🔥 Fire up the grill! Pasture-raised grilling & smoker meats 🔥 | Shop Summer Favorites >>

Vendor Spotlight: What are the Health Benefits of Raw Honey?

written by

Meg Peery

posted on

March 14, 2026

Honey-6.jpg

You've probably added honey to recipes or tea, drizzled it on toast, glazed a ham, or used it as a playful dipping sauce for chunks of grilled chicken. 

But raw honey's got a ton of health-related and medicinal tricks up its sleeve as well, which are worth knowing about and definitely worth adding to your list of natural remedies for your family. 

Unlike processed honey, raw honey is not heated or filtered, so it retains all of its natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals—making it a medicinal powerhouse.

Here are just a few examples of raw honey's healing superpowers.

1. Raw Honey Boosts Immunity

        Raw honey is a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent that can help boost your immune system. It contains propolis, which is a substance produced by bees that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The antioxidants in raw honey can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases.

        2. Raw Honey Soothes Sore Throats

          If you have a sore throat, raw honey can help soothe the irritation and reduce inflammation. It has antibacterial properties that can help fight off infections, and its thick consistency can coat the throat and provide relief from pain and discomfort.

          3. Raw Honey Aids Digestion

            Raw honey can help improve digestion by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It contains prebiotics, which are compounds that feed the good bacteria in your digestive system. Raw honey can also help soothe inflammation in the gut and reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and ulcerative colitis.

            4. Raw Honey Helps with Wound Healing

              Raw honey has been used for centuries as a natural wound healer. It has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections and promote healing. Raw honey can also reduce inflammation and help speed up the healing process.

              5. Raw Honey Can Improve Sleep

                Raw honey can help improve sleep by promoting the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consuming raw honey before bed can help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep.

                6. Raw Honey Can Help with Allergies

                  Raw honey contains small amounts of pollen, which can help desensitize your immune system to allergens. Consuming raw honey regularly can help reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

                  ---

                  We're proud to partner with Whistle Creek Apiaries to bring raw, unprocessed, local wildflower honey to our customers and farm friends. Browse our raw honey offerings here.

                  Honey-1.jpg

                  More from the blog

                  Whole Chicken = $$avings!

                  Whole Chicken = $$avings!

                  When I take a whole chicken (or two, for my family of 6) and use every bit of it to nourish my family each week, it not only feels like a beautiful choreographed dance, but it makes me want to dance like a little kid. I feel peace and strength in knowing that I can take a whole chicken and have the flexibility to use it in so many ways and use it well for my family. We need more of those feelings in our lives, don't you think? If you want that same happiness, peace, strength, and savings that come from using a whole chicken in your kitchen and knowing you're using your food dollars well, this post is for you.The best practice in using whole chickens is to begin by thawing your chicken in your refrigerator for at least a day before you plan to cook it.  Thawing the bird this way allows you to season it before cooking to ensure the best flavor, or cut it up to use individual pieces. (Jordan made a really cool video showing how we cut up our chickens. You can find that here on YouTube.) The great thing about learning to cut up your own bird is there's no quiz at the end. You can practice in your own kitchen at your own convenience, and before you know it, you'll feel that confidence in your skills. For cooking the bird whole, my favorite cooking method is in a Dutch oven or covered roasting pan. But before placing your chicken in a pan, use a paper towel to pat the bird dry. This lets all your spices penetrate the meat and results in a more robust flavor. I season my chicken (you can rub seasonings into or even under the skin) with salt and pepper, and then choose one or two more spices like garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, oregano, or thyme. An easy option is to keep your favorite pre-mixed seasoning mixes on hand. You can also cook the bird in the crock pot or Instant Pot. In most cases, roasting the whole bird in the oven gives the best flavor and texture. My family's personal favorite way to cook whole chickens is in an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven. (My children always love the crispy skin and eat it like chips!) Whatever method you use to cook your birds, I always recommend placing chickens breast-side down. This ensures the white meat doesn't dry out as it cooks, but stays moist and juicy! In the oven, plan to cook your chicken at 350 for about 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches at least 165 degrees. I usually shoot for about 180 degrees, because we like the meat very tender and falling off the bones. Let your bird rest 10-15 minutes before you cut into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and locks them in for tastier chicken. On the day you cook your bird, enjoy the mouthwatering flavor by serving it whole.  My husband and I both enjoy the dark meat most, so we eat the thighs on the first night. My 5 and 3 year-olds always request "bone meat", so they usually eat the legs or wings. Now that all 4 children love roasted chicken, we usually cook 2 chickens at a time so that we have more left over after our first meal. After dinner, I pick off the bones what meat is left and store the bones and the chicken in separate containers overnight. And save that juice! The bones and juice cooked off the chicken will be used tomorrow for making bone broth. From a 4-5-pound chicken, you can expect 5-7 cups of boneless, skinless chicken (total). One of my chickens was around 5 pounds, and you can see in the photo that I ended up with nearly 8 cups!  If you want, you can freeze your shredded chicken to use later. Most recipes call for 2 cups of shredded or cubed chicken, so keep that in mind if you decide to freeze it. It's a good idea to freeze it in 2-cup bags or containers. When deboning, I like to separate the chicken into large chunks. Then, with a clean, sharp pair of kitchen scissors, I can simply cut it up into cubes of any size I want. These easy chicken cubes make the BEST white chili, soups, or chicken salad you can imagine!  Since it will easily keep in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 7 days, you can also spread your chicken meals out and alternate with another protein source some nights, or plan for easy homemade lunches. (We eat a LOT of chicken salad around here.)Here are some of our favorite ways to use this homemade boneless, skinless chicken: Chicken chiliChicken pot pieThai chicken curryAny casserole that calls for chickenHomemade pizzaChicken saladChicken enchiladas Chicken FajitasAsian stir fryCheck out our library of Tried and True chicken recipes A good chicken should be more than just a nourishing meal. You should have peace of mind knowing that you used your hard-earned dollars well, and it's great if it makes you want to do a happy dance, too.  Do you have a favorite way to prepare a whole chicken? Share your recipes, stories, and those little traditions that make a meal feel like home to you. Here’s to gathering often, eating well, and savoring every bite. Hannah

                  Read more
                  Return To Top
                  Privacy Policy