The Honey Prescription: The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine [Paperback]

Nathaniel Altman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 9, 2010

Explores the latest scientific research on the healing powers of honey

• Explains the physiological reasons why honey is so effective and includes recipes for honey-based remedies for many different ailments

• Discusses the sacred role of bees from ancient Egypt to modern times and the problem of Colony Collapse Disorder (with methods for protecting hives)

• Reveals the healing power of honey for many common problems--from burns, ulcers, and conjunctivitis to tooth decay, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis--and honey’s ability to kill superbugs like E. coli

The use of honey as a healing agent is nothing new. It was an ingredient in medicinal compounds and cures made by Egyptian physicians 5,000 years ago, and its medical use has been found in other ancient practices from traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda to Mayan shamanism. In the past ten years there has been an explosion in scientific research on honey as medicine at universities, research centers, and medical clinics around the world.

Presenting the very latest scientific and medical evidence of the healing properties of honey--including that from the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand--Nathaniel Altman explores the broad spectrum of medicinal uses of honey and how these remedies can be used safely at home as well as by licensed health practitioners. He includes an extensive selection of honey-based recipes that can be used to treat common health problems--from burns, conjuctivitis, and ulcers to tooth decay, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. He explains the physiological reasons why honey is so effective in treating antibiotic-resistant diseases with no side effects and honey’s ability to kill “superbugs” like E. coli and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Drawing on centuries of material from historical and folk medicine sources, he also examines the sacred role of bees from ancient Egypt onward and the modern problem of Colony Collapse Disorder, including methods for protecting our precious hives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“For millennia the honeybee has kept humans healthy by pollinating so many of our fruits and vegetables and by providing two of nature’s most sacred healing substances: honey and propolis. After decades of ignorance, doctors are rediscovering the power of these miracle medicines, and Nathaniel Altman is here to spread the good news. The Honey Prescription will amaze you, delight you, and, most important, give you a fantastic new ally to promote natural wellness.”
(Rowan Jacobsen, author of Fruitless Fall: The Collapse of the Honey Bee and the Coming Agricultural Crisis )

"The increasing interest in wellness should make this a good seller. You might include it in displays about the environment to let customers know it also contains information about the causes and effects of the diminishing honeybee population."
(Anna Jedrziewski, New Age Retailer, May 2010 )

"Honey has been used for medicine for eons, but it's only in the last 100 years that its antibacterial abilities have come to light--properties explored in Nathan Altman's new book, The Honey Prescription. . . . some varieties may also help treat gingivitis, yeast infections, and burns."
(Whole Living Body and Soul, a Martha Stewart publication, April 2010 )

"Based on scientific research Nathaniel Altman provides a concise and educational compilation of useful information on using honey for achieving and maintaining optimum health.  As well, The Honey Prescription includes recipes for remedies for internal and external healing. . . . I encourage you to take responsibility for your own health and maintain it the natural way - the honey way."
(Irene Watson, Reader Views, August 2010 )

“The Honey Prescription is an insightful read. I’ve learned a lot about potential uses for honey in modern medicine, and better still, I also learned a lot about the honey that I buy in the store. This book stimulated my mind, and also my taste buds.”
(The Magical Buffet, June 2011 )

From the Back Cover

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

“For millennia the honeybee has kept humans healthy by pollinating so many of our fruits and vegetables and by providing two of nature’s most sacred healing substances: honey and propolis. After decades of ignorance, doctors are rediscovering the power of these miracle medicines, and Nathaniel Altman is here to spread the good news. The Honey Prescription will amaze you, delight you, and, most important, give you a fantastic new ally to promote natural wellness.”
--Rowan Jacobsen, author of Fruitless Fall: The Collapse of the Honey Bee and the Coming Agricultural Crisis

The use of honey as a healing agent is nothing new. It was an ingredient in medicinal compounds and cures made by Egyptian physicians 5,000 years ago, and its medical use has been found in other ancient practices from traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda to Mayan shamanism. In the past ten years there has been an explosion in scientific research on honey as medicine at universities, research centers, and medical clinics around the world.

