Wildflower honey, also known as polyfloral honey, is a type of honey produced, the name also suggests it, from the nectar of different flowers. It can be produced in the hills, in the plains or in the mountains, has an amber yellow color and has a delicate taste compared to other types of honey, such as chestnut honey that has a typical bitter note. Wildflower honey is the honey that is most commonly found on the market, perhaps less valuable than other types of honey but capable in any case of bringing interesting properties for health.
Wildflower honey, properties
In wildflower honey there is no prevalence of one flower over another. And each flower contributes to the properties of this honey, therefore, the properties of wildflower honey may differ according to the field but also to the year. However, it is possible to indicate general characteristics. Wildflower honey provides energy, contains mineral salts, such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, selenium and zinc, but also group B vitamins and vitamin C (USDA FoodData Central Database). Not only that, this honey shows antibacterial and healing properties (Mandal et al, Asian Pac J Trop Biomed., 2011). In fact, it has been observed that this honey is able to inhibit the bacterium Propionibacterium Acnes, one of the causes of acne (Jantakee et al, Biol Res, 2015). Moreover, this honey is also active against Staphylococcus Aureus, responsible for infections affecting the skin, the respiratory tract but also gastroenteritis and urinary tract disorders.
Wildflower honey, uses
And how to benefit from the properties of this honey? In order to combat infections and problems affecting the respiratory tract, such as sore throat and cough, but also stomach pain and cystitis, you can add a teaspoon of honey to a cup of milk, even soy milk, warm, but not very hot, or herbal tea, when it starts to cool down, and drink. For sporty people, children and people who have an active life, but also for those who are recovering and for the elderly, a little honey spread on a slice of wholemeal bread is a breakfast or snack that brings energy. As for skin problems, wildflower honey can help with acne, irritation and wounds. You can add half a teaspoon of honey to 2 tablespoons of yogurt and half a pureed cucumber and apply to your face. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.
