Linden honey: health benefits and harms

One of the most valuable and elite varieties of honey is linden. This is the first species that people have tried. First, linden honey was taken from hives of wild bees and used as a sweet. Later, the medicinal properties of the product were discovered.

Linden honey is used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. The best cure for colds in the world does not exist. The fragrant, delicious product produced by bees is endowed with many qualities that benefit the body.

Types of Linden Honey

In nature, there are about 45 varieties of linden. In Russia, there are 16 varieties of wood. The best honey plants are trees growing in climatic zones with increased importance: the middle strip of Russia, Krasnodar Territory, the Caucasus, Primorye, Bashkiria.

Depending on the area where honey is collected, there are several types of bee products:

1. Bashkir. Small-leaved tree varieties mainly grow on the territory. The honey obtained from the nectar of the flowers of this linden variety is distinguished by light yellow hues. Sometimes the color of the product is almost transparent. A characteristic feature of linden honey from Bashkortostan is a sweet rich taste with a predominance of menthol notes and a rich smell. The fresh product has a faint bitterness on the palate. Over time, it disappears.
2. Seaside. Bees from this region collect nectar from the flowers of the best honey tree - Japanese linden. The woody plant variety also influenced the name of the bee production product. Often, seaside linden honey can be found under the name - take lime. Only an evacuated product of amber color, sometimes with a greenish, slightly unclear shade. For this species, a strong fragrant aroma is inherent that does not disappear after crystallization. It is cloyingly sweet, lacking the bitterness of an aftertaste.
3. Caucasian. Bees collect nectar in the mountains from wild trees, where, in addition to linden, other herbs and trees are found. Therefore, honey is not considered a monofleur variety, but it still shows a predominance of linden taste. The product has a fragrant, pronounced odor, but has a darker shade than honey collected in other areas. It is effective in the treatment of colds, sore throats, and in combination with warm milk or tea serves as an excellent way to lower the temperature.
4. Tsarist linden. This name is the type of honey collected in the forests of the northern regions. A distinctive feature of the product is a fragrant smell with specific shades. Tsarist linden has a rich sweet taste with a characteristic tart hue. Color - light yellow, translucent.In addition to the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, this type of honey is considered one of the best natural remedies to strengthen the immune system and tone up.

All species have a fragrant aroma of linden blossom. It may differ in saturation and degree of resistance. It depends on the type of tree and the nectar gathering area. These parameters affect the color and sweetness of the product.

What is the difference between linden honey and flower honey

Flower honey belongs to polyfler varieties and is the result of processing by bees of nectar collected from several types of flowers, herbs. Linden - polyfler, in the composition of nectar there are 40 percent or more pollen from lime color.

Distinctive features:

Linden honey

1. Collection period. Limited to flowering tree. The collection of nectar occurs in July - August.
2. The aroma. Fragrant lime prevails. A rather strong odor remains after sugaring.
3. Colour. From light yellow (translucent) to amber.
4. Taste. Delicate, delicate finish with bitterness. The bitterness disappears completely after sugaring.
5. Crystallization. It is not in a liquid state for long. By the beginning of winter, it is very difficult to find this variety of honey not sugared. A fast crystallization period is promoted by a large percentage of sucrose.

Flower honey

1. Collection period. Spring Summer.
2. The aroma. Different notes are felt, without a particular prevalence of the smell of any plant. Sometimes fruity notes are felt. After crystallization, the aroma is felt weaker.
3. Colour. More saturated yellow. It can be dark shades, even brown (if pollen from a buckwheat flower is present).
4. Taste. Soft, with tangible herbal notes. The finish is quite long, without bitterness.
5. Crystallization. It remains in the liquid state for up to 7–8 months, since fructose prevails over sucrose in the composition.

The chemical composition of flower and linden honey has slight differences that do not affect the level of usefulness of the products. Both varieties are delicious, fragrant and excellent helpers in the fight against many diseases.

