5 Anti-inflammatory Honeys & the Mediterranean Diet Work to Keep You Working!

   5 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HONEYS 

By Cal Orey, M.A.

While my original “bible on honey” was penned fifteen years ago at Tahoe, a newly revised second edition of the #1 hit, is coming in August 2026! I noticed it's maintained #2 Top Best Seller in antioxidants on Amazon for a special deal at 1.99; it is sandwiched in between anti-inflammatory books and Mediterranean diet books--a big trend. 

Yep, as one reader told me, all the diseases and ailments I write about are linked to one culprit--INFLAMMATION!  Indeed! So, "inflammation has been dubbed the silent killer," notes The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth author Dr. Bowden. He penned the foreword for the revised edition. Research in the new release shows inflammation is the culprit for obesity, diabetes, heart disease... And yes, the #Mediterranean diet with its clean foods and #honey are anti-inflammatory gifts from the hive!

These honeys are anti-inflammatory--which can help keep infections at bay stopping the scourge of chronic diseases developing, including immunity health scares like viruses and even pneumonia to a life-threatening cardiac event. 

Why Honey from the Hive Makes a Cool Gift for Hot Summer Days and Nights.

Cinnamon Honey: Infuse raw honey with cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It pairs wonderfully with apple dishes, oatmeal, or iced teas and coffees.  

Ginger Honey: Infuse raw honey with fresh ginger slices. Ginger honey is excellent for soothing sore throats and boosting immunity, making it ideal for summer ailments. Serve in tea or over roasted root vegetables. 

Orange Zest & Clove Honey: Infuse raw honey with orange zest and whole cloves. This combo evokes classic aromas and flavors. Orange zest provides vitamin C, and cloves offer antioxidants Great for glazes on grilled fish or poultry. 

Rosemary Honey: Infuse raw honey with fresh rosemary sprigs. Rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its earthy, piney flavor complements savory dishes like salmon or chicken, and can also be surprisingly good in herbal teas. 

Vanilla Bean Honey: Infuse raw honey with a split vanilla bean. Vanilla adds a rich, comforting sweetness without being overpowering. Vanilla beans contain antioxidants. This is a luxurious addition to coffee, Greek yogurt, or as a drizzle over summer fresh berries.

These infused honeys offer unique flavors and health benefits, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, making them excellent gifts—as additions to clean food summer meals and beverages.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. Currently, the updated and revised 2^nd edition, 2026 of a popular Healing Powers book, is launching in August!  Her website is www.calorey.com

Pre-Order for Summer of 2026! Enjoy the Classic 1st Edition Now

(Special pre-Fourth of the July Amazon 1.99 SALE)

The Healing Powers of Honey 2 is the NEW Anti-inflammatory Bible!

  UNVEIL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HONEYS 

Pre-Order for Summer of 2026! Enjoy the Classic 1st Edition Now

(Special pre-Fourth of the July Amazon 1.99 SALE)

By Cal Orey, M.A.

While my original “bible on honey” was penned fifteen years ago at Tahoe, a newly revised second edition of the #1 hit, is coming in August 2026! I noticed it's maintained #2 Top Best Seller in antioxidants on Amazon; it is sandwiched in between Anti-inflammatory books--a big trend. Yep, as one reader told me, all the diseases and ailments I write about are linked to one culprit--INFLAMMATION!  Indeed! So, "inflammation has been dubbed the silent killer," notes The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth author Dr. Bowden. He penned the foreword for the Revised edition. Research in the new release shows inflammation is the culprit for obesity, diabetes, heart disease... Yes, the #Mediterranean diet and #honey are anti-inflammatory gifts from the hive!

These honeys are anti-inflammatory--which can help keep infections at bay stopping the scourge of chronic diseases developing, including immunity health scares like viruses and even pneumonia to a life-threatening cardiac event. 

Why Honey from the Hive Makes a Cool Gift for Hot Summer Days and Nights.

