

Characteristics Of Lavender Honey

Among all the honey varieties, lavender honey is distinguished by its particular aroma and delicate flavor. Being produced by bees from the nectar of lavender species such as Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, and Lavandula stoechas, it has specific characteristics of flavor, texture, and properties. To be precise, it is light amber or white, of medium crystallization and fluid consistency. Its flavor is sweet, but it has weak acid and floral notes. In general, it is not subject to thermal processes, which allows it to preserve its properties. It may also contain pollen and propolis particles.

Benefits And Uses Of Lavender Honey

In traditional medicine, lavender honey is valued for its medicinal properties. Coming from lavender nectar, it is believed to provide an “extra” of nutrients and bioactive compounds compared to traditional honey. A review published in Integrative Medicine Insights showed that this type of honey exhibits a greater anti-inflammatory capacity than those from arbutus or citrus fruits. Furthermore, it had a positive effect on the reduction of oxidative markers. What other benefits does it offer?

Strengthens The Immune System

One of the main benefits of lavender honey is its ability to strengthen the immune system. A study shared via Plos One specifies that this product concentrates enzymes, amino acids, flavonoids, and phenols. Together, these compounds help improve the body’s responses to infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Research shared in the Journal of Food Science and Technology has determined that this honey variety helps fight fungal infections such as candidiasis. Other studies have also investigated the immunomodulatory capacity of honey. In this way, it was determined that it has the potential to fight inflammation, oxidative stress, and infections caused by bacteria.

Helps Relieve Cough

Both bee honey and Lavandula stomach have properties that help relieve coughs. Both act as anti-inflammatories, reducing throat irritation. In addition, they have expectorant and moisturizing qualities, essential to minimize this symptom. A systematic review shared in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that honey effectively improves symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (a common cause of cough). Similarly, through the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the pet has been reported to relieve cough with superior effects to placebo and drugs such as salbutamol and appears to reduce the duration of this symptom in children. For its part, a publication in Plants magazine talks about the potential of Lavandula stoechas to relieve coughs. Specifically, it is attributed to an expectorant effect that helps to clear the airways.

Helps Skincare

Lavender honey also has cosmetic applications. Its topical use is linked to reducing scars, wrinkles, and imperfections. This is related to its large concentration of antioxidants, organic acids, minerals, and amino acids. A comparative study reported in Phytotherapy Research showed that lavender honey was more beneficial in wound healing than the plant’s essential oil. This is also supported by research in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials, which exposes the potential of honey to stimulate skin regeneration.

Other Possible Benefits Of Lavender Honey

Like any other variety of honey, lavender honey is associated with other health benefits thanks to its abundant content of bioactive compounds. The most important are the following:

1. Calms Stress and Anxiety: One of the amino acids in this ingredient, tyrosine, acts as a precursor to several wellness-associated neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. In this way, it promotes relief from states of tension and anxiety.
2. Reduces Insomnia: Lavender honey is believed to act on the nervous system and help relieve sleep disturbances. By itself, it is a natural relaxant.
3. Diuretic effect: many think this honey stimulates the elimination of liquids and relieves the swelling associated with their retention. 
4. Relief from diarrhea: thanks to its antibacterial and astringent properties, lavender honey helps stop diarrhea in case of bacterial gastroenteritis.

Risks And Contraindications Of Lavender Honey

For most healthy adults and children over the age of one year, lavender honey is safe as a natural sweetener, cough remedy, and topical (on superficial wounds) product. However, the following should be considered:

1. This product can cause breathing difficulties, dizziness, vomiting, and heart rhythm disturbances in people allergic to pollen or other components of honey. You need to stop using it and consult your doctor in that situation.
2. Its consumption must be moderate since, in excess, it can affect overweight and obesity due to its high sugar content.
3. Its topical application on open wounds or severe burns is not recommended, as it promotes infections.

Recommendations For Buying And Storing Lavender Honey

You need to check the label when buying lavender honey on the market. The manufacturer details, geographical and botanical identification, and packer information can help determine quality. It should be in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 15 ºC and 20 ºC. It is not recommended to put it in the refrigerator, as in icy environments, it tends to crystallize, which makes it challenging to consume later.

Can You Make Lavender Honey At Home?

On the internet, you can find some recipes for making “homemade lavender honey.” However, it should be clarified that these preparations are very different from the lavender honey bees produce. It is a form of honey infusion. Although it may take on a slight lavender scent and flavor, its properties are different. It can be made from other herbs, spices, peels, fruits, and flowers. How about preparing it at home? We’ll tell you how.

Ingredients

1. 500 grams of honey.
2. One hundred grams of dried lavender.
3. A wooden spoon.
4. A previously sterilized bottle.

Method

1. Place the honey in a heat-resistant container and heat in a water bath.
2. When it is hot, add the dried lavender and remove it from the heat.
3. Cover the product and let it rest for 24 hours.
4. After this time, heat again in a water bath, over low heat, for about 5 minutes.
5. Once this is done, filter the product with a colander to separate the lavender remains.
6. Store in a sterilized jar at room temperature.

To Remember

Lavender honey is an organic product obtained by bees from the nectar they extract from different species of lavender. It should not be confused with infused honey, as it does not have the same properties. Thanks to its nutritional composition, it is recommended as an adjuvant for defense, wound healing , cough relief, and anxiety control. In any case, its consumption must be moderate without neglecting its contraindications.

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