Composition and calorie content

The value of linden honey lies in the uniqueness and balanced ratio of the components that make up the composition. For him, the presence of:

1. Carbohydrates forming the basis of chemical composition. Lime honey contains about 90% of these substances: fructose (25–42%), glucose (23–55.2%). The degree of saturation of the product with these compounds depends on the area of ​​collection of nectar, breed and age of the bees, the weather during the collection period.
2. Water. The amount of this component occupies 12–20% of the composition.
3. A small percentage of proteins.
4. Vitamin-mineral complex, consisting of salts, vitamins C, A, E, K, representatives of group B. They then give the product useful properties for the body. The ratio of minerals in linden honey is similar to the composition of these substances in human blood.
5. Protein compounds and amino acids acting as catalysts accelerating chemical processes.
6. 0.35% organic and 0.029% inorganic acids. The largest percentage falls on malic, citric and lactic acids.
7. About 150 varieties of aromatic substances. Thanks to them, linden honey is so fragrant and fragrant.

The high nutritional value of the product (in 100 g - 328 kcal) is provided by a high content of carbohydrates.

Useful properties of linden honey

General benefit

Amazing taste, wonderful aroma combined with a unique chemical composition make linden honey one of the most delicious and very healthy natural products.

The beneficial effect on the body is due to the presence of not only vitamins, minerals and acids, but also plant polyphenols: quercetin and kempferol. The combination of these elements in one product endowed it with a number of useful properties:

• strengthening and enhancing immunity;
• antioxidant;
• antiseptic and antimicrobial;
• tonic;
• antipyretic;
• antispasmodic;
• wound healing.

Due to these qualities, linden honey is considered the best way to treat colds, accompanied by fever, severe sore throat and cough. Honey has a softening effect on the throat and promotes the rapid discharge of sputum.

The antibacterial and metabolic properties of honey help relieve inflammation of the gastric mucosa with gastritis, normalize the work of the liver, gall bladder and kidneys.

It is recommended to use linden honey for people with impaired heart and circulatory system.

The calming effect has a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to get rid of depression, nervous disorders.

Linden honey is used not only for internal use, but also for external use. With eczema, irritation and any damage to the skin, the product has a healing and antimicrobial effect.

For women

Linden honey not only supports the female body from the inside, filling it with vitamins, minerals and other useful elements, but also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair.

Women from ancient times have been preparing skincare products based on linden honey. Masks, scrubs, honey wraps help to eliminate toxins from the body, help in the fight against cellulite, tighten the skin, eliminate wrinkles, giving it a natural glow and improving color.

For men

The presence of linden honey in the daily male diet has a positive effect on the functioning of the reproductive organs, improves the metabolic process in the body and helps in the fight against stress.

Doctors recommend constantly using this product for men after 50-60 years. It not only enhances masculine strength, but also normalizes the work of the urethra and eliminates inflammatory processes.

During pregnancy

The rich vitamin composition has a strengthening effect on the body of a pregnant woman, replenishing the supply of necessary elements to maintain the health of the future mother and the full development of the muscle mass and internal organs of the child.

A large amount of fructose in honey can cause an increase in blood sugar or cause allergies. Skin rashes, unpleasant itching in the vagina occur in women who have not previously had allergic reactions to honey. This reaction of the body may be due to a change in the hormonal background. During this period, women are better to refuse linden honey or use it only after the approval of the doctor.

When breastfeeding

Linden honey saturates the female body with useful substances transmitted with milk and the baby. It improves the functioning of the mammary glands, thereby increasing the flow of milk. But it is necessary to take it to nursing mothers with special care, honey, regardless of variety, is considered one of the most powerful allergens.

For kids

A growing body is characterized by a constant lack of vitamins, macro- and microelements, therefore, foods rich in these components should be present in the diet. One of them is linden honey. It has a strengthening effect on the children's body, helps in the fight against viral infections. A teaspoon of honey with warm tea or milk is an excellent prophylactic for colds.

Linden honey for the nervous system of schoolchildren serves as a natural antidepressant, reducing irritability and anxiety during exams. A large amount of carbohydrates helps to improve brain activity and nourishes the body with energy.

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of the product are used to eliminate skin problems in adolescents. Linden nectar normalizes the acid-base balance, eliminating oily sheen and acne.

Despite all the positive characteristics, linden honey is not recommended for children up to 3-4 years old, as well as those who are prone to allergies.

When losing weight

Linden honey, although it contains a fairly large amount of carbohydrates, is recommended by many nutritionists as an integral component of the daily diet of overweight people.