As noted, the delicate floral notes with a sweet finish and tang for me make it a gourmet item that's a cut above regular honey. It's a culinary adventure in a jar! It can be drizzled over yogurt, oatmeal, or toast, used in baking, paired with cheeses, or even added to cocktails for a sophisticated twist. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties make it a gift that's both delicious and good for the mind, body, and spirit.
Here are 5 healthy infused raw honeys you can make for a festive touch during the summertime season. 

Cinnamon Honey: Infuse raw honey with cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It pairs wonderfully with apple dishes, oatmeal, or iced teas and coffees.  

Ginger Honey: Infuse raw honey with fresh ginger slices. Ginger honey is excellent for soothing sore throats and boosting immunity, making it ideal for summer ailments. Serve in tea or over roasted root vegetables. 

Orange Zest & Clove Honey: Infuse raw honey with orange zest and whole cloves. This combo evokes classic aromas and flavors. Orange zest provides vitamin C, and cloves offer antioxidants Great for glazes on grilled fish or poultry. 

Rosemary Honey: Infuse raw honey with fresh rosemary sprigs. Rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its earthy, piney flavor complements savory dishes like salmon or chicken, and can also be surprisingly good in herbal teas. 

Vanilla Bean Honey: Infuse raw honey with a split vanilla bean. Vanilla adds a rich, comforting sweetness without being overpowering. Vanilla beans contain antioxidants. This is a luxurious addition to coffee, Greek yogurt, or as a drizzle over summer fresh berries.

These infused honeys offer unique flavors and health benefits, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, making them excellent gifts—for you/yours—as additions to clean food summer meals and beverages.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. Currently, the updated and revised 2^nd edition, 2026 of a popular Healing Powers book, is launching in August!  Her website is www.calorey.com

Discover Honey's Amazing Bee-Healthy Powers in the Chronic Disease Era

 Overview (Pre-Order for August 25--click on overview.) And now, sit down and warm up with the groundbreaking classic on Amazon Special Deal for 1.99 ranking #2 in 100 Best Sellers in different categories; and catch up for the unveiling of HONEY 2!)

Learn how to boost your immune system, combat ailments, and so much more, all with the natural power of honey—the pantry staple and sustainable superfood that’s also the green choice for healthy living, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures.

A newly revised and updated edition of the #1 hit, now with new research, heart-healthy recipes, honey bee data, and home cures!

DISCOVER HONEY’S AMAZING BEE-HEALTHY POWERS
Did you know? . . .

Eating honey, Mother Nature’s ancient medicine, can still work its healing magic and help lower the risk of disease—adding quality and years to your life—at any age!

The buzz: Consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to refined sugar due to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the #1 killer.

Yes! Raw, unprocessed honey is more popular than ever before and is touted a “superfood” as it replaces unhealthy table sugar and artificial sweeteners—helping to combat the skyrocketing rise in chronic ailments and life-threatening diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health.

Increasing threats to honey bees’ survival may harm the planet’s nourishing superfoods that you love to eat—such as fruits and nuts—that the honey bee pollinates.

Honey, known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” is an ancient remedy noted in the Bible and used for centuries to quell a cough, soothe a sore throat, energize you, and even calm frazzled nerves due to stressors such as post-COVID-19 virus variants and climate change health effects.

Enjoy gripping and adventurous survival stories about honey bees and humans as well as fascinating reasons why the popularity of honey is soaring, Manuka honey medicinal uses are surging, and herbal flavored varietals are trending. You’ll also love new heart-healthy recipes with honey twists such as Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey, Hot Honey Glazed Turkey Loaf, and Turmeric Honey Immunity Booster, plus buzzworthy home cures thanks to honey’s gifts (including super “bee foods” like propolis and royal jelly) from the hive!

“This eye-opening book provides you with a delicious truth of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Honey is a sumptuous route to optimal health.” —Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet Plan 

An Up Close and Personal Interview with Author Cal Orey

 Cal Orey

• Previous

Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and non-fiction novelist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Orey’s new book is Soulmates with Paws. 

