How to use honey

Of course we can always drizzle that sugary substance into our tea. But there are many other ways you can and should use honey. The Ancient Egyptians didn’t just use honey in their tea. But it was incorporated into their lifestyle.

Support healing:

For wounds, cuts, leg ulcers, burns, and bed sores.

1. Estimate the wound area to determine how much honey needed.
2. Wash, clean, and disinfect the wound to remove dirt and dust.
3. Take the appropriate amount of local honey that would satisfy the wound.
4. Apply the honey on a wound dressing or a bandage. Wrap it around the wound area.
5. Keep it there for at least a day to see results.

According to Healthline, natural honey remedies can be safe on first degree minor burns. But third degree burns and so on should seek immediate medical attention.

Tips:

Always use medical grade honey for wounds

Apply honey to dressings (to avoid a sticky mess)

Avoid using honey on the more sensitive areas of the body

Sterile honey manufactures include: Activon, Manuka Health, Medihoney, MelMax, and L-Mesitran.

Use honey on mild – moderate burns (Beyond that, consult in a physician)

Wash your hands before and after dressing the wound

Support Skin Care:

Honey is a natural antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can soothe a variety of skin conditions, like acne and dermatitis-one of the most common skin condition for teens and adults. But it also replenishes and nourishes the skin.

Honey contains properties that promote and build collagen. Collagen is one of the secrets to having healthy, youthful looking skin. Basically as MD dermatologist Marie Hayag explains, honey is a anti-aging component.

Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub

1. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey and 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a bowl.
2. Add 3-5 droplets of fresh lemon for freshness.
3. Wash the face with warm water and dry it off.
4. Apply the scrub on the face/ neck, and gentle massage it in circles (for 45 seconds).
5. Leave the scrub on for 5 minutes or more.
   • For a mask, leave it on for 10+ minutes
6. Rinse off with warm water, making sure to get off all the particles.
7. Gently pat with a towel to dry off the water.

Tip: Treat your skin with a moisturizer thereafter to replenish the skin.

Repeat this exfoliating process 2-3 times a week.

Acne Reliever

1. Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1/4 tsp salt.
2. Use a cotton ball to soften the blemish by applying constant pressure.
3. Apply honey with the help of cotton ball. Leave it the reliever on for 10 minutes.
4. Wash it off and dry your face.

 Moisturizing body mask

1. Mix 1 tsp. of honey, 1 egg yolk, ½ tsp. almond oil and 1 tsp. yogurt thoroughly together.
2. Apply the mixture on to the face, neck and other parts of your body.
3. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with water. The skin will be moisturized and cleaned with tighter pores.

Oatmeal and Honey Scrub

(will remove dead skin cells and moisturize)

1. Mix ¾ cup oatmeal (whole grain steel cut oats), ¼ cup honey, and ¼ cup lemon juice.
2. Pour ¼ cup water in the bowl as you stir.
3. Apply and massage the scrub in a circular motion
4. Let it sit for about 1-5 minutes.
5. Rinse off with warm water and dry face.

Tip: If you want a softer texture of the oats, run them through a coffee grinder.

Tips:

• Want soft skin? Add 1/4 a tablespoon of honey to your bath.
• Chapped lips? Apply an appropriate dosage on the lips.
• Dry skin? Mix 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. vegetable oil and ¼ tsp. of lemon juice. Massage it onto the dry areas of the skin. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse.
• Silky smooth skin? Mix ¼ cup of honey and 3 tsp. of rosewater. Apply to face and neck. Massage until satisfied. Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Don’t apply honey to the sensitive areas of the skin: the eyes.
• If you are allergic to honey, do not use it in your skin care routine.
• Wash your hands and clean the face before applying any masks.

Support Hair:

Honey can be used for hair growth, hair loss, weak and brittle hair treatment, moisturizing, shine, as well as lighting, all backed up by science. It’s full of antioxidants and completely natural for the hair.

• Silky Hair Conditioner

1. Mix 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. vegetable oil, and 1/4 tsp lemon juice together.

2. Rub and massage it into the hair.

3. Leave it on for 10 minutes and later rinse it off.

• Banana and Honey Hair Mask

1. Mix 2 ripe mashed bananas with 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/4 cup of olive oil.

2. The texture should be smooth and consistent.

3. Apply it to the hair and scalp for 20 minutes.

4. Rinse the mask with shampoo in cold water.

5. Get rid of any banana chunks by combing the hair.

• Honey and Coconut Mask

1. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of cocunut oil and 1/2 tablespoon of honey.

2. Combine throughly until smooth.

3. Apply to the hair for 20 minutes.

4. Rinse your hair with cold water. Then complete your regular shower routine.

• Scalp cleansing mask

1. Heat 4 tbsp. of honey and 2 tbsp. of olive oil for 15 seconds.

2. Add 1/2 cup of plain yogurt into the mixture and combine.

3. Massage into hair and leave in for 30 minutes.

4. Rinse off with shampoo and water. Dry accordingly. into your hair and leave for 30 minutes.

Benefits of hair masks:

• moisturizes dry hair and scalp
• reduces hair breakage
• softens hair
• improves condition of natural hair
• reduces frizz
• softens hair

Drizzle it in food:

Inspired by  Emma Bengtsson: The executive chef of Aquavit in New York

• Infused honey
  • Add herbs to a jar of honey as it will infuse the flavors.
  • Use it for candied glaze on nuts, yams, pies, or carrots.
• Create a sauce
  • Mix 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 8 teaspoons whole grain mustard, 7 dill sprigs, 1 cup of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon brewed espresso, and salt with 1 1/4 cups oil.
• Glaze vegetables
  • Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a pan, and roast any kind of suitable vegetable. Halfway, add 1 cup of water and a tablespoon of honey to the pan.
• Pair Honeycomb and cheese
  • This will really test and open up a wide variety of flavors.
  • Use soft cheese for this paring
• New Ice-cream Topping
  • Boil 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup of honey until it reduces by half and has a thick texture.
  • Drizzle this on your ice-cream and it will substitute for a fudge-like consistency.