The use of honey goes back centuries. For generations, people have been using the golden elixir because of its sweet taste and many health benefits. In ancient times, honey had to be found in its natural habitat but today, it can be purchased in any grocery store. The most common usage for honey now is to sweeten tea and desserts but honey can do much more in and out of the kitchen.
In fact, honey, because of its multiple medicinal properties can also be a powerful ingredient in skincare, hair care and medicine. It can not only cure disease but also make your hair shine and skin glow! What more could you ask for?
Before you pour a jar of honey over your entire life, you should know that all honeys are not created equal. When shopping for honey, look for raw honey because overly processed honey will be devoid of any nutrients. Processed honey is only good to sweeten foods but raw honey is very healthy for the body.
One of my favorite kinds of honeys is Wedderspoon’s 100% Raw Manuka honey with K-Factor 22. The K-Factor refers to the purity of the product which, in this case, is very good. Manuka honey comes from New Zealand where the Manuka bush grows. The honey produced from the Manuka bush is four times more powerful than regular honey and is your best option when looking to use honey for health and not only for taste.
Health benefits / properties of honey:
- Antibacterial,
- Antioxidant,
- Anti-inflammatory,
- Improves digestive and colon health,
- Heals wounds, ulcers & burns,
- Boosts immune system,
- Fights allergies,
- Improves sleep.
How I use raw Manuka honey
Skincare: Blemish-free glow
Honey works wonders for skin. In fact, it is antibacterial, moisturizing and full of antioxidants which is wonderful for anti-aging. I use honey to fight off pimples and promote clear glowing skin. An all-over honey mask is perfect for days when my complexion is a bit dull because its humectant properties help restore moisture to my skin.
In addition to masking, I also use Manuka honey as a powerful spot treatment whenever I feel the tingling of a new breakout. It is effective on its own and works well in conjunction with other products. Sometimes I mix a drop of honey with a drop of tea tree oil for added bacteria-fighting power. Whenever I use this potent natural treatment, I avoid getting a pimple in that area all together. It works like magic every time.
Wellness: Winter home remedies
While I haven’t caught a cold or flu this year, I usually get two to three colds every winter. This might sound like a lot or a little to some but one remedy that has always helped me get better is a lemon tea cure I learned from my mother. It is a common Haitian recipe including lemon, ginger, rum and of course, honey. In creole it’s called thé citron. We also have a sore throat remedy called citron miel which is made with lemon and honey. Miel is honey in French for the French enthusiasts.
Thé citron is very easy to make. All you need is to boil lemon and ginger in water and let it simmer until all the ingredients have surrendered their juices. Then, transfer the liquid to a cup and add honey. If you are taking it at night, you can add a shot of Haitian rum Barbancourt or any other rum you have. The rum is optional but it will help you sleep because it is warm and soothing.
Side note: I started eating a vegan diet last summer and I think it might be the reason why I didn’t get sick at all this winter. I don’t have any conclusive evidence but it is the only thing that has changed in my life. Food for thought.
Hair care: Moisturized curls
In the hair care department, I use Manuka honey in one of my DIY hair masks. This is one of my favorite uses for honey because of how amazing its been for my hair. You see, I have low porosity hair which makes it extremely difficult to moisturize. The DIY hair mask is easy to make and leaves my hair so soft and curls so juicy.
I make it with half an avocado, 2 tbsp of coconut oil, 1 tbsp of honey and any conditioner I have on hand. I mix all the ingredients together, apply the mixture to my hair and leave it on for 30 minutes prior to washing. Then, I wash and style my hair as usual.
I use Manuka honey in many different ways and I hope the quick recipes I shared inspire you to incorporate it into your every day life.
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Read these stories next:
Obsessed: How To Use Coconut Oil for Hair Care, Skincare & Cooking
Honey For Your Skin Featuring Wedderspoon Manuka Honey
Flourish: 5 Natural Hair Tips – Winter Edition
Photo credits: Ashley Adele Photo.