Thyme Honey Has Strong Antioxidant Properties – A Polish study that compared the antioxidant properties of 10 kinds of honey found that the type of antioxidants found in thyme honey has been labeled “defensive antioxidants”. These antioxidants can bind damaging oxidants that form, stopping them from turning to free radicals and causing cell damage. Professor Nolans’ research has suggested that one of the highest-rating foods for supplying defensive antioxidants is thyme honey.
Thyme Honey Has Anti-Cancer Effects – A Greek study that was published in the peer-reviewed journal “Food Chemistry” (vol 116 issue 3) found that thyme reduced the viability of Ishikawa (endometrial) cancer cells and PC-3 (prostate) cancer cells in vitro. The authors suggest that a diet enriched with thyme honey “may prevent cancer-related processes in breast, prostate and endometrial cancer cells” (Tsiapara, Jaakkola, Chinou et al Food Chemistry 116.3 2009).
Thyme Honey has Anti-Allergenic and Antiseptic properties – One recent study found that pollen collected by bees has anti-allergenic effects, mediated by an inhibition of IgE immunoglobulin binding to mast cells. That said, most kinds of honey you find in the shops have been filtered and contain therefore very little if any, pollen. It can be used to cover burns and scalds, as a poultice for wounds, to prevent infection, or to treat sore throats due to colds or flu.
