CHairmans Blog:- Honey

At this time of year many people have colds and sore throats...and as a consequence they seek out remedies from pharmacies, because pharmacists and their staff are ideally placed to provide medication, and advice, to ease the suffering from minor ailments. 
 
A lot of cold medication contains honey as an ingredient...and honey has been used in such medication for thousands of years - even the ancient Egyptians used honey to treat catarrh. Indeed one such remedy, from those far off days, involves painting the nose for 4 days with lead ore, dry incense and honey to drive out the catarrh! Not recommended these days (for obvious reasons!), but honey is still included in many over the counter products today - often for its pleasant taste, or soothing properties.
 
Another of the big benefits of honey found in antiquity was its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and in ancient times the product was applied to treat wounds. In modern times honey is still used sometimes in chronic wound management - although the evidence for its use is sketchy...
 
Whatever the evidence, honey is a delicious substance and has been used throughout history to sweeten foods; and in medication...and I like it on toast!

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