Eucalyptus honey is created when bees source nectar from eucalyptus plants.
Eucalyptus refers to a genus of flowering trees within the myrtle family. A common misconception is that all eucalyptus plants are native to Australia, when, in fact, over 15 species of eucalyptus are found outside of Australia – 9 of which do not grow in Australia at all.
Eucalyptus thrive when grown in coastal soil. For this reason, eucalyptus trees can be found throughout the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, as well as in countries like Brazil.
Raw honey created by wild bees forging nectar from organic Eucalyptus trees on the uncontaminated island of Sardinia, in particular, is recognized for its superior quality, potent health benefits, and unique herbal flavor.
Why is it important to buy raw and organic honey?
Raw Honey – If a bottle of honey is not labeled as “raw” it has likely been filtered and heat-treated. These two processes increase the shelf-life of each bottle and create a smoother, more transparent final product. That being said, filtration and heating also denature many of the compounds responsible for the health benefits offered by honey.
For example, ultrafiltration removes a substantial amount of the pollen found in raw honey – a substance which is known to reduce symptoms associated with seasonal allergies; while pasteurization destroys the enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants found in raw honey.
Organic Honey – When it comes to honey, the use of the word “organic” is not referring to the final product, honey, but rather to the source. Honey is considered organic when the flowers from which the bees are harvesting nectar have not been treated with herbicides or pesticides. In conclusion, honey that is not organic does contain traces of these harmful chemicals – definitely something to be aware of!
That being said, as a consumer you can look for both honey that is certified organic as well as honey that is “sourced from organic flowers.”
What are the health benefits of raw and wild eucalyptus honey?
Raw eucalyptus honey collected from wild hives near organic eucalyptus trees has been praised for its medicinal properties and used by the long-living Sardinian culture since ancient times.
More specifically, raw eucalyptus honey is considered a(n):
- antimicrobial and antiviral agent
- respiratory aid: expectorant, cough suppressant, and nasal decongestant
- immune-system booster
Eucalyptus Honey as an Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agent
Most types of honey offer antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties due to: (1) the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide, as well as, (2) the high acidity of raw honey at a chemical level. While neither the presence of hydrogen peroxide nor extreme acidity can be tasted, they are potent enough to kill a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Eucalyptus Honey & Eucalyptus Oil as a Respiratory Aid: Expectorant, Cough Suppressant, and Nasal Decongestant
Beyond the standard health benefits offered by all raw honey, eucalyptus honey is the only variety rich in eucalyptol – the compound that gives most eucalyptus-based oils, jellies, and honey their unique aroma.
Eucalyptol offers a menthol-like property and serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory shown to treat coughs, colds, and upper-respiratory infections more effectively than other types of honey, and (in some cases) even more effective than standard over-the-counter cough syrup. Eucalyptol is also a powerful decongestant.
Eucalyptus Honey as an Immune-system Booster
Eucalyptus honey has higher quantities of immune-system supporting vitamin C than other varieties of honey, as well as, larger doses of vitamin B9 (better known as folic acid) – even greater than those found in manuka honey and strawberry tree honey. The presence of these vitamins, in particular, is aligned with the common use of raw eucalyptus honey to fight colds and sooth sore throats.
What does raw eucalyptus honey taste like? Is eucalyptus honey bitter like manuka and strawberry tree honey?
The dark amber color of eucalyptus honey is matched by a strong and decisive flavor. Lacking the bitterness of many other medicinal honeys (such as manuka honey or strawberry tree honey), eucalyptus honey offers pleasant hints of: tart caramel and cool mint.
The unique flavor of eucalyptus honey – an ideal snack ingredient
In addition to its health promoting properties, the unique and decisive flavors of raw eucalyptus honey has a decisive and unique flavor that nicely complements a wide variety of recipes.
For example, why not try:
- Grilled fruit skewers with mint and raw eucalyptus honey;
- Pungent gorgonzola drizzled with raw eucalyptus honey served on a slice of Crispy Pane Carasau;
- Raw eucalyptus honey as a natural sweetener in herbal tea; or,
- Raw eucalyptus honey stirred in a small bowl of whipped mascarpone
Nutritional information and calorie count for eucalyptus honey
Most varieties of honey have the same sugar and calorie content. However, the flavor and health benefits in each tablespoon vary significantly depending on whether or not the honey has been filtered or pasteurized. Not all honey is created equal.
For maximum health benefits and flavor, look for honey that is raw and collected from wild honeybees near organic pastures.
Nutritional Information for Honey
(1 tbsp, 21g)
Calories: 60
Fat: 0
Carbs: 17
Sugar: 17
Protein: 0
Where can I buy the best wild, organic, and raw eucalyptus tree honey?
Check out The Longevity Shop at nuraxilife.com for raw eucalyptus honey collected from wild honeybees near organic eucalyptus trees on Sardinia’s Mediterranean coast.