Granola Girl’s Healing Power’s Series: A Treasure Chest of Goodness

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

Well, it’s not a “classic” but it is a bestseller and I finally read it. I savored the short and oh so sweet, Tuesdays with Morrie. As a ghostwriter I was told by the client that this is the kind of vibe he wanted for the non-fiction novel I wrote for him. 

The end is a bittersweet one. I was promised co-author credit. The client fibbed and my name is not on the book. I did pen The Healing Powers of Tea, and tea plays a big role in his book. So in my heart I know it’s my baby.

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite? 

I would love to host John Steinbeck. He input his emotion into his work. And, of course, Travels with Charley is one of my favorites books. When I was in my early twenties, I left Northern California and hitched and hiked with my dog in search of America. Steinbeck was my mentor, my teacher, my hero. 

Next up for tea and scones, would be Stephen King. I would love to hear him tell a spooky tale. One late winter, I drove from Lake Tahoe to Reno for a book signing. He was there a week prior. It was a hard act to follow. But I got a call from the manager a day before my event. She said, “I don’t know how to tell you this but all of your books sold out.” So, I took my beloved Brittany and we ended up bringing more books to the bookstore. 

Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular? 

The trio of authors I chose for my oral exams in grad school are still my favorite writers. So, it’s John Steinbeck, Edward Albee (I was going to be a playwright), and George Elliot who had a sensitive husband who trashed her bad reviews. (My professors did approve of the master. However, they said they hoped I became an author—not a literature teacher.)

What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?

I read books and articles related to my chosen topic. I make a point of it to choose a different angle, style, and turn the subject matter upside down—this way it’s all mine. I stay clear of novels because it’s too distracting and takes me out of the zone.

What moves you most in a work of literature? 

When the author reveals the inner self and isn’t timid to share feelings—that is what makes me laugh or cry.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

My favorite genres include Sci-Fi, Romance, and Adventure.

What book are you planning to read next? 

I’m too busy writing. I will not be reading but writing Book 2: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails.

What books and authors have impacted your writing career? 

Anne Rice taught a class at San Francisco State University—and she was amazingly real. Rice told us when we write we should pretend to disrobe and share ourselves without inhibitions. And that’s just what I do.

UPDATE: June 13, 2026--I have penned more books and novels for myself and as a co-author or developmental author. The Healing Powers series continues to thrive. The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised and Updated, Top Rated #1 label on Amazon... Launch date August 25, 2026. Available for pre-order and the groundbreaking first edition is currently on sale on Amazon to catch the buzz before the NEW edition rocks your world!

Healing Powers of Honey 2 Author Celebrates National Pollinator Month

 By Cal Orey, M.A.

Did you know? 

In June, the United States celebrates National Pollinator Month. This observance highlights the gig of pollinators—such as our friendly honey bees who are the primary pollinators to pollinate plants. Translation: Honey bees enable the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

So, why does it matter for your health and our Tahoe hive? Pollinator Month is celebrated in June to highlight the critical work of bees. Many of the crops that rely on our honey bees are packed with the antioxidants and vitamins necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system, especially important in our high-altitude environment.

Speaking of home, the other day, a grocery store worker asked, “Why don’t you include recipes in your column anymore?” I paused, considering the irony of being a food writer who used to love baking desserts. “Well,” I replied, “I’ve divorced sugar and butter. I’ve switched to a strict, heart-healthy Mediterranean diet to keep lean and well." So, here’s a treat that won’t require a crash diet or visit to a cardio doc. (Heart-healthy recipes in HONEY 2, Pre-Order...catch the past buzz with HONEY 1 (Amazon Special Deal 1.99 ebook for instant gratification!)

Mediterranean Salad with Tea Citrus Vinaigrette

* * *

2 cups fresh greens (spring mix, baby spinach)

1/4 cup raw broccoli, chopped

½ cup tomatoes, diced

¼ cup green bell pepper, chopped

¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds, shelled

2 eggs, hard boiled, sliced

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

Black pepper to taste

In a large bowl, toss broccoli, tomatoes, and bell pepper.

