Sweet Survival: The Many Benefits of Honey for Preppers

I watched a video the other day, and honey was mentioned as something you should toss in your preps. While I have some of this sweet goodness, I never really dug deep and explained to others why it’s part of my preps. Many of us are too consumed thinking about stockpiling rice and beans in an SHTF scenario that many forget some little things that can provide a ton of benefits — like raw honey.

As a prepper (or whatever you want to call yourself since the term “prepper” these days makes you seem like a nutjob for some reason by the general population of unprepared citizens who stick their heads into the sand like an ostrich), it’s essential to have a well-stocked pantry with foods that are not only nutritious but also have a long shelf life. One such food that should always be on your list is honey.

The golden elixir that we call honey has been used for centuries thanks to its health benefits and as a “survival” food source. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it an effective natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of honey for health and survival and why every prepper should have a jar (or ten!) in their emergency supplies.

Note: Honey and raw honey will be used interchangeably throughout this article. Unless I’m directly comparing the two types, I’m referring to the raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized version (such as what’s used when discussing the benefits).

“Bee” Careful with What Honey You Choose
The Many Reasons & Benefits Preppers Should Store Honey
How to Choose Raw Honey for Preps

“Bee” Careful with What Honey You Choose

Without a doubt, honey is a fantastic food to prep and have on hand. That said, you need to be very careful of the type you purchase because not all honey is created equal. If you want something that will last a lifetime without going bad, you need to source and purchase raw honey.

Raw honey is minimally processed and has not been heated or filtered like regular and traditional honey you’ll find many times on the shelves of your local grocery store. This means it retains all its natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds often destroyed during pasteurization and processing.

One of the main benefits of raw honey is its nutritional value as it contains a range of vitamins, including vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Another benefit of raw honey is that it may help to alleviate allergies since it contains small amounts of pollen from the flowers that bees visit, and consuming this pollen over time may help to desensitize the body to allergens, reducing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Raw honey is also a natural sweetener that can be used in place of refined sugars. Unlike refined sugars, which are stripped of all nutrients during processing, raw honey contains beneficial compounds that can support overall health. Additionally, it has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels and is less likely to contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes.

As mentioned earlier, raw honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe sore throats, promote wound healing, and even improve digestive health.

While raw honey is generally considered safe and healthy, it is important to keep in mind that it should not be given to infants under one year of age, as it may contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can cause infant botulism.

Additionally, people with pollen allergies or diabetes should use caution when consuming honey, as it can cause allergic reactions or affect blood sugar levels. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor if you have allergies or diabetes to ensure it is safe for you to use and consume.

The Many Reasons & Benefits Preppers Should Store Honey

Many people consider honey a condiment. Little did they know honey has a bunch of amazing benefits. Below, we are going to outline 15 reasons and benefits preppers should store honey with their supplies.

1. Energy Source

Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, which can provide energy to the body. It is also easily digestible, making it a good energy source for anyone engaging in some sort of physical activity. In the case of SHTF, you’re going to need energy to gather supplies and do what’s necessary to survive various situations you’re thrown into.

2. Antioxidant Properties

Raw honey contains natural antioxidants that can help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and illnesses.

3. Antibacterial Properties

Honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties, making it an effective treatment for wounds and burns. It can help prevent infections and promote healing. If you cut yourself or suffer from a burn, you can lather some of it over the cut or burn to help protect it and kickstart the healing process.

4. Soothing Properties

Raw honey has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for sore throats and coughs. It can also help soothe digestive issues and promote healthy digestion.

5. Immune System Booster

Honey contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and protect the body from illness and disease. In an SHTF scenario, getting sick can be fatal, no matter how common the condition is. You have to factor in that you may not have access to medicine. Therefore, you need to boost your immune system.

6. Long Shelf Life

It has a long shelf life and does not spoil easily, making it a valuable survival food source. If stored properly, it can last a lifetime. They even found edible raw honey in ancient Egyptian tombs.

7. Natural Sweetener

Honey is a natural sweetener and can be used in place of sugar in many recipes. It is also a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners. While perfect in your preps to use as a sweetener for meals that may be bland, you can use it right now as a natural sweetener.

8. Local Pollen Benefits

Raw honey produced from local pollen can help relieve allergies by exposing the body to small amounts of local pollen and building up a tolerance. It’s still recommended to speak to your doctor before doing this.

9. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Honey has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate pain. While it may not be as strong as pain medications, in an SHTF scenario, something is better than nothing when it comes to pain and inflammation relief.

10. Digestive Aid

Raw honey has been used as a digestive aid for centuries. It can help soothe the digestive tract and relieve symptoms of digestive disorders such as acid reflux, indigestion, and bloating. Many people drink honey water to aid in digestion.

11. Skin Health

Honey can be used topically to promote healthy skin. It has natural antibacterial properties and can help soothe and heal skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Simply lather it on, and you’re good to go.

12. Nutrient-Rich

Raw honey contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from cell damage and disease.

13. Sleep Aid

Honey has been shown to promote restful sleep. It can help regulate the body’s melatonin levels, a hormone that regulates sleep. If you find yourself in an SHTF scenario, getting sleep may be difficult due to concerns about what’s going on outside the wire. Consuming it before bed can help you get some sleep when you need it the most to re-energize your mind and body.

14. Cough Suppressant

Raw honey has natural cough-suppressant properties and can help soothe a sore throat and alleviate coughing.

15. Sweet Snack

Last but not least is the ability to use it as a sweet snack. If things go south and you’re dipping into your preps, you’re going to be looking for a reason to put a smile on your face. If you have honey, it can turn that frown upside down. Use it as a morale booster and to liven your spirits.

How to Choose Raw Honey for Preps

When looking for raw honey, it is crucial to keep a few things in mind, as not all honey is created equal, and purchasing the wrong kind could lead to your supply going bad. You’ll want the highest quality you can find, and the below outlines how you should go about sourcing it.

Look for Local Honey

One way to ensure that you are getting high-quality product is to buy it from local beekeepers. This is because is less likely to be processed and may contain beneficial compounds specific to your area. If you’re unsure if you have any local beekeepers, head to a farmer’s market. Most of the time, you can find vendors selling raw honey made locally. If you can’t find anyone around you who sells it locally but have a prepping community in your area, ask them if they have a source they would recommend.

Check for Honey Certification

Another way to ensure you get the highest quality is to look for a certification from organizations such as the National Honey Board or the True Source Honey Certification Program. These organizations verify that the product has not been heated or processed and that it comes from a legitimate source. That said, your local beekeepers may not have a certification, and that doesn’t necessarily mean their product is bad or of poor quality.

Read Honey Labels

When buying raw honey, be sure to read the labels carefully. Some brands may claim to sell a raw version, but actually, it has been heated or filtered. Look for labels that say “raw,” “unfiltered,” or “unpasteurized.”

Consider the Price of Honey

Raw honey can be more expensive than regular honey due to the cost of production and the fact that it is often sold in smaller quantities. However, it is worth paying a little extra for the health benefits and flavor.

Ultimately, the best brand of raw honey will depend on your personal preferences and location. By following the tips above, you can ensure that you are buying highest quality that is beneficial for your health.

If you don’t have any local beekeepers you can purchase from, here are some sources to consider:

Are you a beekeeper or brand that focuses on and sells raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized honey? If so and you sell nationally, contact us and we can work with you to get your name added to the list above with a link to your website where readers can purchase your product.

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