subject: 3 Unbelievable Ways Honey Has Been Used By The Military [print this page] When we think about war and the military most of use would think of fierce battles, sophisticated weapons and huge explosions. Unfortunately, this popular image which has been portrayed by Hollywood and the media could not be further from the truth. In fact, in the old days, battles and wars were fought with anything people could get their hands on such as everyday items like shovels, sticks and stones.
One unusual item that was commonly used was honey. Here are the 3 unbelievable ways that honey was used by the military:
1. Poisoning Enemies
There are many types of honey and although the most of us will be accustomed to the sugary golden syrup variety, there is actually "killer honey" in the wild. This type of honey is made from Rhododendron ponticum and Azalea pontica plants are toxic and poisonous. Side effects from consuming honey from these plants include violent vomiting, diarrhoea and even death.
Armed with this local knowledge, the military of the Roman empire would intentionally leave this type of honey in territory where they suspected enemy would travel particularly in villages where they knew were a target for being taken over. After consuming the honey, enemy forces would be severely weakened and picked off easily.
2. Life Saving Wound Care
Honey was not always used for killing. Honey contains anti-bacterial properties and was also commonly used to heal and combat infections. Evidence of this dates back to the Egyptians and ancient Greece. One type in particular, manuka honey, was used in dressings to help soldiers recover from enemy inflicted wounds faster. According to ManukaHoneyBenefit.com, bandages were covered with honey and then placed onto the open wounds, cuts and bruises. The natural disinfectant properties of honey (methylglyoxal) has been clinically tested to contain and prevent the spreading of bacteria.
Nowadays, manuka honey is used in hospitals to heal wounds and leg ulcers. Studies have shown that it is more effective at killing bacteria and safer than using modern antibiotics.
3. Attacking Enemies
Getting stung by a single bee can be a nuisance, however when someone is attacked by a hive of bees, it can be fatal. Commanders of past armies were all too aware of this and frequently launched bee hives at their enemies on the battle field. Reports of this method being used to gain a tactical advantage were documented in the 11th Century where Emperor Henry's troops launched bee hives to discourage siege forces.
Fortunately, honey is now only used for the greater good. But the next time you enjoy the delicious taste of honey, remember that this naturally made substance was once known as one of the most deadly weapons in the world.