 Fold in lettuce. Top with seeds, eggs, and cheese.

 

Citrus Vinaigrette

4 citrus tea bags

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1/8 cup fresh lemon juice

Place tea bags into a cup, pour boiling water over tea bags and let steep 10 minutes. Squeeze liquid out of tea bags and toss bags. Refrigerate for an hour. Combine cold tea, and honey. Then add the vinegar, lemon juice and salt. Pour oil into the ingredients. Makes 3-4 servings or 2 servings if main dish. It is perfect with a pot of green or white tea. (Adapted from The Healing Powers of Tea.)

Since it is National Iced Tea Month, don’t forget to add a glass of your favorite black, green or herbal to chill during warmer days ahead.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws, the new, revised revolutionary 2nd edition of The Healing Powers of Honey (pre-order for August 2026), and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3^rd edition in progress.  She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com 

Zen: Fighting the CALIFORNIA Fires...into the Light

 Thursday, June 11, 2026

A TRIBUTE TO ZEN...

 Song for my late Siamese cat Zen --

My Twin Flame (two halves of the same soul)

Rock Emotional   

Tap play to begin

Download Song

the lyrics

[Verse 1]Fifteen years of silence and grace

Those blue Siamese eyes and your ancient faceYou were my rock when the fires came downTwice we ran, but you never made a soundSo Zen, so still, while the world burned redJust you and me and the road ahead

[Chorus]Against all odds, you held me hereThrough cardiac walls and the darkest fearTen days apart — you fell apart for me                                        Soulmates with paws, you were all I'd needMy feline heart, my fortress, my flameAnd the sound of silence still carries your name

[Verse 2]You loved that shepherd like he was your ownTwo strays in a pack we called homeJune eleventh, '23 -- cardiac arrest, ten days goneYou fell apart for me --held on, held onA year went by--your gentle exit, my ER nightBroken Heart Syndrome -- but you taught me Zen — I came back to fight

[Chorus]Against all odds, you held me hereThrough cardiac walls and the darkest fearTen days apart — you fell apart for meSoulmates with paws, you were all I'd needMy feline heart, my fortress, my flameAnd the sound of silence still carries your name

[Bridge]

Now orange sunrise walks through my doorA new Zen spirit on a different shoreYou signed off on him — I felt you say*Go live, Cal. Go live.*

[Final Chorus]Against all odds, I'm standing hereLiving loud and breathing clearFifteen years you were all I'd needSoulmates with paws — you're still part of meMy feline heart, my fortress, my flameThe sound of silence still sings your name

THE STORY BEHIND THE LYRICS OF "A SONG FOR MY LATE SIAMESE CAT ZEN"...This is a gift song inspired by my Zen, from the Afterlife. Today, June 11, is the day I died three years ago; but I bounced back like a feline with nine lives. We are still bonded. It is uncanny how this heartfelt song came to me on my celebrating life anniversary. A sign from the Universe. We are all connected. We are one. 

[This gift song will not be used anywhere except on this blog post and social media to keep Zen next to me and my heartbeat. Also, the night he let me know it was time to go (one year after I was hit with a cardiac adventure) I suffered from Broken Heart Syndrome and ended up in ER.  And he made his exit gracefully. I survived. But Zen left a void in my heart; he finally approved my orange cat Gatsby; Interviewee 202. Chase some mice for me, Zen. Baby Blue Eyes.]

Summer Feng Shui for Happiness, Health, and Fortune

 By Cal Orey

“In the childhood memories of every good cook, there's a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot and a mom.”-- Barbara Costikyan

Summer is almost here... It’s time to get moving into a healing vibe.  Welcome to the world of Feng Shui--the ancient Chinese art of placement. Its goal is to bring you harmony at work or play. By putting stuff in the right spots in your home and/or workplace it may enhance the flow of positive energy and zap negative vibrations. The end result: good health, happiness, and fortune. Read on--you, too, can enjoy a well-balanced hive--with honey, vinegar, oil and tea--that feels good from head to toe like I recall enjoying as a little girl.

