The
history of honey and its health benefits is long and
overwhelming. Honey has been used for 2,000 years by many
different cultures as an antiseptic dressing for minor
wounds. Bacteria cannot survive in honey because of its
high potassium content, which makes it an excellent
additive to skin creams and washes. The potassium in honey
makes it a humectant (it attracts and retains moisture),
because potassium withdraws moisture, which is essential
to bacteria`s survival on the skin. This also causes honey
to temporarily tighten the skin’s outer layers.
Additionally, honey contains a germ-killing substance
called inhibine which helps prevent infection. Honey used
directly on affected areas of the skin promotes healing of
cuts and abrasions, and prevents scarring. Studies have
shown raw honey to have significant
antioxidant
properties. It is also an
anti-irritant
. Honey
alone is both a cleanser and a toner. You can prepare
several honey treatments from home. When purchasing honey,
keep in mind that there are many kinds with many different
consistencies and fragrances depending on the type of bee
and the type of flower the bees collected the nectar from.
Try to purchase honey that has been produced by beekeepers
that do not feed the bees refined sugars or use toxic
pesticides.
Honey Weekly Facial
Splash
your face with warm water and massage a tablespoon of
honey into your skin. Rinse well with warm water. This
treatment can be done once or twice a week to give your
skin an antibacterial treatment to make sure bacteria are
not causing facial eruptions.
Honey
Bath
Combine
2
ounces of honey with an eight ounce
glass of water and about 5 drops of essential lavender
oil. Place one or two tablespoons of the mixture into your
bath water for a relaxing bath used to combat insomnia.
Honey Cleansing Scrub
Mix 2
tablespoons of finely ground almonds with one tablespoon
of honey and ten drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply to face
and scrub gently. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Honey Hair Conditioner
Mix ˝
cup honey with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Section off
your hair, and cover each section thoroughly. Put on a
shower cap to trap in the heat and moisture, and leave on
for 30 minutes. Wash and rinse as usual.
Honey Hair Shine
Mix 1
teaspoon of honey with 4 cups of warm water. Shampoo hair
as usual, and rinse with the honey and water mixture. Do
not rinse out, and style as usual.
