Honey

Honey has natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, which help to protect the skin from sun damage. It also replenishes the skin's moisture, leaving it soft and supple.

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Honey, also known as Madhu in Ayurvedic scriptures, is one of the most important healing ingredients used in Ayurveda. It is an antiseptic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergen, detoxifying, sedative, laxative, antioxidant, healing, cleansing (external and internal), moisturizing, and blood purifying. It promotes rehydration, is easily digestible, stimulates immunity, and is beneficial for all types of skin concerns.

An Ayurvedic Perspective on Honey

As per Ayurveda, honey is recognized by many names that usually differ from one region to the other. The most common names are makshika, madwikam, kshaudram, saradham, vantham, varadi,bringavantham and pushparasolbhavam.

According to renowned Ayurvedic scholar Acharya Sushruta, mature honey balances vitiated Tridosha in the body, while immature honey vitiates Tridoshas, and is sour in taste. It is the best Yogavahi in Ayurveda, as it carries the effects of the herbal extracts added to it without changing its own properties. This implies that it enhances the properties and actions of the substances with which it combines.

Ayurvedic Attributes of Honey

Rasa (Taste): Madhur (Sweet)
Guna: Ruksha (Dry)
Anurasa (Sub-taste): Kshyay (Astringent)
Vipaak (Post digestive effect): Madhura
Veerya (Potency): Ushna
Dosha karma (Properties): Vata Kapha Balancing

Honey for different skin types and concerns

For acne and pimples

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in not only the removal of excess oil from the surface of the skin but also in clearing out any blockages or clogged pores.

Apply raw honey to the acne-prone areas, leave it for 15–20 minutes and rinse it off with normal water.

For a healthy glow and even-toned skin.

By adding honey to different ingredients, you can use honey as a home remedy to brighten your skin tone. Mix tomato juice and honey and massage this mix on the face for 5 minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with normal water. Use it twice a week to reduce tanning, brighten the skin’s complexion, and get rid of spots and blemishes.

To treat sunburn

Honey is known to be one of the best remedies for treating sunburns. Honey promotes healing by decreasing inflammation and providing nutrition to the damaged tissues. This is what makes honey an amazing remedy for sunburns.

Add one-part raw honey with two parts of pure Aloe Vera gel. Apply this mix gently to the sunburnt skin.

Things to avoid

Honey should not be heated or consumed at room temperature because it can be toxic and there may be side effects of honey. Cold honey is always preferred. In some cases, consuming excessive honey may lead to diarrhea. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking raw honey as it may contain certain contaminants that harm the developing baby and the mother.

FAQs

What is honey used for?

From being used for cooking purposes, as a natural preservative, to being tried for the treatment of various diseases and health concerns, honey is that magic potion that works for your overall external and internal health.

What are the benefits of honey in the body?

It aids in weight loss, strengthens the immune system, nourishes your skin and hair, improves memory, is an effective cough remedy, a natural home remedy for dandruff and frizzy hair, heals wounds, and acts as a natural sleeping aid.

What are the benefits of honey on the skin?

Enriched with antioxidants and medicinal properties, it combats harmful free radicals that damage your skin and helps alleviate acne, and wrinkles, as well as treat dehydrated and dry skin. As a natural exfoliator, it gently removes dead skin cells to make way for fresh ones, enhancing the skin’s natural glow. It benefits both oily and dry skin by clearing acne, treating scars, evening out skin tone, and is deeply moisturizing to get nourished skin.

Does honey make your hair grow faster?

Honey promotes the growth of epithelial cells in the skin and many experts recommend honey for hair growth. The scalp, as an extension of the skin, has a number of epithelial cells that make up the many follicles and ducts that are important for hair growth. Honey is an emollient, which helps seal moisture in the hair, thereby keeping it smooth and conditioned. This, in turn, makes your hair shafts and hair strands strong thereby reducing breakage, which is often the cause of slower hair growth.

How long do I leave honey on my face?

There are many benefits of honey on face, If you are using honey for healing purposes, it is recommended that honey be applied to the face for 15–20 minutes at a time. Honey does provide hydration, and it has antioxidant properties. Leaving it on your face for a longer duration does not harm you, but it can be messy and uncomfortable.

Does honey make hair white?

Honey contains glucose, as well as an enzyme called glucose oxidase. This enzyme breaks down glucose, leaving behind hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is capable of bleaching melanin, the pigment responsible for giving your hair color. Leaving honey on your hair for an extended period can be a natural alternative to harsh chemical bleaching treatments.