The uses of honey in Ayurvedic medicines dates back almost 4,000 years. Honey, when blended together in preparation with other ingredients, enhances their medicinal value. It has been shown to improve eyesight, speed up weight loss, and cure impotence. Honey also helps in treating urinary tract disorders, diarrhea, asthma, and nausea. It is also said to treat disorders such as bacterial gastroenteritis and ulcers.
In ancient times, athletes used to consume honey to enhance their endurance level, reduce muscle fatigue, and instantly boost their performance. Honey is also known to help in recovery and maintaining glycogen levels. Before swim meets, when I was younger, we would eat a honey stick before our races to give us an extra instant energy boost.
It is a rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants which help reduce the risk of heart disease and even cure some cancers. The mix of fructose and glucose in honey helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. And because of the presence of an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide, honey contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties allowing it to be a good toner and even cleanser.
Honey can do wonders for your skin. That’s why you will find it in many skin-care products today. Honey acts as a great anti-aging agent and moisturizer. Here are some easy recipes to make honey-based face masks and exfoliators that you can try at home.
Facial Mask
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon honey (preferably raw honey)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Yolk of an egg
Method
Blend all of them together and apply it to face.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
This mask will help you remove sun tan and give a glowing look.
Alternative Facial Mask
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fuller’s earth (multani mitti)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Method
Mix them well to form a thick paste.
Apply it to skin and leave it for 15 minutes.
Wash it off with warm water.
Facial Exfoliator
Ingredients
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
Method
Mix them and gently rub it on your skin.
Leave it for about 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Honey cleanses your skin, lemon juice brightens it up, and sugar works as an awesome exfoliator for those hard-to-get areas. Use this exfoliator to remove dead skin cells from their roots. This also helps in getting rid of blackheads. Exfoliation is good for oily as well as dry skin. Just use once a week.