A small amount of honey, added to porridge or tea, breaks down in the body quite quickly, since it consists only of natural elements. In addition, the product of bee processing helps to improve the digestibility of food, reduces nervous excitement, removes harmful substances and toxins from the body, improves mood.

Traditional medicine recipes with linden honey

The exceptional properties of linden honey, which have a beneficial and strengthening effect on the body, are used in folk medicine to treat a number of diseases.

Firming agent for the prevention of colds

Squeeze juice from several aloe leaves. Mix it with linden honey in a ratio of 1: 2. Place the infusion in a glass vessel and close hermetically. Insist at room temperature, in a dark place for 3-5 days. Take in the autumn-spring period 1 tbsp. before breakfast for 2 weeks.

At the first symptoms of malaise

Components:

• 60 g of honey from linden blossom;
• 20 g of cognac;
• 250 ml of warm boiled water;
• lemon.

Dissolve honey in warm water and add cognac. Squeeze the juice and half a lemon into the mixture. Have a drink before bedtime.

Recipe 2
Components:

• 1 tbsp honey;
• 2 tbsp grated cranberries (currants).

Add these ingredients to a cup of warm tea and stir. Drink 3 times a day. You can mix honey with berries and take the mixture with tea.

When coughing

One of the best means for eliminating sputum is a cup of warm milk with the addition of 30 g of honey. To enhance the effect, you can add ½ tsp. soda.

Black radish with dry cough honey

Wash and dry the radish. Make a depression and put in it 2 tbsp. honey from linden. Put the radish on a plate, leave it on the table. The next day, juice will appear. Take 1 tbsp. 3 times a day. You can use the juice for several days until it starts to ferment. After 3-4 days of such treatment, sputum will begin to pass away, and cough will soon stop.

Wheat tortilla with honey (external use)

For cooking you will need:

• flour;
• mustard;
• vegetable oil (natural, unrefined);
• linden honey;
• water.

Add a little water and other ingredients to the flour. Knead elastic cake. Attach to the chest area, top with polyethylene and wrap with a woolen blanket. Keep no more than 3 hours.

Expectorant

Components:

• thyme;
• linden honey;
• sage.

Put the same amount of herbs in a clean and dry wiped half-liter jar, filling 1/3 of the volume of the container. Pour so much linden honey so that the herbs are completely covered with it. Leave the honey-herbal mixture to infuse in a cool dark place for 10-12 days. Dissolve with a dry cough 3 times a day for 2 tsp.

Hypertension

Components:

• beet;
• linden honey of liquid consistency;
• horseradish root;
• lemon.

Squeeze 100 ml of horseradish and beetroot juice. Mix and add 70 g of honey and freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Place the drink in a glass jar. Take 1 tbsp. 2 times a day before meals for one and a half weeks.

Gastritis (low acidity)

Components:

• 100 g of aloe leaves;
• 100 g of linden honey.

Put honey to be heated in a water bath. Grind aloe leaves (combine, meat grinder). Pour into slightly warmed honey and let warm for 3-4 minutes. Mix take 1 tbsp. in the morning, before breakfast. The use of this tool speeds up the digestion process.

Constipation

A fairly simple means to normalize the stool: in 100 ml of warm boiled water add 2 tsp. honey and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Take in the morning before the main meal. The duration of treatment is 10 days.

For frequent stool problems

Components:

• dates;
• prunes
• figs;
• linden honey;
• dried apricots;
• water.

Take 100 g of all dried fruits. Pour them with a glass of water and boil for 2-7 minutes. Finely chopped dried fruit or grind. Mix the mass with 100 g of honey. The mixture must be taken before bedtime.

Stomatitis

Chamomile broth with honey: pour 70 g of herbs in 250 g of boiling water. Let it brew for 30 minutes, strain. Dissolve 30 g of linden honey in a purified liquid. Rinse your mouth several times a day. Such a decoction not only relieves inflammation, but also destroys pathogenic bacteria.

Immunity Booster

Ingredients:

• 5 lemons;
• 250 g of honey from linden;
• 4 heads of garlic.

