Boost Immune Health with Tea and Honey for Summer Wellness

 Tea(s) with Your Honey

By Cal Orey

June is National Ice Tea Month

For centuries, people all around the world have enjoyed the simple, soothing pleasures of a good cup of tea with a good teaspoon of honey, and nowadays there is more reason to so do. Tea(s)--all kinds--especially with honey, but together they pack a punch of nutritional and health benefits.

           Medical doctors, nutritionists, scientists and beekeepers are now confirming what healers have been saying for since biblical times--teas and honeys have a variety of healing powers.

             Here are my favorite tea and honey marriages--but there are infinite combinations for both you and me to try. There is no right or wrong combination and what's sweet to you makes honey-tea beverages a sweet sip.

1. Black Tea:  The first tea I was introduced to was basic black tea--which does contain caffeine--and I have enjoyed it plain but realized it did need a sweet flavor boost to it.  Also, Earl Grey and English breakfast teas (perfect for an Irish breakfast, complete with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and scones) are part of the Black Tea group.

Best Honey Matches:  Basswood has a distinct flavor that I've used in plain yogurt for a rich flavor and it can give black tea a kick, too. Sourwood boasts a caramel taste that can make a common black tea come to life with taste. Earl Grey teams well with avocado, blueberry, and eucalyptus honeys, too. It's more exotic and exciting than just a simple all-purpose clover honey that comes without pleasant surprises.  

2. Green Tea:  Touted for its wide array of health virtues, this Asian tea does contain caffeine, like black tea, but not as much. It's an acquired taste and that's where honey comes into play so you can get the best of taste and nutritional benefits. 

Best Honey Matches:  Blueberry honey has a fruity taste which can give a nice kick to green tea, not the most flavorful tea.  Sage honey is mild, a California favorite of mine that brings out the best of green tea.

3.  Fruit Tea--Welcome to lemon, orange, rose hips, and apple teas. These fruity teas are sweet and sometimes tart, which call for a honey sidekick.

Best Honey Matches:  Mild flavored honeys such as sage and alfalfa brings out the best in fruit teas because it doesn't overpower the fruity taste but maintains the integrity of the fruit flavor.

4. Herbal Tea--Herbal teas come from a variety of plants other than the tea plant. They are made from the leaves, berries, flowers, fruits and bark of herbs and spices.

Although most herbal teas do not contain the antioxidant properties of real tea, they do possess other good-for-you compounds that can enhance your health and well-being. There is a wide range of herbal teas, including ginseng, cinnamon, licorice, and mint.

Rooibos (roy-boss) is the "new" herbal tea on the block--that is often called "Red Tea." Like green and black teas, this tea contains antioxidants that make it heart-healthy and immune-enhancing--and it's caffeine free.

Best Honey Matches: Teaming earthy and warm herbal teas go well with a mild alfalfa, clover, orange blossom, and sage honeys--common honeys that complement distinct herbal flavors. 

5. Oolong Tea--This tea, popular in Asian countries, contains health perks of both black and green teas. A robust flavored-tea that can have a sweet taste lends to different honeys. 

Best Honey Matches: Oolong, not a tea familiar to me, was easy to try with a friendly California orange blossom honey with its citrusy sweet taste. Another oolong mate is tupelo honey its light amber color and herbal, fruity flavors.

6. White Tea--And last but not least welcome to this pale tea. Found in China it is believed to rank number one for its antioxidants. It's a bit sweet and mellow. It's the new tea on the block for tea lovers.

Best Honey Matches:  Fireweed honey is light colored and smooth, like white tea--the two complement each other. Wildflower, one of my favorite mild honeys also goes nicely with white tea.

            

As a devout tea drinker, I believe your choice of honey and tea is a personal choice--like pairing dark chocolate with different fruits, herbs and spices. The selection also depends on the season to your mood. But popular and friendly honeys, such as clover and orange blossom are suitable any time, any place because they are not too strong and will not overpower teas--all types--and you can't go wrong for yourself or if you're serving other people.

Excerpt: From The Healing Powers of Honey by Cal Orey, published by Kensington Books, mass market format 2018. All rights reserved.