1. Use Eco-friendly Vinegar and Olive Oil Cleaners. For starters, brew a cup of herbal tea for its energizing effects tol boost your energy and mood...Then, it's time to clean your kitchen from top to bottom with natural stuff. You'll be doing you, yours, and Mother Nature a favor. Using nontoxic vinegar can help you to: lose the ants; clean stainless steel, get rid of dust, and keep fresh flowers longer. By keeping it green it will provide you with better health and energy.

2. Declutter Your Stuff. Ditto. Getting rid of things you don't use will up your energy. It's true. You feel lighter with less kitchen baggage, starting fresh is exhilerating. I cleaned out both the fridge and freezer. Add a fresh box of baking soda to soak up odors. Then, I tackled the pantry and tossed out olive oil, pasta, rice, soup, gourmet spices (yep, I sadly discovered they don't last forever) and anything else that expired...What's the saying: Out with the old and in with the new.

3. Clean the Stovetop and Oven. This was a chore but it feels right to have the stovetop shine. (My Stepford Wife colors are starting to show.) The inside of the oven is sparkling, too. Tip: If you must use toxic oven cleaner, go over it with the natural stuff--like vinegar, tea, and olive oil. Trust me, this is a feel-good must-do before days and nights warm up. Helpful hints in the Healing Powers Series.

4. Brighten Up with Lighting. During the colder days without sun you'll want to have sunny-type lighting which can up your energy and mood--linked to good health. Go for full spectrum light bulbs or ones with a nice amber glow.  And open up the blinds! Clean 'em, too! Speaking of lightening up...

5. Boost Your Mood with Plants. To help wipe out pollutants in your kitchen, rest area and fill your space with hardy, happy plants. Your best bet: philodendrons, spider plants or cactus.

6. Bring on the Water. Fish aquariums provide positive energy in the dining room, especially with a gentle filter Ever notice Asian restaurants and the calming ambiance of fish?

7. Fish, Fish, Fish. Today, I read that goldfish can bring you good luck and prosperity. In fact, nine is the lucky number. The colors? Gold and one black one. (Go smaller rather than bigger in size = less cleaning.) My kitchen/dining room/study all are connected. So, the fish aquarium is a pleasant, calming treat for all three rooms. Note to self: Add more fishies.

8. Bring Out the Fresh Fruit. I've got several plump healthful seasonal fruits on display and ready to eat, such as pears placed in a stainless steel colander. According to feng shui concensus, a full bowl may lead to a full life. Translation: Display pretty bowls with plenty of pretty fruit. Empty bowls with just a few pieces of old fruit not so good. And oranges? Nine is the lucky number I've read...Put 'em in a wooden bowl and on the kitchen or dining room table. (Note: If they're pricey, purchase the ones in a bag. Save the separate, sweet and juicy ones for eating.)

9. Conceal Knives and Scissors. My father gave me a black and white marble knife block, cutting board, and rolling pin. I love it. But the knives are out of sight. Bad vibes, say feng shui folks.

10. Hanging Pots and Pans. Get one of those artsy-looking  overhead hangers for your kitchen stuff. If so,  do not  hang it over your workspace. Not good energy, or so they feng shui wizards claim.

11. Hide the Gadgets. Too many kitchen items can clutter up all that positive decluttering you did. So, choose your favorites and recycle as you use 'em. Or, you can always get a kitchen island. A rustic, wooden Mediterranean type is earthy. It would be modest, wooden, but eye-catching, and a great place to stack some kitchen gadgets, and a workspace.

12. Hang Wind Chimes with Crystals. I brought one of mine in from the deck--and put it above the kitchen windows. The one I chose is of a sun with a face. It makes me smile every time I look at Mr. Sunshine. Feng shui gurus recommend hanging chimes in the doorway to the kitchen or over the stove sings good energy. And sit down, exhales, enjoy your clean, decluttered surroundings and new season of light and balance!