Beth Buczynski
This is a guest post from Beth Buczynski, site director for our sister site, Insteading. Help Insteading celebrate National Honey Month on Twitter and Facebook!
We know honey as that sticky-sweet magic that bees cook up in their hives. But there are plenty of good reasons why honey should live in your bathroom as well as your kitchen.
Note: as with all food-based beauty regimens, it’s important to obtain the highest quality, unprocessed honey when trying out any of these suggestions. Organic is better than conventional, and raw is best.
1. Acne
Honey has a high percentage of the same chemical that makes hydrogen peroxide useful for disinfecting wounds. As such, it’s possible to use honey as a treatment for acne breakouts. With the application of just a small amount of honey, blemishes eventually wither and fade. Just remember to cover each spot with a band-aid or scrap of cloth so the honey won’t get in your hair or on your sheets.
2. Moisturizing Mask
Winter is almost here, and that means dryer air and skin. Care2 recommends making your own moisturizing treatment by mixing 2 tablespoons honey and 2 teaspoons milk or cream. Smooth on face and allow to remain for 10 minutes, then rinse.
3. Honey-Apple Toner
The same Care2 article offers up this sweet alpha-hydroxy miracle that will help to firm, smooth, and moisturize your skin. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply pulp gently to face and allow to remain for 15 minutes, then rinse.
4. Shiny Hair Treatment
Dry winter air is also tough on hair. Keep your locks shiny and moisturized by mixing 1 teaspoon of honey with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and 1 quart of warm water. Pour the honey mixture on your hair after shampooing as normal. The honey mixture acts as a leave-in conditioner and does not need to be rinsed out (via Leslie Dietschy).
5. Luxurious Foot Spa
Mix 1 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. liquid soap, 2 tbsp. almond oil and 1 tsp. vanilla extract in a bowl. Fill up your foot bath with warm water, add this mixture and soak your feet for 10 minutes. The honey will soften and moisturize your feet, leaving them feeling refreshed (via LiveStrong.com).
What other ways have you incorporated food into life outside the kitchen? Share your ideas in a comment!
Image Credit: Flickr – stevep2008
