History and Therapeutic Benefits of Honey: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Medicine
I. Rabeena *
KSAH, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankovil-626126, India.
Subash Chandra Bose
S. Thangapazham Agricultural College, Vasudevanallur-627758, India.
Arunkumar S
KSAH, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankovil-626126, India.
Bhuvaneshwaran S
KSAH, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankovil-626126, India.
K. Hariprasad
KSAH, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankovil-626126, India.
V. Vijay Prabha
KSAH, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankovil-626126, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The history of honey spans millennia, with humans and honeybees intertwined in a remarkable journey dating back to ancient times. From the primitive collection of wild honey by early ancestors to the sophisticated practices of beekeeping and honey production today, honey has played diverse roles in various cultures and civilizations. Its significance transcends mere sustenance, extending into religious rituals, traditional medicine, and culinary delights. Across civilizations, honey has been revered for its delectable taste and myriad health benefits, including its therapeutic properties in wound care, its role in traditional medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, and its potential as an anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer agent. Moreover, honey's versatility extends to oral health, stomach disorders, and wound and burn treatment, making it a valuable natural resource with immense cultural, medicinal, and culinary significance.
Keywords: Honey, history, beekeeping, medicinal properties, traditional medicine, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, oral health, wound treatment, burn treatment, ayurveda