Honey, honey, honey… what’s all this buzz about honey? Valley did some research to find out about the benefits of this ooey, goeey substance, and trust us, with what we found, honey might be the best thing that came around before sliced bread.
Inherent Benefits
Honey was used in ancient times for its healing properties. Not only great tasting, the natural sweetener is also a powerful immune system booster. One of the best ways to start your day is with a honey cleanse! To help stimulate and improve your digestive system, drink some honey and lemon juice in a cup of warm water.
Honey is also a great energy booster! The natural sugars help prevent fatigue during exercise, improving performance and endurance. Honey expert and fanatic, Ruth Tan, author of Benefits of Honey recommends a spoonful of honey before your next workout, “to help you go that extra mile!” Tan also suggests spreading honey on warm toast or supplementing honey for sugar in your morning tea as a healthy alternative to a carbonated energy drink.
Remedies for Ailments
Next time you wake up queasy with a throbbing headache because you were out studying too late – and we mean, you studied so hard the mere sight of your textbook makes you lunge for the toilet – try this morning-after honey cure. Blend together 15ml of honey, 80ml of orange juice, and 70ml of natural yogurt to reap the benefits of this natural sobering agent and rejoin the world of the living.
The antibacterial properties of honey make it perfect for curing sore throats. As we drudge our way through the final cold days of Penn State’s never-ending winter, it’s crucial we stay healthy in anticipation for the sunshine. The absolute best, Valley-approved way to get rid of a sore throat is to gargle with two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Are you a chronic insomniac? If you have trouble sleeping at night don’t jump straight to the medicine cabinet. Instead, try a soothing mix of milk and honey. A glass of warmed milk with a teaspoon of honey is guaranteed to calm body and soul, sending you into a blissful slumber. If you’re lactose intolerant, try two teaspoons of honey in chamomile tea.
Hair Treatments
A natural humectant, honey attracts moisture, making it the perfect antidote for dry, damaged hair. Its powerful antioxidants and nutrients feed hair follicles, helping to stimulate hair growth.
Honey and Water
Combine ¼ cup honey and fresh water until the mixture is thin enough to spread around your hair. Apply to damp hair tablespoon by tablespoon, let sit for 30 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Honey and Olive Oil
This combination promotes a healthy scalp and smoothly coats and repairs dry, damaged hairs. Mix together ½ cup of honey and ¼ cup of olive oil, warm slightly, and apply to hair.
Honey and Coconut Oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil helps to rapidly moisturize hair while adding a little bit more shine. Blend together ¼ cup of honey and 3 tablespoons of warmed coconut oil, work into wet hair and let sit for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Face Masks
Before you splurge on that expensive spa face mask, try harvesting the benefits of these 100% natural facial recipes. Honey’s antibacterial nature is proven to help cure acne, its antioxidants help slow signs of aging, and its moisturizing and soothing texture creates a radiant glow.
Apple Honey Mask
Chop up one apple and drop into food processor. Add two tablespoons of honey and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes. Pat mixture onto face and rinse off after a half hour.
Avocado and Honey Mask
Best for dry skin or anti-aging
Blend two tablespoons of avocado, two tablespoons honey, and one egg yolk. Spread on face and neck with your fingers and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Banana and Honey Mask
Best for sensitive skin
Mix together ½ a mashed banana, ¼ cup oatmeal (cooked with milk), one egg, and ½ a tablespoon of honey. Rub onto face in slow, circular motions and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Honey and Lavender Face Mask
Combine one tablespoon honey and three drops of lavender essential oil. Dampen your face with warm water before spreading on the mask, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Convinced yet? Because honey is bomb. Sick? Honey. Hungover? Honey. Dry hair? Honey. Skin troubles? Honey. It seems as though honey can do almost anything. It’s like magic, and who doesn’t need a little magic (honey) in their lives?
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