Grind garlic and lemons (not peeled). Mix with honey. Put the mass in a glass container and tightly close the lid. Leave in a dark place for 7-10 days. Take 3 tsp., Slowly dissolving before bedtime.

Recipe 2
Necessary components:

• rosehip;
• chaga extract;
• black cumin seeds;
• ginseng;
• propolis extract;
• water;
• linden honey.

Take an equal amount of all components (20 g each). Heat 30 g of honey (in a water bath) to a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. In 300 ml of boiled water (temperature not more than 40 degrees), gradually add the components, not forgetting to mix thoroughly. Let it brew for half an hour. Strain, pour honey. Take 1 tablespoon, washed down with warm tea or water.

Insomnia

In the morning before meals, you need to drink 250 ml of mineral water with the addition of 30 g of linden honey and juice from ½ lemon. Repeat the procedure for 14 days.

Linden honey in cosmetology

Useful properties are used not only in traditional medicine, but also for the preparation of body, face and hair care products.

During their trip to the bathhouse, Russian beauties always took a jar of linden honey with them. Having steamed well, the girls applied honey on the body, waited a while, and then only washed off. Such a scrub gives the skin elasticity and smoothness.

Massage with honey elixirs, baths with the addition of linden nectar, anti-cellulite wraps, face and body masks have an excellent effect on skin color, condition of the skin, relieve wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes.

Folk remedies usually combine honey with fruits, egg yolk, cereals, milk and sour-milk products.

Vitamin honey mask with oatmeal

Components:

• yolk;
• linden honey - 15 g;
• oat flakes - 1 tbsp;
• vitamins A, E;
• olive oil - 17 g.

Grind the flakes. Connect them with the yolk. Stirring, add olive oil and honey. Add 2-3 drops of vitamins. Mix the mass well, apply to cleansed face skin. The exposure time is 20 minutes

Honey mask for problem teenage skin

Components:

• freshly squeezed lemon juice;
• linden honey;
• Castor oil.

1 tbsp mix linden honey with 4–5 drops of castor oil and squeeze a few drops of juice from lemon. Apply the mixture on the face cleansed with tonic for 15 minutes. After applying the mask 2-3 times a week, inflammation caused by acne and skin irritations are significantly reduced. After a month's course, acne does not leave a trace.

Anti-acne remedy

Components:

• 4 tablets of aspirin;
• 2 tbsp linden honey;
• 20-30 ml of purified water.

Grind aspirin and dissolve it in water. The solution should not be too liquid. Add honey. Apply to problem areas with a cosmetic brush. Leave to dry until the first signs of constriction appear. Apply as needed.

Aromatic oil bath for moisturizing the skin

Components:

• linden honey;
• jasmine oil;
• rose oil;
• almond oil;
• lavender extract;
• linseed oil.

Take the same amount of oil and extract. Mix in a proportion of 2 to 3 with honey. Pour into a warm bath. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 20-30 minutes. The frequency of taking a bath is once every 10 days. After application, even the driest skin will become significantly softer, acquire a natural color and radiance.

Cellulite Remedy

Ingredients:

• 100 ml of liquid honey from linden;
• 50 g of granulated sugar;
• 20 ml of grape oil;
• ground chili.

Heat the honey slightly in a water bath. Pour in oil. Add sugar. Stir quickly and add pepper (add a little at first).Coat problem areas and wrap with foil (food grade). For greater efficiency, wrap with a warm blanket. At the first application, if there is a strong burning sensation, wash off. In the future, the tool can be left for a longer period of time.

Rejuvenation bath

Components:

• linden honey;
• mint leaves;
• milk;
• a series of.

Put herbs in a deep container. Stir them thoroughly and pour hot boiled water. Cover and let cool for 20-30 minutes. Strain the resulting mixture through cheesecloth. Pour milk into the pan, put on the stove. Heat to 30 ° C. Gradually introduce honey, stirring with a spoon. Mix the two mixes. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Add to hot tub. Repeat the procedure every two weeks.

Mask for strengthening hairline

Components:

• linden honey - 20 g;
• propolis extract - 1 tsp;
• jojoba oil - 2-3 drops;
• mummy - 2 tablets.

Crush mummy tablets to a powder state. Stir with other components and rub into skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. This tool restores the vitality of hair and strengthens the bulbs.

