Indigenous to the Eastern United States, Sourwood honey is one of the most popular honey varieties. Not only is it subtly sweet and mild in flavor, but it’s also packed with many useful health benefits. Sourwood honey comes from the nectar of flower buds that grow on Sourwood trees in states such as Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. Sourwood honey has a divine floral, buttery taste that’s much-coveted in the U.S. Sourwood honey is actually kind of rare as a good crop isn’t readily available every year. However, because of its amazing taste and many incredible health benefits, Sourwood honey is a much sought-after variety. Take a look at some of the prominent ways Sourwood honey might contribute to your overall health.

Important Note: The claims made herein are supported by the most up-to-date scientific research at the time of this publication.

Highly Nutritious

Sourwood honey is at its most nutritious when consumed raw and unfiltered; sadly, the processing of honey diminishes some of its excellent nutrients. Notably, a single serving of Sourwood honey contains only 60 calories, zero fat and protein, and 17 carbohydrates. More importantly, Sourwood honey is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Additionally, it’s rife with riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and thiamine among other beneficial minerals. Some of these vitamins play significant roles in energy levels, brain function, and metabolism. Finally, Sourwood honey has trace amounts of phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, and potassium. Taken together, the nutrients in Sourwood honey have many necessary health benefits.

General Consensus: 5/5 and here is why. One of the most nutritious honey varieties, Sourwood honey is loaded with nutrients integral to human biology.

Rich in Antioxidants

Like all honey varieties, Sourwood honey is rich in antioxidants that help the body fend off free radicals and oxidative stress, the likes of which lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Specifically, Sourwood honey is fraught with polyphenols and flavonoids, plant compounds that prevent diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Other important antioxidants found in Sourwood honey include carotenoids, amino acids, and organic acids. Free radicals are introduced into your body through UV light, the metabolic process, pollutants, and diet. The best way to mediate these free radicals that can eventually lead to disease is through antioxidant-rich foods and supplements such as Sourwood honey.

General Consensus: 5/5 and here is why. Without a doubt, Sourwood honey is packed with beneficial antioxidants and plant compounds that fight dangerous diseases.

Promotes Healing

Like all honey varieties, Sourwood honey contains propolis, which is known for its unique healing properties. Propolis has been a natural healing remedy since ancient times. Propolis is the sticky substance used by bees to build hives; propolis has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that speed up the healing process for flesh wounds. Furthermore, the pH reaction created when Sourwood honey is applied topically to a wound facilitates oxygenation and blood flow to the affected area; this is a reaction essential to healing. Furthermore, Sourwood honey is full of live enzymes that are essential to healing. The Sourwood honey enzymes turn into amino acids and peptides that further facilitate healing. Finally, the natural sugars contained in honey withdraw bacteria-promoting fluids from the site of a wound thereby enhancing wound healing.

General Consensus: 5/5 and here is why. Sourwood honey as well as other honey varieties is a research-supported natural treatment that facilitates optimal wound healing.

Boosts Energy

Another interesting use for Sourwood honey is for an all-natural boost of energy. Notably, the natural sugars in this honey variety provide a burst of energy that can ameliorate symptoms of fatigue. Interestingly, fatigue can cause the brain to crave sugar for a quick jolt; by consuming a tablespoon of Sourwood honey instead of refined sugars, you can provide your body with the energy it needs. What’s more, the natural sugars, fructose and glucose, are easily digested and converted to energy more healthily and efficiently than refined sugars. Finally, in a one-tablespoon serving of Sourwood honey, you can consume the 3% daily recommended intake of energy.

General Consensus: 3/5 and here is why. While it’s true that honey in general is an excellent energy source, there are very few studies specific to the energy provided by Sourwood honey. Further research is warranted.

Soothes Cold Symptoms

Honey has long been a natural remedy to cold and flu symptoms. Sourwood honey is an excellent source of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties credited with fighting cold and flu symptoms. Furthermore, the viscosity of Sourwood honey makes it naturally soothing to the throat, coating it in a way that protects against bacteria and infection. Best of all, Sourwood honey is full of nutrients that enhance one immunity; vitamins A, B, C, and D as well as the iron and zinc contained in Sourwood honey are all immunity boosters. Taken together with the honey’s antimicrobial and antibacterial enzymes, the vitamins in Sourwood honey help to ward off infection and soothe symptoms associated with the cold and flu.

General Consensus: 3/5 and here is why. Despite being an ancient natural remedy for cold and flu symptoms, there simply aren’t many scientific studies on using honey, Sourwood or otherwise, as a salve for cold and flu symptoms.

Good for Managing Diabetes

Sourwood honey may be good for helping diabetics to control blood sugars. For starters, a serving of Sourwood honey is low on the glycemic index, an indicator of suitability for a diabetic diet. One of the reasons for its low glycemic index score is honey’s high antioxidant count. Typically, the higher the antioxidants, the lower the glycemic index score. In the case of Sourwood honey, a one-tablespoon serving has a score of 21, a low number in general but especially so when compared to the median score for all honey varieties which is about 35; as a result of its low glycemic index score, Sourwood honey makes for a tasty, all-natural sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar. Lastly, one study suggests that Sourwood honey may even lower already existing high blood sugar.

General Consensus: 4/5 and here is why. With a much lower glycemic index score than other honey varieties, Sourwood honey is a great choice for a natural sweetener in a diabetic diet. Whether or not Sourwood honey will lower high blood sugar is still uncertain; there are very few studies on this topic.

Unlikely Benefits: Further Research Needed

Aids in Digestion

General Consensus: 2.5/5 and here is why. Sometimes, bee parts such as wings and other bodily debris can be found in Sourwood honey; these parts act as a laxative that aids in digestion. Unfortunately, there’s no telling if and how much of said parts are contained in the honey so it shouldn’t be counted on.

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