Author-Intuitive Predicted Covid-19 Would Hit U.S. -- And Variants Would Follow, No Cure

By  Cal Orey

 UPDATE:  In the spring of 2022, variant(s) are soaring around the globe. The U.S. is not immune, nor is my Golden State--California.  But the thing is, people are in denial and pretending the pandemic is over. Sadly, I know too well the variants are not done with us... 

As a former magazine journalist living in San Francisco, I wrote articles during the frightening AIDS epidemic, which we learned can affect all people of all ages. But this 2019 Asian epidemic morphed into a pandemic -- which I predicted on this blog and in a national mag, but never thought it would be this nightmarish and surreal. As the variants are continually evolving and COVID fatigue has hit.--we're not out of the woods and people (all ages) are getting sick (again)--vaxxed or not. 

The glitch is, while the new variants may not be as deadly as the deadly 1918 Spanish flu--it can wreak havoc on the mind and body more than you may think and it's super contagious. Worse, it comes with a short incubation period--and there is no cure yet.  But we do have therapeutics as I predicted we would, much like with HIV.  And, we are discovering getting infected can have long-term effects on organs and neurological damage. Plus, keep in mind, the variants don't care if you're vaxxed--or not. It's on a mission. And once hit by a variant it doesn't mean you have naturally immunity against another strain. You do not. Think of it as another enemy wearing different clothes and fighting differently.

People with healthy immune systems are not immune either (but often these people are more health oriented) so they may do better when infected with one of many variants. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you stay healthier and you end up contracting the virus, your body will be in better shape to fight the symptoms of the flu and get well faster.

*  *  *

The Four Thieves Formula, different versions, can be found in the history chapters of both The Healing Powers of Vinegar and The Healing Powers of Essential Oils  I discuss in length how each ingredient works its magic with its antiviral properties. In other words, you can build up your immune system to guard against colds, flu, and even new viruses. (Books are available at all fine bookstores--ebook, paperback, mass market.)

People used it during the Swine Flu pandemic, SARS in China (actually, prices soared for nature's remarkable remedy). And even in the Middle Ages vinegar to a variety of herbs were used to fight bubonic plague...

During the Middle Ages, vinegar made its mark, too. Four robbers in the French town of Marseilles preyed upon the homes and belongings left behind by the people who fell victim to the bubonic plague, or "Black Death" of Europe. Eventually they were caught and brought before French judges, who wondered how these four thieves had protected themselves from the deadly plague while looting plague-ridden possessions. 
The legend is that the four thieves bargained and exchanged the famous Four Thieves Vinegar for freedom, explaining that they washed themselves with the infection-fighting liquid every few hours. Upon learning about these immunity-boosting qualities, the formula was used by priests and doctors who treated the ill. No one seems to know who wrote the formula, which differs from recipe to recipe, but it is basically the same and it works in various ways. It can be used to disinfect sick rooms. If diluted with water, if can be used as a body wash. Taken by the teaspoonful (consult with your doctor for the safe amount), it can be used as a preventive measure to stave off viral infections, such as the flu.

10 Ways to Bolster Your Immune System

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking water, herbal teas, and vitamin C-rich liquids can flush out any toxins that you accumulate.

2. Wash your hands frequently. (See the link and popular doctor who agrees.) Viruses can be transmitted by shaking someone's hand and then touching your face, nose or mouth. (This is probably the most important strategy. Use the recipe Four Thieves Formula--apple cider vinegar and herbs or the version with essential oils. It can be used topically, to clean surfaces in your environment, and more.)

3. Eat right. "There are many plant chemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids that have antiviral and antibacterial activity," one California-based medical doctor told me. So eating nutritious produce daily will help keep your immune system strong. He also eats fish, whole grains, onions and garlic which help stave off flu, too.

4. Treat yourself well. "I try to minimize junk food, but I do succumb to chocolate or calcium-rich ice cream once or twice a week," said the good doctor. He added, "It's possible that lots of sugar can interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system."

5. Take vitamin C. Most of the research says that it improves the immune system.

6. Take echinacea. This herb is touted to have both antibiotic and immune-stimulating properties. But note, it's best used as a preventive measure before you get the flu.

7. Zinc yourself well. Zinc is a potent virus-fighters that can cut the time you spend in misery.

8. Drink herbal teas. Tea is a superfood chock-full of antioxidants.

9. Exercise, exercise, exercise. "It helps me sleep more deeply at night. Deep sleep is a time when the immune system has a chance to regroup itself and get revitalized," pointed out the health practitioner that taught me well.

