It's easy to dismiss ancient remedies as superstitious cures but honey as a healer does have some scientific basis. Honey actually stops bacteria from growing. Hydrogen peroxide in honey and the antioxidants in honey also help to inhibit bacterial growth. So there could be an element of truth in folk remedies that recommend honey for ulcers and abscesses and combinations of honey and lemon for coughs and colds. Scientists also found that honey promotes healing and prevents scarring.
Honey is hygroscopic, which means it can draw moisture.
But you don't have to be sick to get health benefits from honey. It gives us quick energy, better metabolism and digestion. That's because when bees make honey, they're essentially making simple sugars which our bodies can absorb easily. The glucose in honey also boosts our metabolism by helping the liver manufacture more glycogen, giving our kidneys a break. The enzymes which the bees use to digest nectar for honey-making improve digestion.