Health & Beauty Benefits: Raw Honey Edition

Happy Friday loves!

I am feeling good today! How about you? Feeling good? Plans for the weekend?

This weekend J and I are keeping it pretty low key and chilling all weekend with the exception of a fundraiser we are going to on Sunday.

I was feeling a little congested like I was going to catch a bug but thankfully I feel better now! My throat and chest were hurting and were kind of backed up so my mom suggested warm honey and black pepper mixed together.

I have to say. It worked like a charm and got me thinking about the health (and beauty) benefits of honey.

Honey is pretty much liquid gold. I love it. It’s sweet, sticky and just damn right delicious. It is filled with antibacterial and antifungal properties and can be traced back all the way to the Egyptians.

“Honey’s scientific super powers contribute to its vastly touted health benefits for the whole body. The healthy natural sweetener offers many nutritional benefits depending on its variety. Raw honey is the unpasteurized version of commonly used honey and only differs in its filtration, which helps extend its shelf life. A tablespoon contains 64 calories, is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free, says the National Honey Board. Its composition is roughly 80 percent carbohydrates, 18 percent water, and two percent vitamins, minerals, and amino acids”

Honey can be used for many benefits including…

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Health & Beauty Benefits of Honey:

Alleviates Allergies:

 Has anti-inflammatory abilities to reduce and sooth coughs.

An All Natural Energy Booster:

With natural unprocessed sugar it can enter the bloodstream and deliver a quick boost of energy. The rise in blood sugar acts as a short-term energy source for your workout, especially in longer endurance exercises.

Boosts Memory:

The nectar is loaded in antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain.

Cough Suppressant:

The golden liquid’s thick consistency helps coat the throat while the sweet taste is believed to trigger nerve endings that protect the throat from incessant coughing.

Sleep Aid:

Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin — a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body then converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep.

Treats Dandruff:

Honey’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties treat dandruff, which is caused by an overgrowth of fungus.

Treats Wounds and Burns: 

Honey is a natural antibiotic that can act both internally and externally. It can be used as a conventional treatment for wounds and burns by disinfecting wounds and sores from major species of bacteria. 

Can Be Used As A Moisturizer:

Honey retains moister really well.

Cures hangovers:

Helps your liver speed up oxidation of the alcohol which helps get the toxins out of your body faster.

Helps with acne:

Contains humectants that moisturize the skin to kill bacteria causing acne

Increases sex drive:

A natural aphrodisiac.

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I got super excited when I was doing research for this piece when I found out that honey was excellent for a hangover!

Pretty much add 3-4 tablespoons of honey to just about anything (or nothing) and you are good to go. Repeat every 3 hours depending on how serious your hangover is.

I would add it to a yummy smoothie, that way you can get a dose of fruits and veggies (something to put in your body and its HEALTHY) while you are curing that hangover.

What are some hangover methods you have? If any of you know about other spices, herbs, fruits, veggies…whatever….that can help with hangovers please let me know!

If the hangover treatment doesn’t work for you treat yourself to a moisturizing mask, relax and take a nap!

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin and ensures it’s retained it in the layers where it’s needed most for penetrating, long-lasting hydration.

Try it: Spread one teaspoon raw honey on clean, dry skin, and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.

According to Cosmopolitan Magazine,  “the enzymes in raw honey clarify skin and keep pores clear and clean. Plus, the antibacterial properties of honey and jojoba or coconut oil also prevent bacterial buildup that can lead to skin imbalances and breakouts.”

Try it: Stir one tablespoon raw honey with two tablespoons jojoba oil or coconut oil until the mixture is spreadable consistency. Apply to clean, dry skin, and massage gently in a circular motion, avoiding your eye area. Rinse with tepid water.

Have a great weekend! Xx