This multipurpose item always has a place in my kitchen cabinets. Honey is a natural humectant. This means it has the ability to attract and retain moisture which is why I add honey to my shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, and shower gels. Due to its antibacterial properties, honey will heal a blemish, soothe a sore throat, and quiet a cough. Honey has been proven to be useful in the treatment of minor cuts and scrapes by preventing bacterial growth. Honey is not manmade, has no additives or preservatives, and will never spoil. Want to know the solution to that jar of honey that seems to have granulated or turned to sugar over time? Open the glass jar (not plastic) and put it in a bowl or pan of hot water until it liquifies again.
There are several types of honey available and you can even buy honey raw or organic. The type of flower the bees harvested from, or harvested from the most, is the reason for the different tastes of honey as in clover or orange blossom honey. In Italy, lavender honey is popular and in Greece, thyme honey. Would definitely love to get my hands on either of these.
An important fact you should know about honey. Honey shouldn’t be given to children under 1 years of age due to the possibility of acquiring Clostridium botulinum, an organism that causes infant botulism, a disease first recognized in 1976.
Also, please be aware also that some people with hayfever or seasonal allergies may be allergic to honey due to its pollen content.
Here are a few honey recipes to try, some of which I’m sure you’ve come across before. Enjoy!!.
HAIR:
Honey Conditioner: 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 olive oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil. If you like, add rosemary or lavender essential oils for added conditioning benefit. For normal hair, you may need to use less oil as this recipe is for dry hair. Apply to hair, cover, and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse for soft, shiny, moisturized hair.
Honey Shine: 1 tsp. of honey in 4 cups of water. Shampoo or conditioner wash hair. Pour this honey water through hair and do not rinse.
Honey Mud End Treatment: I use New Zeland Classic Mud for facial masks as well as for occasional conditioning treatment of my crispy ends in the winter. Mix 3 tablespoons of mud, 1 tsp. of honey, and 2 tbsp. of olive oil (or oil of choice). Apply to ends, cover for 30 minutes. Rinse. Great pre-poo treatment.
FACE:
Honey Mask: 2 tbsp. honey, 2 tsp. milk. I use heavy cream because it’s more moisturizing. Mix and apply to face. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off.
Honey Facial Cleanser: I add 1/2 tsp. of honey to liquid facial cleanser (Cetaphil or your cleanser of your choice). Leaves skin glowing and soft. Great for acne.
BODY:
Simple Honey Bath: Add 1/4 cup of honey to bath water for a skin softening treat.
COUGHS/COLDS:
For a sore throat or cough, take 1 tsp. of honey for soothing comfort that lasts for hours, especially if taken at night.
For colds or a sore throat, try honey, lemon juice, and hot water.
What do you use honey for? Any favorite recipes? Please let me know of any websites that sell gourmet honey.