Presenting the very latest scientific and medical evidence of the healing properties of honey--including that from the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand--Nathaniel Altman explores the broad spectrum of medicinal uses of honey and how these remedies can be used safely at home as well as by licensed health care practitioners. He includes an extensive selection of honey-based recipes that can be used to treat common health problems--from burns, conjuctivitis, and ulcers to tooth decay, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. He explains the physiological reasons why honey is so effective in treating antibioticresistant diseases with no side effects and honey’s ability to kill E. coli and “superbugs” like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Drawing on centuries of material from historical and folk medicine sources, he also examines the sacred role of bees from ancient Egypt onward and the modern problem of Colony Collapse Disorder, including methods for protecting our precious hives.

NATHANIEL ALTMAN is a medical writer and researcher who has written more than 15 books on alternative healing, including The Oxygen Prescription, Healing Springs, and A Russian Herbal. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (March 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594773467
• ISBN-13: 978-1594773464
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #279,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Honey Prescription, January 23, 2011

By 

Rebecca L. Elson "Publisher, The Magical Buffet" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Honey Prescription: The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine (Paperback)

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 6/13/10.

You know what I really dislike? "Cure All" books. You know what I'm talking about, books that are all like: `this one thing that your doctor wouldn't suggest to you is able to cure just about any ailment you may or may not have.' These books prey on people's desperation and distrust of Western medicine. As someone suffering from a prolonged chronic pain condition, I know first hand about those feelings, which make those kinds of books, despite perhaps noble intentions, provoke a special visceral response from me.

(If you will allow me a moment on the parenthetical soap box. I know that many people feel their doctors would belittle them if they mentioned things like herbal supplements, acupuncture, or any other kind of "alternative medical treatment". To avoid any potential embarrassment these people will not see their family doctor, or worse, see them and not tell them of everything they're doing with regards to their health. It is dangerous and irresponsible to not tell your doctor EVERYTHING you do with regards to your health. They should know about every over the counter prescription you take, every herbal/vitamin supplement you use, and anything else that effects your body be it stress and nerves or your daily yoga practice. And guess what Nervous Nellies? Odds are your doctor will have useful, constructive information to share with you about these kinds of things. Good doctors want to help you get better, and to do that they need to know your thoughts on your treatment. And you know what? If your doctor mocks you or dismisses your thoughts and concerns regarding your treatment, they're not a good doctor for you. It's your body, treat it right and be sure it is given the respect it deserves, your doctor will probably thank you for it.)

Now you can understand how dismissive I was when I received a review copy of "The Honey Prescription" by Nathaniel Altman from Healing Arts Press. I pulled it out of the envelope and actually said aloud to my husband, "Well I won't be reading this." Yet there it sat on my kitchen counter for about a week, right next to the bottle of honey I use with Greek yogurt, on toast, and in my morning cereal. I like honey, what if there was useful information about this food I already consume? And that's when I started reading.

Right out of the gate I was impressed. The first section discusses in detail the life and times of the honeybee. I was blown away. The average beehive is as complex and drama laden as your daytime soap opera. Bees are so much more interesting than I would have thought. I generally look at bees as evil little buggers who want to hurt me. I'm afraid of bee stings, sue me. However, after reading "The Honey Prescription" I can see why so many people are fascinated by bees.

Next up was everything you probably never knew about types of honey and their differences and similarities. Also discussed is the evolution of honey gathering around the world. Honestly, the book is worth reading for just "Part One: Grounding". Despite enjoying the first part of the book, I was still bracing myself for the inevitable disappointment of reading something akin to a snake oil salesman's pitch. Guess what? It never happened.

"The Honey Prescription" is the book that I wish other "alternative medicine" books were like. There was so much that impressed me. Instead of acting as if folklore is scientific evidence, Altman directs your attention to current studies being done and medical applications occurring in other countries. There is a section of traditional folk medicine applications, but it is presented more as historical context rather than as a how-to guide. Despite having a laundry list of possible health applications, honey is never presented as a cure all. The author goes so far as to do what is generally a cardinal sin for these kinds of books, he tells you that you will probably not find the kind of "medical honey" he's discussing in the United States. An even graver sin, Altman does not have his own line of "medical honey" that he offers to sell you. It really is a researched argument for exploring possible medicinal applications for honey.

"The Honey Prescription" is an insightful read. I've learned a lot about potential uses for honey in modern medicine, and better still, I also learned a lot about the honey that I buy in the store. This book stimulated my mind, and also my taste buds.