10. Chill out. By keeping your stress levels down, you can keep your immune system up and healthy. 

INFECTED? SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?

• Mask Up:  In high risk regions where there is a surge, masks may help lower the the spread of COVID-19.
• Get Home Tested: In 15 minutes you will know if COVID-19 is responsible if you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status.
•  Are you in denial that you may be infected? Sure, COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold, seasonal allergies, or flu. Learn more about COVID-19 tests.
• Stay Home if Sick: Isolate for at least 5 days if you test positive. Why do you want to spread the virus to other people? Get well!

Herbal Time is for Spring Days and Nights

  By Cal Orey

One spring day I turned to herbs and spices to get me through the noise challenge of getting a new roof. I sipped herbal tea spiked with allspice. It calmed my nerves. In the late afternoon, I believe the herb-infused dark chocolates infused with vanilla and cayenne I ate was a gift of feeling good and chill. The new roof was completed in one day, the dog rescued from the kennel before 6:00 p.m. It was done. We survived the event. 

To this day I give credit to the wonder of calming herbs and spices. You’ll be amazed to discover how each of these herbs and spices can be used topically or consumed and put to work in many ways -- and during the shoulder season when it's hot and cold outdoors. Sometimes, Mother Nature knows best. It’s as easy as 1-2-3. Read on.

 

 #1 CHILLAX WITH R&R ALLSPICE:  Even though Lake Tahoe is bliss, stress overload can happen anywhere and is often a trigger for high anxiety, slamming the nervous system on overdrive. Most people will feel anxious, sooner or later. That means worrying to falling into the “what if?” trap, feeling edgy, irritable, and distracted are some of the symptoms that’ll pay you a visit. Worrying about things you cannot control can cause a racing heart, feeling on edge, and simply feeling out of sync with reality. 

But allspice can come to your rescue! Put a dash of allspice in a 12-ounce cup of chamomile, black, green, or white tea. Savor the moment. Sip a cup of the spicy brew. Repeat as needed.

Allspice is a mixture of calming compounds. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that can quell pain. If you have a headache or backache, for instance, it can trigger stress, and anxiety may follow. Once the inflammation is lessened, however, a sense of centeredness may be the end result. It is also comforting in a cup of joe and/or if infused in a homemade warm cinnamon roll.

#2 BREW SCENT-SATIONAL POTPOURRI IN A POT: Yes, a simmering potpourri can provide an amazing aroma in your home. Try combining 3 cups water and 2 lemons with peels. Place them in a pot. Add spices, such as cinnamon and vanilla. Heat to a boil and then turn down the heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell sublime this season of renewal.

#3 GET ZZZ’S HERBAL COCKTAIL: Medical doctors will tell you anxiety and stress, can trigger sleepless nights and broken sleep. For insomnia, herbs such as these nature’s sedative mixed with good bedtime habits may help you to get sleep.

For shut-eye herbal relief, measure ½ cup chamomile flowers, 1 teaspoon lavender flowers, and 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (all dried for convenience). Combine herbs. Take a teaspoon of the calming herb mixture and add to 1 cup of hot water. Let sit for 3 minutes. Strain. Add honey (go local) to taste. Sip before bedtime. (You can also purchase ready-made chamomile lavender tea bags at our local grocery stores or health food store.)

A RENEWAL BONUS: During springtime on the South Shore, which goes from late March through late June, the signs of gardens with life of herbs start to sprout. That means fresh leaves, buds, and flowers pop up with the promise of life and vibrant colors around the Lake. Herbal gardens – indoors by the window sills are ready for you to grow; and it’s time to freshen up your dried spice pantry!

Eating during spring is a time to detox, enjoy lighter foods and beverages, complemented by lighter herbs and spices. Try cilantro, chives, dill, garlic, marjoram, parsley, and turmeric. These aromatic and flavorful healing timeless treasures will whisk you into the summer season.

Adapted from The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices.

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. 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.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com. 

Predictions for Living with COVID-19 Made in Mid-2021 Come True for 2022

  By Cal Orey

In December 2019, the threat of the novel coronavirus in Asia soon became a sobering reality around the world... So, what will our lives be like in 2021 and 2022? 