Hair growth stimulator

Would need:

• ground cinnamon - 10 g;
• olive oil - 2 tbsp;
• linden honey - 1 tablespoon

Pour oil in a slightly preheated spoon and hold it a little to reveal all the properties of the product. Add cinnamon and honey to it. Apply to the skin and wrap your head for several minutes until the warming effect. Wash your hair as usual. To improve the effect, you can rinse your hair with water with the addition of lemon juice. Such a mask will not only enhance hair growth, but also give silkiness and shine.

Split End Express

Components:

• almond oil - 15 g;
• apple cider vinegar - 20 g;
• linden honey - 60 g.

Mix all the ingredients. Rub oil for 15-20 minutes before washing your hair.

Harm and contraindications

Natural and such fragrant linden honey, endowed with many useful qualities, for the bulk of people is a treat and a medicine. But there are categories of people for whom a drop of this nectar is poison:

1. First of all, this applies to allergy sufferers. An allergy to honey manifests itself in the form of simple rashes, itching in the throat, but can cause swelling or anaphylactic shock. Therefore, before introducing this product into the diet, it is better to pass an analysis.
2. Linden honey is contraindicated for people with poor blood coagulation, chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.
3. The use of the product for diabetics carries a certain danger. Linden honey can cause an unwanted release of insulin, which leads to a rapid jump in blood sugar.
4. Do not give linden honey to young children. Experts recommend introducing it into the diet after 4 years.

Natural linden honey can not cause significant harm to the body if you adhere to the norm during use and do not violate the recommendations of doctors.

How to choose and store

The number of people wishing to have high-quality natural linden honey in the house is increasing every year. In the market and in stores, with increasing demand, the number of counterfeits and sales of honey with the addition of various impurities is growing.

When choosing honey, you should pay attention to color. In all types of lime it is quite light, sometimes transparent, in candied form - white or light yellow. The smell speaks a lot about the quality of the product. The aroma of linden does not disappear even in crystallized form.

Honey retains its taste and healing properties for a rather long period (several years). The main thing is to properly store it at home.

The creation of ideal conditions allows compliance with the main storage parameters:

1. Tara. For storage of linden honey, the ideal option is a glass jar, tightly closed with a lid. Ceramic containers can also be used.It is not recommended to store the product in metal containers - the oxidation process may begin.
2. Temperature condition. Ideal - from -5 to 20 ° C. At higher temperatures, honey deteriorates, losing its beneficial properties and taste. If the product has been heated above 40 ° C, it must be discarded, since honey under these conditions turns into a poisonous and dangerous substance for the body.
3. Lighting. Honey from linden does not tolerate direct sunlight. They contribute to the onset of the decomposition reaction of a significant part of the useful substances. The best place to store is a pantry or kitchen cabinet located at a remote distance from the stove.
4. Humidity. One of the properties of linden honey is the rapid absorption of moisture, so it is better to store it in a room with low or normal moisture levels.
5. Smell. The vessel with honey should always be kept closed. So honey will retain its natural fragrant linden flavor for a long time and will not deteriorate from absorbing foreign odors.

Adhering to these rather simple recommendations, housewives will be able to avoid spoiling and fermentation of the product.

How quickly crystallizes

The natural chemical reaction to which all varieties of honey are susceptible is crystallization. This transition process lasts gradually: first the honey thickens and takes on even brighter tones, then it is candied. Crystallizing, linden honey does not lose its aroma, taste and beneficial properties. In addition, this process is indisputable evidence of the absence of impurities in the composition and naturalness of the product.

Linden honey begins to crystallize 2-3 months after pumping. The speed of the process is affected by the percentage of glucose: the higher it is, the faster the product is sugared.

To slow down the crystallization process have natural factors. For example, rainy weather during the nectar collection period by bees contributes to an increased moisture content in the product.

But if the consistency of linden honey does not undergo changes within 6-7 months (under the correct storage conditions), we can safely say that this is a fake that does not have useful properties.

