Wildflower honey benefits

Honey is a treasure trove to human kind. If you're looking for a delicious way to add some extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet, look no further than wildflower honey! Wildflower honey has many health benefits that make it a great addition to your herbal regimen. Plus, it's absolutely delicious.

What is wildflower honey?

Wildflower honey is a type of honey that is made by bees that collect nectar from a variety of different flowers. Unlike other types of honey, which have a more one-dimensional flavor, wildflower honey has a complex and nuanced flavor that is truly unique. In addition to its delicious taste, wildflower honey also has a number of health benefits that make it a great addition to your diet. You can buy wildflower honey from a reputable source (more on that below!) or make it yourself by slowly infusing organic wildflowers into honey.

What are the proven benefits of wildflower honey?

Sufficient evidence exists recommending the use of honey is medicinal thanks to its wonderful and natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, and antioxidant properties. [proven source]. Honey has been used and valued as a natural healer for thousands of years.

Honey and wound healing

Honey is an ancient healing agent that has been used to treat wounds for centuries. Recently, research conducted by scientists around the world have confirmed its natural properties which include antibacterial activity as well anti-inflammatory qualities. Wildflower honey also contains antioxidants capable of protecting cells against free radicals causing damage inside your body! [78] Honey works by activating the immune response to infection completely naturally. [79] Honey induces the generation of antibodies. Evidence suggest the use of honey internally in the can assist in the treatment of acute wounds and for mild to moderate superficial and partial thickness burns.[80].

Honey and respiratory infections: Wildflower honey has been shown to be an effective cough suppressant. In one study, patients with upper respiratory tract infections were given either wildflower honey or dextromethorphan (a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough suppressants). The group that was given wildflower honey experienced a significantly greater reduction in cough symptoms than the group that was given dextromethorphan.Honey is commonly used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, cough, and fever. Wildflower honey has also been shown to be effective in treating seasonal allergies. In one study, patients with hay fever were given either local flower honey or artificial honey for six weeks. The group that was given flower honey experienced a significant reduction in symptoms compared to the group that was given artificial honey. Honey Chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma have all been treated by oral honey consumption successfully! [95]

Honey and cardiovascular diseases 

Antioxidants present in honey such as flavonoids, polyphenolics, Vitamin C, and monophenolics may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular failures. [97]

Honey and neurological diseases 

Honey polyphenols help people to remember things better and also help the brain to produce memories. Honey also has a good impact on the nervous system and can help to prevent disorders such as anxiety, depression, and seizures.[102]

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities 

Chronic inflammation can make it harder for tissues to heal. Honey can help reduce inflammation in animals and people, according to some studies. This is because honey has a lot of phenolic content, which has an anti-inflammatory effect.[66]

What to look for when buying wildflower honey:

A Netflix documentary "Rotten" opened my eyes to how honey is often adulterated to lower the cost of production and increase profitability. There are various modes of adulteration in the honey industry, including addition of extraneous sweeteners, use of resin technology, added pollen, and extraction of unripe honey. This is why it's so important to know what to look for when buying honey so that you know you're getting real honey. Sad, but true!

Darker shades of honey: Honey's ability to act as an antioxidant is related to its brightness; therefore, darker honey has higher value as an antioxidant. It has been shown that phenolic compounds are the major responsible factor for antioxidant activity of honey, since the phenolic level is related to radical absorbance activity values of honey.[47] 

Crystallized honey: Crystallization is a process that happens to natural honey. It doesn't mean that the honey is bad. If you want to turn your honey back into a liquid, warm up water in a bowl for 30 seconds in the microwave (95°F). Place the honey jar in the warm water until honey softens again. Do not heat your honey more than this to preserve its medicinal benefits.

Organic: Look for organic third party lab tested brands to ensure they never contain pesticide residue or unnecessary chemicals.

Sustainably sourced: Look for brands that demonstrate sustainable beekeeping.

The best edible wild flowers to infuse in your honey:

More and more people are interested in foraging for their food, and there are plenty of edible wildflowers to be found to be used in your honey!

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) – The dandelion plant is a common herb that can be found growing all over the world. It's great to grow in your garden, because it's difficult to harvest safely (not close to a roadway, or in an area without many animals). Dandelion is common in pastures, lawns, orchards, hay fields. In fact, come spring time - it's likely you'll see them pop up all over. The roots of this edible flower have been used for many years as medicine and it's flowers taste sweet like honey.

Wood sorrel (Rumex acetone) - If you love the tangy taste of lemons, then sorrel is a flower for your palate. It has tart flavors that are refreshing and good on pizza or in sauces to add some excitement! You will likely spot sorrel in late spring, In woodland or hedgerows.

Lilac (Syrringa vulgaris) Very fragrant floral taste, beautiful candied or infused in honey.  Wild lilac can be found in hedgerows and along woodlands. Lilacs offer good summer shade after they have reached several feet tall. Lilacs can be used for anything from a beautiful syrup to a delicious dessert garnish. See our lilac infused honey recipe.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) - Sweet and spicy flavor, often used in savory appetizers and to garnish any and everything. They do well in poor soil and repel common garden pests. The wild variety is trailing and will climb up trees and steep hillsides. 

Wild Rose (Rosa rugosa)The flavor of these flowers is reminiscent to that of strawberries and tart green apples. It is common in open ares and clearings. Darker varieties have a more prominent taste than their lighter counterparts.

Elderflower Blossoms (Sambucus spp) – Elderflowers belong to the olive family and are beautiful flowering plants. Flowers such as these are highly fragrant and can be used in backyards and landscaping.  The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. Elderflower grows as an ornamental shrub or small tree in primarily sunny locations.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) – Bee balm is an annual plant that can be found in the mint family. It is often spotted in areas with full sunlight. The taste of this herb resembles oregano and mint, but with citrusy undertones from lemon to orange when consumed as tea or salads dressing up your food dish! Bee balm is extremely popular among home gardeners too because these plants don't require much maintenance whatsoever.