As the virus spread in Italy and offshore on cruise ships, we didn’t know of the scope of how the virus named Covid-19 would affect America. As the virus made its way to nursing homes in Washington and New York City became the epicenter – people were introduced
to a global pandemic. And then, our lives changed.

We quickly were introduced to quarantining in our homes to isolation from friends and family. Cities and towns were shutdown. Stockpiling food was the new normal. It was time to mask up, wash our food and hands – and fear the unknown. At first, going to the doctor, work, restaurants, gym, hair salon and dog groomer were off limits. Only essential services – groceries and medications --were available to us unless we were an essential worker – doctors, police, firefighters and store clerks. Now, more than a year later, welcome to what the future may be like for us now in the Spring of 2021 and into 2022.

Social Distancing: These days, more services are open to people depending on where they live and what tier they’re in to determine what activities are safe. Most businesses – except bars, indoor restaurants, and concerts to large crowded events – are open but capacity is limited. Masking up (now we’re told to double up) is the norm but still countless people do not follow the restriction for political reasons. In 2022, wearing a mask inside most businesses will likely be arequirement as a safety precaution – especially where there are isolated outbreaks -- and on all public transportation.  (I wrote this article a week before Dr. Fauci's statement was publicized.) And note, some people will continue to stay home, stay safe and keep distancing, especially during outbreaks and when variants are spreading.

Health (Body/Mind): People and doctors adapted to telemedicine. In fact, both patients and healthcare practitioners like the convenience of this high-tech type of appointment. On screen doctors are going to still be used; however, preventive healthcare visits may begin to be more frequent. The downside is post traumatic stress disorder is going to be commonplace. Mental health due to stress, anxiety, and depression due to the pandemic stressors of isolation to losing friends and family, will be more prevalent than ever before. People will seek help through conventional and holistic ways to cope and move forward.

Work from Home: The new work from home or remote working will continue for countless businesses. During the ups and downs of adjusting to the new remote business environment, we’ve learned it is healthier because there is less commuting, cleaner air, and more time for chillaxing. While essential workers will continue to attend the workplace, non-essential workers will stay at home and embrace the new normal.

School Days: Kids, parents, and teachers have all been challenged by dealing with at home schooling or hybrid learning (on and off days at school). By 2022 attending schools will likely be back to normal – but there will be safety precautions for all. Also, for isolated virus outbreaks, at home schooling will be used as needed.

Play Indoors/Outdoors: In 2021 we are still canceling large events, such as sports and music concerts. By 2022, we may find ourselves enjoying crowds once again. However, safety precautions like in other open businesses will be used and accepted. During the next year, probably more than 60 percent of Americans will have been vaccinated but masking up in a crowd will likely still be requested to keep people safer.

Dining Out: Since eating in restaurants is one of the riskiest activities, businesses will be following safety precautions for safety’s sake. But if the virus continues to wane, capacity at eateries may be back to near normal. During the pandemic the surge of home-cooking was a healthful change. People were forced to eat more healthier, immune-boosting, heart-healthy foods and had more control with ingredients and portion sizes. And this trend may last. Also, while gyms have been shut, we have turned to creative at-home workouts which may last.

Travel: Currently, there is talk of “Test Before You Fly” if we want to fly internationally. Showing proof of a negative Covid-19 test is used by some states for domestic travel. Also, some states enforce travelers to quarantine for 14 days. In 2022, the quarantine restriction may be lifted if we show proof of a negative test and/or vaccination. This will vary amongst airlines, states, and countries…Road trips to camping in the great outdoors will still be more common than flying due to changes and rules, much like after 9-11. Cruises will not be as popular as they once were. Hotels will be more popular than motels because they have more of a budget to follow safety precautions. But the hospitality industry will take a long time to recover so most lodging will suffer economic consequences.

 The bottom line: By 2022, the world as we knew it during pre-pandemic times will be a memory and the future will not be the same. After the height of the AIDS pandemic, we were wary as the uncertainty and danger of contracting the virus lingered. But we adapted to a new normal. While a vaccine was not discovered for HIV, we do have therapeutics that help bolster the immune system, whereas, people who are infected can and do live healthier and longer lives. But there is no cure so we take precautions.

