Natural Astragalus Honey
Astragalus honey is one of the most well-known and popular types of honey in Iran, mainly due to the vast areas covered by the Astragalus plant and the low sucrose content of this honey. It is often used as a substitute for the allowable amount of sugar for diabetic patients.
Astragalus honey is harvested from rural areas in the western part of the country, specifically from Piranshahr County in West Azerbaijan Province. According to its test report, this honey is of very high quality and is considered first-grade. Furthermore, the extraction process for this type of honey is carried out raw and at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius to preserve the enzymes, probiotics, and other beneficial properties of the honey.
Characteristics of Astragalus Honey
Please consider the following characteristics when purchasing Astragalus honey:
Color: Although the color of this honey varies depending on the type of Astragalus, the region, and the duration of storage, it generally ranges from light yellow to light brown.
Taste and Aroma: This honey has a moderate sweetness with a mild and gentle fragrance. Compared to other honeys, it has a less intense flavor and a generally mild taste and aroma.
Crystallization Rate: The glucose content of Astragalus honey is moderate, which means the crystallization or granulation rate is also moderate. If it has not been heated, it will crystallize after a few months.
Harvest Time: The harvest time for Astragalus honey depends heavily on the region where the plant grows, as the flowering period of this plant varies in different areas. However, the typical harvest season is from early July to mid-September.
Health Benefits of Natural Astragalus Honey
Some of the key health benefits of Astragalus honey are as follows:
– Effective in treating kidney, bladder, and urinary tract pain
– Enhances memory
– Anti-anemic
– Strengthens the stomach
– Relieves chest and larynx roughness
– Effective in treating eye wounds and pain
Price of Astragalus Honey
The price of Astragalus honey, like all other types of honey, depends on several factors, the most important of which for the end consumer are the quality of the lab test factors and the taste and flavor.
Lab Test Quality: As you can see in the honey test report tab, several factors are measured in the Astragalus honey test report, and the quality of these factors will impact the price of the honey.
Taste and Flavor: The taste and flavor are also other important parameters that influence the price of Astragalus honey. Since taste and flavor are very important to the end consumer, Astragalus honey with a good taste and flavor is sold at a higher price due to high demand, while honey with less flavor generally has a lower price.
What Does Astragalus Honey Mean?
Usually, when a plant’s name is given to a type of honey, it doesn’t mean that the bees have exclusively fed on that plant, as bees feed on any plant they come across (except for some toxic plants). When the predominant vegetation of an area is Astragalus, the honey produced in that area is called Astragalus honey. Although some people and experts might provide numbers, such as claiming that bees should have fed on Astragalus for 70% of the time, in reality, this is not feasible. The type of honey is generally determined based on the predominant vegetation of the area, which can also be identified by the taste and color of the honey.
Therapeutic Properties of Astragalus Honey
In addition to the general properties of honey, such as antioxidant and antibacterial effects, Astragalus honey has specific therapeutic properties, including:
Effective in Treating Kidney Pain and Urinary Stones:
Astragalus honey is the best disinfectant for the urinary tract for kidney patients and is a good antidote for various toxins. When mixed with distilled water, it increases urination, quenches thirst, and helps break down kidney and bladder stones. Since this honey contains minimal protein, it is also recommended for pain relief. For kidney pain, it is recommended to use Astragalus honey with wild rose decoction (30 grams of wild rose fruit in water), black radish extract (one cup daily), and during kidney stone passage, a tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice three times a day. Astragalus honey directly affects the kidneys and indirectly increases urination. By consuming 100 grams and then 50 grams per day, the urine color becomes lighter, and harmful bacteria are eliminated.
Effective in Treating Eye Diseases:
In the past, Astragalus honey was considered the best remedy for treating eye diseases. It helps heal eye burns and is a very effective medicine for treating eye inflammation. This honey is effective in treating diseases caused by vitamin A and B deficiencies, especially night blindness.
Astragalus honey, known for its unique properties and health benefits, has demand in several countries around the world. Some of the key markets include:
1. Middle Eastern Countries:
– United Arab Emirates: The UAE has a strong market for premium and health-oriented honey, including Astragalus honey.
– Saudi Arabia: Honey is a significant part of the diet in Saudi Arabia, and the market for high-quality honey, including Astragalus honey, is substantial.
– Kuwait, Qatar, Oman: Similar to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, these countries have a preference for natural and health-promoting products, making them potential markets.
2. East Asian Countries:
– China: China has a large demand for honey, especially those with medicinal properties. Astragalus honey, known for its health benefits, fits well into this market.
– Japan: Japanese consumers are highly health-conscious and have a preference for natural products, making Astragalus honey appealing.
– South Korea: Similar to Japan, South Korea has a market for health-oriented honey products.
3. European Countries:
– Germany: Germany has a strong market for organic and health-promoting honey products. The demand for unique honey varieties like Astragalus honey is growing.
– United Kingdom: The UK market is increasingly interested in specialty honeys, especially those with low sucrose levels and other health benefits.
– France: France has a tradition of honey consumption, and the demand for premium and health-oriented honey is significant.
4. North America:
– United States: The U.S. has a growing market for natural and health-promoting honey products, including those with specific health benefits like Astragalus honey.
– Canada: Similar to the U.S., there is a demand for high-quality and health-oriented honey products in Canada.
5. Southeast Asian Countries:
– Malaysia, Singapore: These countries have a growing interest in health-promoting foods, including honey with medicinal properties.
These markets are driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits, the popularity of natural and organic products, and the unique properties of Astragalus honey, such as its low sucrose content and therapeutic benefits.