With the arrival of the Beginning of Autumn, it is recommended to consume more honey to nourish Yin and moisturize dryness. Honey has been used as a medicinal ingredient in China for thousands of years with great efficacy. Li Shizhen, a medical expert during the Ming Dynasty, pointed out: "Honey has five medicinal effects: heat-clearing, tonifying the middle, moisturizing dryness, detoxifying, and relieving pain... It can harmonize with various medicines, and has similar effects to licorice." From this, it is evident that honey has the function of clearing heat and moisturizing dryness, making it an excellent health product.
Honey has long been recognized as a nutritious and natural nourishing food, and is one of the most commonly used supplements. In the classic Chinese medicinal book "Shennong Ben Cao Jing," honey is listed as a top-grade ingredient that nourishes the five internal organs, strengthens Qi, relieves pain, detoxifies the body, cures various illnesses, harmonizes with other medicines, and prolongs life when consumed regularly. Honey contains vitamins, proteins, organic acids, and various enzymes. Regular consumption can help regulate gastrointestinal function, prevent and treat constipation, promote sleep, and enhance immune function.
The main components of honey are fructose and glucose, which can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the body. Honey also contains potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, as well as vitamins B2, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C. Honey contains a type of fructose that most fruits do not have, which can promote the decomposition and absorption of alcohol. Therefore, drinking honey water after consuming alcohol can help sober up quickly and relieve hangover symptoms.
Honey made from different flowers may have slightly different effects. Acacia honey has a fragrance of acacia flowers and has a cool nature. It has the effects of diuresis and blood cooling, making it a good choice for those experiencing symptoms of excessive internal heat. Osmanthus honey has a fragrant and refreshing aroma, sweet but not greasy, and has the effects of clearing heat, nourishing the middle, detoxifying, and moisturizing. Loquat honey has a refreshing taste and is suitable for individuals with phlegm and heat accumulation. It can relieve symptoms such as persistent cough, dry throat, and insufficient stomach Qi.
There is a saying: "Saltwater in the morning, honey water at night." This means drinking diluted saltwater on an empty stomach in the morning and drinking honey water before bedtime. The reason for doing this is that drinking diluted saltwater in the morning can dilute the thickened blood, moisturize the intestines and stomach, and facilitate bowel movements. Drinking honey water at night can help with beauty and replenish various trace elements. Therefore, the most scientific method of health preservation is to reserve honey water for the evening and drink diluted saltwater in the morning.
Drinking honey water is suitable throughout the year, and especially beneficial after the Beginning of Autumn. It is a simple and effective method for beauty, intestinal lubrication, and bowel movement. However, for individuals with constipation, drinking honey water in the morning can also help with bowel movements. The specific usage should be adjusted based on individual body conditions. For example, drinking a cup of warm milk with honey before bedtime can promote relaxation and improve health effects.
The climate after the Beginning of Autumn is often dry, and drinking more honey can prevent skin cracks. Many high-end cosmetics are made from refined honey, indicating its excellent protective effects on the skin. If honey is consumed internally and applied externally for a long period, it not only helps with beauty and anti-aging but also promotes longevity.