While Covid-19 may never disappear – and the variants may present a more contagious and deadly virus -- nobody knows the answer yet. But the odds are that we will continue to fight Covid-19 and new variants.

We will enjoy socializing, sports and cultural events, and traveling by 2022. But note, we will never forget the horrors of the pandemic and loss of lives. And there is the threat for new superbugs that may pay us a visit. The best part? Some people believe there will be a resurgence of activities like the Roaring Twenties and we will do all the things we’ve missed dearly. Yes, life will go on – but it will be a new, guarded world after the relentless coronavirus blindsided us.

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. 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.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.

The Evolutionary Cosmos -- If You Liked "Interstellar--You'll Love This Innovative Book!

Captivating, engaging, and gripping…amust-read non-fiction science book that cannot be missed this year… A fantastic book that readers won’t be able to put down.

–Pacific Book Review

Westberg’s book—written with Orey—explores a wealth of scientific phenomena in language that’s vivid and accessible to lay readers.

--Kirkus Book Review

 DISCOVER THE NEW WAY OF OUTSIDE-IN THINKING ABOUT OUR UNIVERSE!

Painter Michael Leu

Intriguing facts that’ll surprise you . . . Did you know?

 Some scientists admit that they haven’t made any major progress about how our Universe works for over 50 years.

• It takes a novel approach to explain gravity as a physical phenomenon.

• Take the journey into one- and two-dimensional realms of magnetism that lead to our three-dimensional world. • Find out how eddy currents are the reasons behind cryovolcanoes on the minor planet Ceres to solar flares on the Sun.

• Get informed about Earth-threatening coronal mass ejections to global dust storms on Mars. 

 This book provides a reader-friendly understanding of Einstein’s theory of time dilation to Darwin’s theory, past and present-day. Enjoy close encounters of how these interesting topics—and more! come from outside-in thinking using existing new science data and logical thinking.

 Written from the perspective of a science enthusiast and progressive thinker, flanked by a veteran Earth-changes science writer and bestselling author, this book is one of a kind. A fascinating read, and cutting-edge findings make this gem a page-turner. Included are insightful theories to down-to-earth interesting anecdotes, along with must-have tools for you to find out more about Outer space. A candid and witty must-read. The Evolutionary Cosmos deserves two thumbs up for dishing out fresh ideas about the ever-changing Universe. This is a timeless gift book for anyone (of any age).

 

 Dust Storms on Mars

Storms in the cosmos is an interesting happening and one that has been on my brain from time to time. My son Jack and I have noticed that what we are mulling over with fascinating “should” and “could” questions—including cause of weather on Earth or planets—can have plausible answers. Our ideas, both usual and unusual, don’t stop anywhere in the Universe. Read more starting on Page 16.

 Ice Volcanoes at Ceres: Let me introduce you to ice volcanoes, also called “cryovolcanoes,” which are on the planet Ceres. An ice volcano on Ceres, however, would have no smell or sound because there is no atmosphere. It would initially be like a slushy from a convenience store and then become hard frozen. Earth-based cryovolcanoes would have an oozing sound. Page 21.

 Say Hello to Planet Mercury:   This littlest planet and is importance spawned a new idea that came to me one day while I was studying the different planets. Page 53. 

Solar Superstorms:  The idea of the Sun and superstorms is a reality. Solar tornadoes are not a new thought. Why? Page 64.

RICHARD M. WESTBERG is a science devotee and forward thinker. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Long Beach State College. After high school, he became interested in physics, and since then has perfected his self-taught passion for astronomy and space sciences.  The engineer learned how to repair TVs and have a handle on radio communication, and is a Carl Sagan enthusiast. A native of Southern California, he resides in Arizona.

CAL OREY is a best-selling author-journalist. She has a master’s degree in English from San Francisco State University. Her books include the hugely popular Healing Powers book series (containing scientific studies). She penned The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, writes a monthly Earth Changes column for Oracle 20/20 Magazine, and is a frequent News Segment Earth-changes radio guest on “Coast to Coast AM.” She is a native Californian. www.calorey.com. 

Honey is the Rx for Pollen Allergies in the Springtime/Summer

 BY Cal Orey

HONEY CURES FROM YOUR KITCHEN

UPDATE: Today on May 17 I have runny nose, raspy throat, and sinus type headache. I looked up our air quality for Tahoe and there it was--the culprit. Pollen is very high! No wonder. I can see the trees on my deck and they are blossoming. Achoo!  A cup of tea with honey is the cure!

