Jen Corcoran, 51, a LinkedIn trainer from Devon, has opened up about how local honey has changed her life following a long and painful health battle she fought for years
Jen Corcoran, who has experienced a great deal of loss and pain over the past decades, has shared how honey has transformed her life in an exclusive chat with The Mirror.
She began: “Six years ago, I swapped the bustle of Croydon for the sea air of Teignmouth in Devon. I’d just had back surgery after a few things happened in my life that caused me to slip a disc.
“Namely, divorce from my first husband, my mum being sectioned for six months, my friend taking her life and a new boss who didn’t understand my role or scope.
“Little by little, sciatica startedto flare up and I woke up one Christmas and couldn’t stand up straight as I was crippled withthe pain. I had to wait for a while for an operation, ahead of which I underwent 70 physio sessions and four epidurals.“
She added: “I had several MRIs, but they never showed how bad it was. It was only after the operation that my surgeon said I must have been in agony.
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“After the surgery, I quit my city job, moved to Devon with my husband Mike and started over as an independent LinkedIn consultant, helping women in business shine online.”
The businesswoman continued: “Devon has been a game changer for my health, both physical and mental. I’m now 51 and not long after the move, perimenopause hit hard. Aches, brain fog, inflammation –you name it. But one unlikely local discovery changed everything: Devon honey.
“It soothes my sinuses, eases joints, helps with inflammation, and tastes delicious. We love local honey from our farmers’ market. When I lived in South London, I didn’t really eat it. Now, I swear by a daily spoonful of local honey. I drizzle it over yoghurt, porridge – even salads.
“I’m sure being out and about more in nature has helped me, too. Devon has given me space to breathe – literally and figuratively. I’ve gone from burnout to balance.”
5 Benefits of honey – according to the experts
Relief for sore throats
The soothing properties of honey can help relieve sore throats, so if you’re out of cough syrup and lozenges, it’s another option.“ Honey’s long-standing reputation as a natural remedy for colds and coughs is backed by modern science,” says Alison.“Its thick, soothing texture forms a protective coating, helping to ease irritation and suppress coughing, particularly in children and during the night.”
Say bye to dry hair
If your hair feels dry or your scalp is irritated, honey might be the solution. Alison explains, “Thanks to its antifungal action, honey can reduce dandruff and calm itchy, flaky scalps. Research has also explored its role in stimulating hair growth, boosting follicle strength, and potentially improving hair thickness.”She says a simple blend of raw honey and coconut oil used as a pre-wash treatment can work wonders.
Gut health
The gut is often called the body’s “second brain” because of its profound influence on digestion, immunity and even mental wellbeing. Raw honey is rich in prebiotic compounds that nourish the good bacteria in your digestive system. Alison says, “Studies show honey can help reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the gut.” This makes it a gentle support for people with IBS, inflammatory gut issues, and anyone seeking to improve digestive health.
Skin soother
Honey’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects make it a superb skincare ingredient, especially for those dealing with breakouts, sensitivity, or inflammation. For sensitive skin, a quick mask of two teaspoons of honey, blended with plain aloe vera gel, offers mild exfoliation and soothes redness.“Honey is a timeless ingredient in skincare because it delivers real results,”explains Doctor Tijion. “It hydrates, soothes and supports the skin barrier.”
Healing powers
Raw honey dabbed on minor scrapes forms a protective layer until proper cleaning is possible. However, it’s important to choose raw, unfiltered honey kept at room temperature. Stir, dilute, or dab, but always rinse well when it goes on the skin or hair. Doctor Tijion adds, “It’s not a substitute for clinical treatments,but honey works beautifully when used as a supportive ingredient.”
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