Himalayan honey has been sought-after for its health benefits, however, only recently have researchers been able to accurately measure its levels in aqueous solutions. Pure honey of Himalayan bees has a significant amount of antibacterial compounds and polysaccharides. It here also contains substantial quantities of iron and other minerals. These minerals are essential for enzyme development in tissue repair, tissue regeneration, and cell building. It has become important to examine the effects of this particular honey in a variety chemical and biological applications.
The Woodshed Research Institute (WRI) collected the first honey samples from the slopes of the Indian Himalayan Mountains in early 1990. Syrup, which was primarily composed of water, was then boiled along with honey, flowers and other ingredients. After the mixture was cool, a photographic infrared spectrumrometer could be used to determine the honey's identity.
Based on reports on the internet, honey hunters from the Himalayan region of India began visiting the summits of the Himalayan Mountains in the latter part of the 1980s. They took samples of honey that bees produce in various seasons. Researchers from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Hyderabad, India determined the composition of honey during summer and spring using a solid phase microprocessor. A significant amount of honey was taken from eight different places in the Himalayan Mountains during a research trip led conducted by B. K. Shalmali, and P. V. Prabhupada. The honey was then examined. The honey was categorized into four types which included black honey, yellow honey, bee-berries, and wild honey. All honey was freshly extracted from the hives without the addition of heat or treatment by local villagers.
Nepal also referred to as the "land where the bees" in ancient times, has been well-known for its healing properties. The advantages of the plant have made it a very popular honey substitute in recent times. The main ingredient in Nepali honey, called neem oil has been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used since ancient times to treat colds, flu, coughs, stomachaches as well as kidney issues teethache, stomach pain, and many other illnesses. Indian researchers discovered that nepal can be effective in treating eye disorders like blindness, loss, and irritation.
In addition to Nepal oil, honey taken at elevations greater than 5500 feet provides a strong concentration of tryptophan, an amino acid which improves brain functions. The medicinal properties of honey from higher elevations are being studied by researchers. A significant amount of wildflower pollen has also been collected at altitudes above 5500 feet.
Himalayan honey beehives yield honey in winter months, and a variety of other colors, like green, mocha, red, orange pink, yellow, brown, and white. The species produces white flowers with a pink blush. They can be harvested every two weeks. Since honey is produced all year round, insects gather nectar from blooming flowers all throughout the year; therefore the honey that is produced in the winter is distinct from that produced in the summer.
Examining honey samples from different sources, you will find honey combs or honey crystals with an irregular shape with a brown or yellowish color and thick walls of wax. The quality parameters of honey taken from the Himalayan national flower may vary in a significant way from sample to. Some honey samples from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains are completely clear and transparent, while others are cloudy and have brownish hue. Honey samples collected from the areas at the foothills of Himalayan Mountains show a significantly lower honey yield than samples taken from other areas.
It has been proven that bees make honey to deter predators, but new research suggests that bees produce small amounts of chemical alarm pheromone order to repel insects that could threaten their hive. This chemical is thought to work as an insect repellent and is among the most potent hallucinogenic compounds that have been discovered by mankind. No scientific explanation has been found for this specific chemical however, many believe it releases specific brain chemicals which cause people to experience a "drug" high, similar to like the effects of intoxication from alcohol or LSD. The distinct scent of honey from Himalayan honey bees is unmistakable, regardless of whether this chemical is the cause.