In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley and Lauren speak with Joyce Dales, the President of Buzzagogo, and the innovative mind behind Cold Bee Gone, a homeopathic remedy infused with Manuka Honey that you apply in your nose.
Joyce's Path to Wellness
Joyce Dales, the CEO of Buzzagogo and the maker of Cold Bee Gone, a honey-based cold remedy, grew up in rural Maine with a mindset of natural remedies. Her journey into health and wellness was fueled by her adopted daughter's need for emergency open heart surgery due to a defect caused by Agent Orange. This experience led Joyce to become motivated to find ways to protect her immunocompromised daughter. She delved into learning about how to prevent illness and discovered a nasal swab product that got pulled from the market due to its adverse effects. This fueled her interest in natural alternatives, leading her to create her own homemade honey-based cold remedy, which eventually became a successful product with distribution in over 10,000 stores.
The Hidden Role of the Nasal Biome in Immune Defense
Joyce Dales' research led her to a fascinating discovery about the role of the nasal biome in preventing illness. She learned that 99% of the time, people get sick when they touch their eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, and pathogens colonize the upper adenoid zone of the nose, where they remain dormant before causing symptoms. The nasal biome, including its colonization and nasal flora, plays a crucial role in determining the severity and duration of sickness. Conventional nasal products containing chemicals, alcohol, and saline can destroy the nasal biome, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
What is so special about manuka honey?
In her exploration into the world of honey, particularly Manuka honey, she found remarkable antimicrobial properties and its potential to inhibit biofilm formation in infections. She learned about the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating system, indicating the honey's potency, with UMF 12 to 16 being the ideal range for antimicrobial effectiveness. Joyce emphasizes the importance of honey in promoting health but warns against extremely high UMF honey that might be harsh on the mucosal system. She encourages people to explore their local honey community for potential super honey and highlights their medicinal value, which often goes underappreciated due to corporate interests.
What is Manuka Honey good for?
- Immune System Support: Manuka honey's unique properties may help bolster the immune system, supporting overall health and wellness.
- Wound Healing: Manuka honey aids in wound healing by providing antibacterial and antioxidant properties while creating a protective barrier to prevent infections.
- Oral Health: Studies show that Manuka honey combats harmful oral bacteria, preventing plaque formation, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.
- Cough Relief: Manuka honey provides relief from coughs caused by upper respiratory tract infections, potentially being more effective than common cough medications.
- Gastric Ulcer Prevention: Research suggests that Manuka honey may help prevent gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
- Digestive Improvement: Regular consumption of Manuka honey may help control strains of C.diffC. diffria, which cause bowel inflammation and digestive symptoms.
- Cystic Fibrosis Treatment: Manuka honey's antimicrobial effects have shown promise in treating upper respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
- Acne Treatment: Limited research indicates that Manuka honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may be useful in treating acne.
Honey: A Natural Remedy for Cold, Flu, and Allergies
In the vast universe of healing honey, navigating the many options can be overwhelming. To embark on your journey, start local and explore the magical world of Manuka honey. Look for a quality Manuka honey with a UMF rating between 12 to 16, as this ensures its potent antimicrobial properties. Remember to cross-reference the MGO rating with UMF equivalents to make an informed choice.
In addition to Manuka honey, don't forget to explore the treasures hidden in your local beekeepers' backyards. Seek out the darker honey, as they often carry an abundance of medicinal properties that might surprise you. When experimenting with honey, follow the mantra of "the darker, the better." Honey's versatility goes beyond wound care; it can soothe sore throats, aid digestion, and even have benefits for pets. However, for Manuka honey, be prepared for its unique taste, and if it's not to your liking, consider encapsulating it or mixing it with other foods.
The Cold Bee Gone Success Story
Joyce spent years experimenting with different super honeys and homeopathic ingredients to create a consistent and effective remedy for cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. Joyce wanted her product to offer both preventive and active symptom-fighting properties, addressing the limitations of traditional medications. She faced numerous challenges, but with the guidance of a mentor and persistence, she succeeded in making her honey medicine FDA cFDA-compliant commercially available. Joyce believes that her product, along with Manuka honey, can play a crucial role in enhancing the nasal biome and supporting overall health. She emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to health and understanding that individual terrain and lifestyle choices can impact one's susceptibility to illnesses.
How to boost your immune system
She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and taking accountability for one's health while exploring additional resources like Manuka Honey for support. She believes in looking at the bigger picture and not accepting frequent illnesses as a normal part of childhood. Instead, she advocates for micro-exposures to pathogens to help the body build immunity and get ahead of potential illnesses. Joyce encourages a return to more natural ways of building immunity, like playing in the dirt and being exposed to various environments. She also advises being mindful of over-sterilization, as it may reduce the body's ability to develop a strong immune system.
Breaking Rules and Building Resilience: Joyce's Entrepreneurial Path
Joyce Dales discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the importance of perseverance and breaking conventional rules. She shares her motivation to continue despite challenges and how her belief in her product and the impact it had on people kept her going. Joyce encourages others to trust their intuition and not conform to pre-established norms, urging them to personalize their wellness journey. Riley and Lauren express admiration for Joyce's transparency and empowerment, emphasizing the significance of being open-minded and learning from each other.
More from Sofia Health
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "What is so special about Manuka Honey?", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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