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 inside the 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 strong appreciation for natural remedies. Her journey into health and wellness was deeply influenced by her adopted daughter’s need for emergency open-heart surgery due to a defect caused by Agent Orange. This experience motivated Joyce to explore ways to help protect her immunocompromised daughter.
She began learning more about illness prevention and discovered a nasal swab product that was later pulled from the market due to adverse effects. This sparked her interest in natural alternatives and eventually led her to create her own homemade honey-based cold remedy. Over time, that remedy became a successful product distributed in more than 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 people often get sick after touching their eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, allowing pathogens to enter and colonize the upper adenoid zone of the nose. These pathogens may remain dormant before causing symptoms.
The nasal biome, including its flora and overall balance, may play an important role in determining the severity and duration of illness. Conventional nasal products that contain chemicals, alcohol, or saline may disrupt the nasal biome, potentially making individuals more susceptible to infections.
What Is So Special About Manuka Honey?
In Joyce’s exploration of honey, particularly Manuka honey, she discovered its remarkable antimicrobial properties and its potential to help inhibit biofilm formation in infections. She also learned about the UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, rating system, which indicates the honey’s potency.
According to Joyce, a UMF rating between 12 and 16 is often considered an ideal range for antimicrobial effectiveness. She emphasizes the importance of honey in supporting health but cautions against extremely high-UMF honey, which may be too harsh for the mucosal system.
Joyce also encourages people to explore their local honey communities for “super honey” options. Local honeys may have valuable medicinal properties that often go underappreciated.
What Is Manuka Honey Good For?
- Immune System Support: Manuka honey’s unique properties may help support the immune system and promote overall wellness.
- Wound Healing: Manuka honey may aid wound healing by providing antibacterial and antioxidant properties while creating a protective barrier that helps reduce the risk of infection.
- Oral Health: Research suggests that Manuka honey may help combat harmful oral bacteria, which can contribute to plaque formation, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.
- Cough Relief: Manuka honey may help soothe coughs caused by upper respiratory tract infections and may provide relief for throat irritation.
- Gastric Ulcer Support: Some research suggests that Manuka honey may help inhibit Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, which are associated with gastric ulcers.
- Digestive Support: Early research suggests that Manuka honey may have antibacterial effects against C. difficile, a bacterium that can cause diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. However, more research is needed, and anyone experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare professional.
- Cystic Fibrosis Support: Manuka honey’s antimicrobial effects have shown promise in research related to upper respiratory infections, including infections that may affect individuals with cystic fibrosis.
- Acne Support: Limited research suggests that Manuka honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may be useful in supporting acne-prone skin.
Honey: A Natural Remedy for Cold, Flu, and Allergies
In the vast world of healing honey, choosing the right option can feel overwhelming. To begin, Joyce recommends starting locally and exploring the unique qualities of different honeys, including Manuka honey.
When shopping for Manuka honey, look for a quality product with a UMF rating between 12 and 16. This range is often associated with strong antimicrobial properties. It can also be helpful to compare the MGO rating with UMF equivalents so you can make a more informed choice.
In addition to Manuka honey, Joyce encourages people to explore honey from local beekeepers. Darker honeys often contain a higher concentration of beneficial compounds, so she suggests remembering the phrase, “the darker, the better.”
Honey’s uses go beyond wound care. It may help soothe sore throats, support digestion, and offer other wellness benefits. However, Manuka honey has a distinct taste, so those who do not enjoy the flavor may prefer 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 remedy for cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. She wanted her product to offer both preventive support and active symptom relief while addressing some of the limitations of traditional medications.
Although she faced many challenges, Joyce remained persistent. With guidance from a mentor and a strong belief in her product, she succeeded in making her honey-based remedy FDA-compliant and commercially available.
Joyce believes that her product, along with Manuka honey, can play a meaningful role in supporting the nasal biome and overall wellness. She also emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, recognizing that each person’s lifestyle, environment, and overall terrain can influence their susceptibility to illness.
How to Boost Your Immune System
Joyce emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal accountability when it comes to health. She encourages people to look at the bigger picture and not accept frequent illness as a normal part of childhood or daily life.
She also advocates for gentle micro-exposures to everyday environments, which may help the body build resilience over time. This includes returning to more natural ways of supporting immunity, such as spending time outdoors, playing in the dirt, and being exposed to a variety of environments.
At the same time, Joyce advises being mindful of over-sterilization. While cleanliness is important, excessive sterilization may limit the body’s opportunity to build a strong and adaptive immune system.
Breaking Rules and Building Resilience: Joyce's Entrepreneurial Path
Joyce Dales also discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the importance of perseverance. She shares how her belief in her product, along with the positive impact it had on people, kept her motivated through challenges.
She encourages others to trust their intuition, question pre-established norms, and personalize their wellness journey. Riley and Lauren express admiration for Joyce’s transparency and empowering perspective, emphasizing the importance of staying open-minded and learning from one another.
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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