Guide to Healthy Foods, Honey and Herbal Tea

Al Dawa Al Nafis Pharmacy has a healthy-food section with honey, herbal teas and sugar-free gum. These are foods and drinks rather than medicines.. They belong within a balanced, varied diet.

Honey

Honey is a popular traditional food in Saudi Arabia. Taste, colour and texture vary with the nectar source, including familiar Sidr honey. When buying:

• Read the label for honey type, origin, expiry date and packer's name.
• Crystallisation or solidification is natural in many honeys over time or in cold conditions. Restore texture by placing the pack in warm rather than hot water.
• Store tightly closed away from moisture, using a clean, dry spoon.

Two Important Precautions: do not give honey in any form, even small amounts, to infants under 12 months because of infant botulism risk, as the NHS and US CDC warn. The WHO also classifies honey as free sugar, which should be limited, so people with diabetes or managing weight should consume limited amounts after specialist advice.

• Wadi Al-Nahil Sidr Honey 300 g: Sidr honey, a 300 g pack.
• Wadi Al-Nahil Lami Gum 40 g: natural chewing gum from Wadi Al Nahl, a 40 g pack.

Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a warm, calorie-free choice without sugar, suitable for reducing sweetened drinks. It is usually prepared by steeping a bag in boiling water for a few minutes following the instructions. Although natural, some herbs may be unsuitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with certain medicines, and some people may be allergic to chamomile. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you fall into these groups.

Wadi Al Nahl Varieties

• Wadi Al-Nahil Green Tea: green tea for daily use.
• Wadi Al-Nahil Chamomile Tea Bag 30: chamomile tea, a pack of 30 bags.
• Wadi Al Nahil Organic Anise Tea Bags 30 Bags: organic anise tea, a pack of 30 bags.
• Wadi Al Nahil Caraway Tea Bag 30 Sachets: caraway tea, a pack of 30 bags.
• Wadi Al-Nahil Hibiscus Tea Bag 30 Bags: hibiscus tea, a pack of 30 bags, served hot or cold.
• Wadi Al-Nahil Moringa Tea 30 Bags: moringa tea.

Al Attar Varieties

• Al-Attar Aniseed Tea Bag 20 Bags: anise tea, a pack of 20 bags.
• Al-Attar Marjoram Tea Bag 20 Bags: marjoram tea, a pack of 20 bags.
• Al Attar Green Tea Cinnamon & Ginger Tea Bags 20 Bags: green tea with cinnamon and ginger, a pack of 20 bags.
• Al Attar Ginger Tea Bag 20 Sachets: ginger tea, a pack of 20 bags.

Remember that green tea contains caffeine, so avoid excessive evening use or if a doctor advises reducing stimulants.

Sugar-Free Gum and Sweets

Sugar-free gum is suitable for reducing sugar. Some types use stevia, a plant-derived sweetener; others use sugar alcohols, which may upset digestion in some people when consumed excessively. Read ingredients and warnings. Do not give gum to young children because of choking risk.

• Stevia Gum White Cherry Plum Mint Gum 30 g: mint gum with cherry-blossom flavour, a 30 g pack.
• Stevia Gum Cinnamon 30 g: cinnamon stevia gum, a 30 g pack.
• Senses Stevia Gum Blue Berry Mint Gum 30 g: blueberry and mint stevia gum, a 30 g pack.
• True Gum Cinnamon Chewing Gum 21 g: cinnamon-flavoured gum, a 21 g pack.
• True Gum Mint Chewing Gum 21 g: mint gum, a 21 g pack.
• Papermints Cool Sugar Free Capsules 24: sugar-free mint capsules, a pack of 24 pieces.

How to Read a Food Label

• Ingredients List: ordered from greatest to smallest quantity; sugar listed first is the main ingredient.
• Allergies: look for allergen warnings such as nuts and wheat.
• Expiry and Storage: check the expiry date and storage instructions after opening.
• Arabic Information: check that the pack shows basic information in Arabic.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming natural products suit everyone in any amount.
• Adding many spoonfuls of honey or sugar to tea, losing its advantage as a light drink.
• Relying on herbs instead of seeing a doctor for persistent symptoms.

Browse more products in the Healthy Foods and Food Supplements and Vitamins sections, and consult the pharmacist if you have a health condition or take medicines.