Phacelia honey is characterized by unique medicinal properties. This is due to the high content of valuable components in it. Thanks to this, the product can be used for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. Another distinctive feature of the substance is the slow crystallization process. This allows beekeepers to use the mass as food for bees in the winter.
What is phacelia honey
Honey from phacelia flowers is characterized by a light yellow hue.As it crystallizes, its color and consistency change. The product acquires a thick texture and creamy color. Sometimes the mass becomes greenish.
The characteristic features of phacelia honey are its unique taste and pronounced aroma. The flower saturates the nectar with beneficial essential oils and phytoncides. Thanks to this, the honey turns out tart and spicy. There is no bitterness or sourness in the taste of the mass. At the same time, you can notice the high sugar content and sweetness. Phacelia honey is characterized by a soft floral aroma.
The main feature of the product is considered to be high fructose content. This component directly affects the crystallization activity. Thanks to its presence, the collected nectar retains its liquid consistency throughout the summer and autumn - until the winter cold.
Origin
This type of honey is made from phacelia. This plant is considered an excellent honey plant and is highly productive. In agriculture, the crop is used as a fodder and green manure variety. Therefore, it is grown from early spring to late autumn. All this time, the phacelia is characterized by active flowering and produces nectar. Therefore, it is possible to obtain valuable honey throughout the summer and the first half of autumn.
The plant is planted in several stages. This allows you to obtain up to 4 generations of high-quality honey. Most often this product is found in mountainous areas. Honey-bearing phacelia is grown in Siberia and the Caucasus. It is also found in Ukraine and in some European countries.
Beneficial features
Phacelia honey brings great benefits to the body. This is due to the unique composition of the product. The beneficial properties of this variety include the following:
- Calming effect. The product regulates the functioning of the nervous system and helps cope with insomnia.This type of honey also successfully eliminates depression and neuroses.
- Improved skin condition. To do this, nectar should be applied externally. It successfully copes with age-related changes, microcracks, acne and pigmentation.
- Restoring the functions of the digestive organs. This product helps normalize the acidity of gastric juice. With its help it is possible to cope with pain and inflammation. The mass also normalizes intestinal microflora. Due to the unique properties of the product, it should be used to combat heartburn and gastritis.
- Elimination of colds. Phacelia honey is characterized by pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In addition, the product has an expectorant effect. Therefore, it can be used to combat colds and diseases of the respiratory system.
- Increased tone. The beekeeping product contains many vitamins and microelements. Therefore, it can be used for recovery after increased stress and surgical interventions.
Application
Today, phacelia honey is used in various areas of life.
It is used for the treatment and prevention of many pathologies. The product is also often used in cosmetology.
For gastrointestinal diseases
The substance has pronounced bactericidal and restorative properties. Therefore, it is allowed to be used for the regeneration of the mucous membranes of the stomach. The product also helps get rid of tissue damage by pathogens.
In cosmetology
This product is often used in cosmetology. It is used to solve various problems. Phacelia honey helps to cope with the following problems:
- acne;
- pigmentation;
- age-related changes;
- increased dryness or oiliness of the skin.
The substance is often used to prepare masks that saturate the dermis with nutrients and tone it. The product is often used for massage procedures. In combination with beneficial oils, it has a calming and relaxing effect, normalizes blood circulation and eliminates cellulite.
In folk medicine
Phacelia honey is often used in folk medicine. This remedy is recommended for use in the following cases:
- For dysbacteriosis. For inflammation and pain, experts advise consuming 80 grams of valuable nectar. When the substance is absorbed, it is possible to get rid of discomfort and normalize the functioning of the digestive organs.
- For peptic ulcer disease. In this case, it is recommended to use a mixture of 150 grams of honey, 50 grams of aloe juice and 250 grams of walnuts. All components should be mixed well and taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
- For gastritis. To make an effective remedy for treating gastritis, you need to mix 100 grams of honey, 20 grams of aloe juice and 10 grams of propolis extract. All components must be combined and heated in a steam bath. The resulting product should be taken daily. It is recommended to do this for 2 months.
Honey bath procedures
These manipulations help expand the pores and make the use of honey more effective. After such procedures, it is possible to cleanse the skin, saturate it with vitamins and microelements, remove toxins, and get rid of wrinkles.
To obtain the desired effect, you can apply honey to steamed skin, performing circular movements. 10 minutes after this, it is recommended to take a warm shower.You can also scrub the body using a composition based on nectar and table salt. They should be mixed 2:1.
Harm and contraindications
Phacelia honey is not always allowed to be used. The main contraindications to its use include the following:
- Diabetes. People with this diagnosis can use the beekeeping product in limited quantities. Moreover, this can only be done after consulting an endocrinologist.
- Pregnancy and lactation. The product contains phytoestrogens. Therefore, it should not be used by women during periods of changes in hormonal balance.
- Individual intolerance. It can appear on any beekeeping product.
Also, overweight people should not eat phacelia honey. This product is considered very high in calories and can aggravate the situation.
How to distinguish from a fake
To choose a natural and high-quality product, you should focus on the following features:
- Viscosity – in liquid form, the mass should have a uniform consistency. The candied product may include small grains. There should be no water or other liquids.
- Smell – honey should have a distinct floral aroma.
- Color – the phacelia variety is distinguished by a uniform light yellow color.
Shelf life and storage conditions
It is recommended to store the product in a dark and dry place at a temperature of 0...+5 degrees. It is best to keep the mixture in a glass or wooden container.
Phacelia honey is a very useful product that contains many valuable components. Due to this, it is often used for therapeutic and preventive purposes.