How to distinguish from a fake

You can avoid cheating by knowing the elementary methods for determining the naturalness of linden honey:

1. A small amount of honey drip onto the skin of the hands and rub. Natural honey is absorbed quite quickly, and artificial or low-quality will roll on the surface of the skin.
2. Scoop the honey with a spoon and, lifting it to a small height, slowly allow the trickle to drain back into the jar. High-quality honey flows evenly, being absorbed in the total mass rather slowly and without forming a cloudy precipitate.
3. An excellent proof of naturalness is the presence in the bank of particles of wax, pollen.
4. The weight of natural honey in a liter jar is at least 1 kg 200 g.

More possibilities to check and determine whether natural honey or is it sugar syrup with flavoring can be carried out at home, experimenting with the addition of various catalysts and using improvised means:

1. Iodine: Dissolve a small amount of linden honey in a glass of water. Add a few drops of iodine to the liquid. In the chemical composition of the product of bee processing, there are no components that respond to this catalyst, so if the liquid has not changed color in the glass, then honey is natural.
2. Bread: pour a little honey in a deep saucer and dip a small crumb into it. If after a few minutes the bread is softened - instead of honey, a fake is purchased.
3. Vinegar: make a weak honey solution and drop table vinegar into it. The natural product will not react with it, and the proof of unnecessary additives in it will be the appearance on the surface of the bubbles or sediment at the bottom of the tank.
4. Starch: pour a little starch into a tablespoon of honey. If the reaction does not start, honey is natural.
5. Fork or knife: glow tableware over a fire and dip in honey. If it is sugar syrup, the metal will turn black.

After conducting such experiments, you can become 100% confident in the quality of purchased linden honey.

How to use linden honey

There are no generally accepted rules regarding the amount of honey consumed. But doctors agree that for a healthy adult, the daily rate of honey should not exceed 40-50 g. This amount is enough for preventive purposes, and also enough to replenish the vitamin-mineral reserve.

For people leading an active lifestyle, playing sports or working with heavy physical exertion, a slight excess of this norm is allowed. But for people with a sedentary lifestyle and suffering from overweight, it is better to reduce the dosage.

Pregnant women are advised not to consume more than 8 g (1 tsp) per day so as not to cause an undesirable reaction in the form of an allergy or an increase in blood sugar.

Children from 4 to 12 years old have a daily norm of linden honey in the amount of 15–20 g.

When adding linden honey to tea, coffee, milk, remember: the temperature of the liquid should not exceed 40 ° C. Otherwise, instead of a healing effect, the body will suffer from poisoning or the occurrence of allergic edema.

Interesting facts about honey

1. The production of linden honey in Siberia began more than 2 centuries ago, and now this region is its main supplier to Russia.
2. Guests of Israel can try one of the most expensive types of linden honey in the world. For 1 kg of product will have to pay almost 3 hundred dollars.
3. The nutritional value of 100 g of honey is equivalent to 180 g of meat, 52 g of nuts and 85 g of cheese.
4. In Poland, Russia, Belarus and Canada, there are monuments dedicated to bees.
5. One bee needs to overcome more than 55 thousand kilometers in order to collect enough nectar to get 1 kg of honey.
6. Most honey is produced in China.
7. The chemical composition of human blood contains 24 trace elements. 22 of them are in honey.
8. To get 1 liter of linden honey, bees need to collect at least 2.5 liters of nectar.
9. Man began to bee breeding about 5 thousand years ago. And from that moment on, the hives did not suffer almost any changes.
10. Linden honey is the only product of natural origin, which in its composition has more than 250 nutrients. 40 of them are trace elements, 23 are amino acids.
11. In the world there are more than 2800 varieties of honey. Linden is endowed with the most delicate aroma and is considered the best natural remedy for the treatment of colds.
12. The most useful is honey, which was collected by bees from various colors.
13. The most expensive honey is elven, made in Turkey. Its cost ranges from 6500 to 7000 dollars.
14. For the first time, honey was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was possible to establish that the product does not deteriorate for a long time and retains all its useful properties.
15. In the daily diet of astronauts, honey must be present.
16. Since time immemorial, annually in Russia on August 14 celebrate Honey Spas.
17. Honey is considered one of the best remedies for a hangover. If you eat it a little, then your health will immediately improve.
18. In ancient times, people replaced the refrigerator with honey. At room temperature, honey-coated meat will not go bad even in a month.

Photo of linden honey