Known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians. Drawing on the 21^st century honey buzz, health author Cal Orey reveals enlightening honey home remedies, straight from the book The Healing Powers of Honey: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Remarkable Nectar! (Kensington)

1  POLLEN SYMPTOMS
(Stop seasonal misery): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing is no picnic, thanks to seasonal pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.

What Honey Rx to Use:  Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live).

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It’s worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens—and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.

2  COUGH (Outfox irritating hacking):  A cough is another unwelcome visitor and can make you feel terrible. Let’s face it, cough medicine can be pricey, doesn’t taste good, and may or may not do its job.

What Honey Rx to Use:  A teaspoon of buckwheat honey is recommended before bed. Or you can make syrup of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Repeat each remedy as needed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  A group of Penn State College of Medicine researchers discovered that honey may be the cure. The findings showed that buckwheat honey at bedtime was more powerful for curing a cough in children than a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications. It is believed that honey will act as a sedative to the nervous system.

3 ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your cough under control is a good thing, but then what if your energy plummets with other symptoms?  Liquid gold may be the answer again.

What Honey Rx to Use: Each morning include a teaspoon of bee pollen in your breakfast. Go ahead and take it solo. Or try The Honey Association’s Energy Drink recipe:  ¼ pint orange juice, ¼ pint natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons clear honey. Place all the ingredients in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses. Serves two people.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. That means, you’ll get a quick energy boost with long-lasting effects. Athletes include it in their daily diets. It was even used by runners at the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.

4 HEADACHE (Bye-bye, pain): Fatigue and headaches are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, and some kinds may benefit from the honey bee’s gift.

What Honey Rx to Use:  One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  “The way honey might work for tension headaches,” says New York Headache Center’s Alex Mauskop, M.D., “is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines.” He adds that some antioxidants can help prevent headaches, as can magnesium and vitamin B. So turning to antioxidant-rich honey may be a sweet remedy.

5 INSOMNIA  (Find sweet dreams): Getting rid of a headache is a challenge, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term effects, too.

What Rx to Use: Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Try sipping a cup of 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  It’s a magic trick, according to The Honey Revolution author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn’t go in search of extra fuel in the earl A.M. hours when you should be in Dreamland. “Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of  adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate,” adds the honey guru.

6 SORE THROAT (Take the sting away): Not sleeping is miserable, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where don’t feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home for centuries to help sooth one of the symptoms associated with a common cold—namely, a killer sore throat.

What Honey Rx to Use:  For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don’t forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of the cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain.

          So go ahead and use the type of honey advised or your own preference; all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results. (Warning: To avoid infant botulism, do not fee honey to a baby who is younger than one year.)

Discover The New Way Of Thinking About Our Universe!

 By Cal Orey

DISCOVER THE NEW WAY OF THINKING ABOUT OUR UNIVERSE! Intriguing facts that’ll surprise you . . . Did you know? 

• Some scientists admit that they haven’t made any major progress about how our Universe works for over 50 years.

 • It takes a novel approach to explain gravity as a physical phenomenon. 

• Take the journey into one- and two-dimensional realms of magnetism that lead to our three-dimensional world. 

• Find out how eddy currents are the reasons behind cryovolcanoes on the minor planet Ceres to solar flares on the Sun.

 • Get informed about Earth-threatening coronal mass ejections to global dust storms on Mars.

This book provides a reader-friendly understanding of Einstein’s theory of time dilation to Darwin’s theory, past and present-day. Enjoy close encounters of how these interesting topics—and more!—come from outside-in thinking using existing new science data and logical thinking. Written from the perspective of a science enthusiast and progressive thinker, flanked by a veteran Earth-changes science writer, this book is one of a kind.

A fascinating read, and cutting-edge findings make this gem a page-turner. Included are insightful theories to down-to-earth interesting anecdotes, along with must-have tools for you to find out more about Outer space. A candid and witty must-read. The Evolutionary Cosmos deserves two thumbs up for dishing out fresh ideas about the ever-changing Universe. This is a timeless gift book for anyone (of any age).