Honey: The Drink of the Gods

Image credit: Shutterstock

Paradise is often depicted as the land that flows with milk and honey. In these descriptions, milk is used to symbolize fertility, abundance, and the promise of plenty. Then there’s honey, which is sometimes referred to as “the drink of the gods” or “liquid gold”. Not only is honey a depiction of joy and sweetness, but it also represents healing – hence the question: what is it about honey that draws such powerful symbolism?  

The use of honey can be traced back over 8,000 years as it appears on cave paintings from the Stone Age. Knowledge of bee keeping and honey harvesting has been passed down through generations and made its way into present day. This science is referred to as apiculture, and one of the communities that has successfully preserved this knowledge is the Ogiek community. 

As both inhabitants and keepers of the Mau Forest, the Ogiek have built their culture and traditions around bee products such as honey, beeswax, and propolis. Beeswax is used in the hive to make honeycombs, while propolis is used to seal holes and cracks, which keeps the hive safe and warm. In the past, these products were so precious that their handling was delegated to specific community members. Aside from being food sources, one of the most important uses of bee products for the Ogiek is as preventative and curative medicines.

Image credits: iStock

Honey was traditionally used to clean and dress wounds. Its acidity (which many today may not know as a component of this goodness) inhibited bacterial activity, and its enzymes also worked as an anti-inflammatory agent and stimulated the growth of new tissues. While this practice is not as common in present day, research has validated this practice. Honey was also consumed orally to treat and protect against gastrointestinal infection such as gastritis, duodenitis and gastric ulceration. In modern day, a concoction of honey, ginger, and lemon juice is popularly known as dawa. It keeps coughs and colds at bay while maintaining gut health and repairing damaged intestinal tissues.  

Both beeswax and propolis have numerous applications in treating various ailments due to their antiseptic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. They are used for cholesterol control, diabetes management, oral health and cavity control, and burn treatment.  

Have you had a dawa before, and how do you like to prepare it? Also let us know what other uses you have for these bee products!