Raw Honey and 5 Ways I Use it as a Home Remedy // Natural Living and Beauty

This post is the start of what will hopefully be a new series on the topic of natural living and beauty care. Today, I am going to talk to you all about one of my favorite things ever:  raw honey.  Not only does it taste delicious but it also has some AMAZING properties and uses.

The virtues of raw honey, and the numerous ways it can be used both as a home remedy and natural beauty product could be talked about for hours on end.  It is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and is a natural antibiotic that can be used both internally and externally.

 Having anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties makes it useful for an even broader range of applications, and it can also aid your body in absorbing calcium.  It truly is liquid gold in the world of natural and alternative medicine, offering many health benefits.  

It is important to note though that I didn't just say honey, I specifically said raw honey.  When honey is refined not only does the process kill germs, but it also breaks down the honey depriving it of the wonderful properties that I just named above.  Another thing to note is that honey should never be given to infants under 1 year of age.  The reasons for which are easily found by doing a google search.

Cuts and Abrasions 

 How:  Apply raw honey to the cut or infection and cover with a bandaid. Continue to use until infection has subsided.   Use it on its own, or combine it with activated charcoal for double the healing strength especially when dealing with infection.  I've also used this remedy to effectively treat animal wounds and infections.   It's pretty awesome!  

Why it works: When honey is applied topically to wounds and mixes with bodily fluids such as blood, the enzymes in it turn to hydrogen peroxide thereby cleansing the area. It also has a pulling effect that will draw out infection from a wound, and will maintain a moist environment for healing. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties it contains also contribute to healing.

Allergies

Take a spoonful or two a day if you are experiencing seasonal allergies.

Why it works: Due to the fact that raw honey contains traces of pollen, a spoonful of honey taken internally on a daily basis is said to alleviate seasonal allergies. It needs to be local honey, that will contain traces of the pollen you are having an allergic reaction to, and have been harvested in whatever season you are experiencing allergies during.

Cough and Sore Throat Remedy 

A spoonful of honey with cinnamon sprinkled on top is soothing on a sore throat and can help temporarily stop coughing as well.

Why it works: The honey coats and soothes your throat and both the cinnamon and honey work together to fight the virus present when a cough or sore throat is the product of a common cold.

Face Wash and Moisturizer 

I have two methods for washing my face, since I very rarely use soap.  One method uses oil, and the other uses honey.  The honey method is as follows: apply a thin layer to your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water and a washcloth and follow up with a toner.  I would recommend using this in the morning if you wear makeup, during the day and using a different method for makeup removal.  Honey has very moisturizing properties making it an ideal candidate for a winter moisturizing mask.

Why it works: It has antibacterial properties which cleans your skin, but because it is gentle and soothing it can be used on even the most sensitive skin types. Plus, it will moisturize your skin if it is dry, and balance it if it is oily. You really can't go wrong using honey.

Acne Treatment

Honey has been one of my lifesavers during my teen years to combat acne, which makes sense, considering it's healing properties.  You can use it as above for washing but leave it on longer as a mask for 30 - 60 minutes, or combine it with cinnamon and nutmeg for an extremely powerful mask.  Using approximately 1 teaspoon of each, combine them and apply to your face leaving on as long as you want or are able to, around 20 minutes is good though.   If you have sensitive skin (raises hand) you may feel a tingling or burning sensation, but that has always subsided for me with no permeant side effects.

Why it works: The honey disinfects and kills bacteria, the cinnamon is an antiseptic and also encourages circulation, and the nutmeg acts as an exfoliant. This mask also works to dry up existing pimples and act as a deterrent for new ones.

  

There are so many more uses and applications for raw honey I would encourage each and every one of you to do some research on your own;  it really is a fascinating topic!

Do you have a use for honey other than the ones I named?

~Maria