Introduction:

Honey has been used from the dawn of civilization as a sweetener, a desert, and in religious ceremonies. It’s been associated with wealth, beauty, and happiness.

Nowadays, honey production is a major industry that draws millions of dollars each year. Honey is used as a food, in medicine, and in beauty products. It is considered by the United States Honey Board and other international food regulations to be a pure product that shouldn’t contain any preservatives, extra sweeteners, or even water.

In the Quran:

'And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees and in (men's) habitations..... there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought'.
(16:68-69)

In the Sunnah:

The prophet (PBUH) has advised his companions to “Make use of the two cures: honey and the Quran.”

 It is narrated in the Sahihan that abu said al-khudri said: “ A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said, “My brother is complaining about stomach ache, “or complaining about diarrhea.” The prophet advised him to give him some honey. The man went and came back later, saying, “I have given him some honey, but it did not help”, or he said, “It made his diarrhea worse.” He repeated this twice or three times, all the while the Prophet (PBUH) continued saying to him, “Give him some honey.”. In the third or fourth time, the Prophet (PBUH) said “Allah has said the truth while your brother’s stomach has lied.”  

In Modern Science:

Honey is a healthy food; it can be used as a sugar substitute with a benefit of 17% less carbohydrate and over 90 calories less per each 100g. The average composition of honey contains the following:

Vitamins: Thiamin, RiboflavinNiacin, BiotinB-6, B-12, C, A, D, E, Pantothenic Acid, Folate.

Carbohydrates: Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Sucrose, Kojibiose, Turanose, Isomaltose, Maltulose, Erlose, Theanderose, Panose.

Minerals: Water, Sodium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Selenium, Copper, Chromium, Manganese.

Acids & Enzymes: Invertase, Amylase, Glucose Oxidase, Catalase, Acetic and at least 8 other organic acids. Proline and at least 18 other free amino acids.

Antioxidants: Pinocembrin, Pinobanksin, Chrysin, Galagin.

Medicinal properties of honey:

Antibacterial and antifungal properties:

These properties of honey are well established. Undiluted honey inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, certain gut pathogens and fungi such as Candida albicans. At a concentration of 30-50%, honey has been shown to be superior to certain conventional antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections. The exact mechanism of the anti-microbial effect of honey remains obscure. Low pH, osmotic disruption of pathogens and the
presence of bactericidal substances, collectively called inhibine may all play a part.

Anti-diarrhoeal properties:

At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella, enteropathogenic E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral rehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial diarrhoea in infants and children.

Wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties:

Honey is of value in treating burns, infected surgical wounds and decubitus ulcers. Honey is very viscous, enabling it to absorb water from surrounding inflamed tissue. For example, a study in West Africa showed that skin grafting, surgical debridement and even amputation were avoided when local application of honey to wound promoted healing, whereas conventional treatment failed. In another study, wound healing was accelerated by application of honey in women who had undergone radical vulvectomy for vulval cancer. Also, it has been suggested that honey may be useful in the treatment of chronic, foul smelling ulcers seen in leprosy.

Anti-tussive and expectorant properties:

These anti-cough properties of honey are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve the function of the bronchial epithelium.

Cosmetics uses:

It is also a humectant, which means that when honey is exposed to air it draws in and retains moisture. When used in cosmetics it can help hydrate the skin making it feel fresh and ideal for moisturising products. Furthermore it may help in the prevention of scarring by keeping the skin moist and helping in the growth of new tissue.

Nutritional properties:

Uncontaminated honey is a healthy, easily digestible, natural and energy rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins. One tablespoon of honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0.lmg of vitamin B and 1mg of vitamin C.

References:

1-Wikipedia.

2-Islamic research institute: http://www.islamicresearch.org/

3-“The prophetic medicine” Ibn Qayem El-Jozeyah.