The natural world is full of things that are good for us. Apple Cider Vinegar, with its myriad health benefits and many uses, is one compelling example of this, but there are many, many more. The health and beauty worlds are becoming increasingly attuned to the power of nature to heal our minds and bodies. 

Another front-runner in the natural health race is honey. This delicious, sweet and syrupy liquid produced by bees has been cherished for centuries. Whether ingested or applied topically, honey promotes healing and health, making it another central ingredient in a balanced lifestyle focused on low-tox wellbeing. 

Oh, Honey!

What is that makes honey so magical? It turns out, a lot of things. 

Sweet As

First and foremost, honey is a sugar, meaning it is high in calories and has an impact on blood sugar levels, obesity and diabetes. It's important to note, though, that honey's calories, unlike the 'empty calories' of processed sugar, contain trace amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Raw honey also contains vitamins C and B6, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid, as well as 26 different amino acids. This means you're better off using honey as a sweetener than sugar. What's more, honey is a lot sweeter than sugar, so you won't need as much! 

Superpower 1: Antioxidant

Honey is packed with powerful antioxidants, which help the body recover from the damage caused by unstable free-radicals. This antioxidant punch has been shown to lower blood pressure and help prevent serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and possibly even cancer, by protecting the body's cells from becoming degraded. 

Superpower 2: Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory 

Honey is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It promotes a balanced, functioning body both internally and externally, helping to heal inflammatory diseases such as diabetes or asthma, and gastrointestinal issues like IBD and ulcers. It's also been shown to be very useful when used to dress wounds, bruises and other skin lesions.

Superpower 3: Anti-tussive Action

Possibly honey's most famous attribute, its anti-tussive, or cough suppressant, qualities make it the go-to home remedy for a sore throat. Honey coats the throat's membrane, thereby soothing the inflammation and irritation that lead to coughing.

Say 'No' to Allergies

Since it contains trace amounts of pollen and plant elements, honey can help build up the immune system of those poor souls suffering from allergies. 

A Match Made in Heaven

So honey is a natural health powerhouse. Given ACV's own long list of health and beauty benefits, it's no surprise that the two have been combined to create a health-boosting tonic for all seasons. 

The tell-tale sour taste of ACV is perfectly balanced out by honey's natural sweetness. It's the perfect way to make your daily dose of ACV go down like a treat every time! 

ACV and Honey Tea

What you'll need:

• 1 tbsp ACV
• 2 tbsp honey
• 250ml of hot water

Combine the ingredients and enjoy first thing in the morning or just before going to bed. 

For an extra dose of TLC, you could add yummy ingredients like lemon, ginger, fresh mint, cayenne pepper, or ground cinnamon.

ACV and Honey Salad Dressing

Their presence at opposite ends of the sweet/sour spectrum makes ACV and honey ideal companions in the perfect salad dressing. Combine 1 tbsp ACV and 2 tbsp honey with olive oil, salt, pepper and some dijon mustard if you want a little extra kick.