Bee— pleasantly surprised by some of these amazing honey properties — antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hygroscopic which makes honey, not just a popular food, but a powerful medicine as well! Honey has a hygroscopic nature, which means when exposed to air, it naturally absorbs moisture. This makes honey great for treating open wounds. Honey could help prevent scarring by keeping the skin moist, encourage the growth of new tissues, and allow easy removal of any dressing by preventing dressing from becoming stuck to the skin. Honey’s hygroscopic properties also make it an ideal ingredient in cosmetics, because it helps keep skin hydrated, fresh and prevents drying. Honey has been called a natural “humectant”, due to the fact it attracts and retains moisture. It is perfect to use in skin and hair treatments. Honey traps and seals moisture leaving skin soft and supple, and hair, glossy and healthy.
QUICK FIND ME A JAR OF HONEY!!
Honey is antimicrobial. Researchers began to document the healing properties of honey in the early part of the 20th century. The money for research was put to an end with the development of antibiotics. Recently the development of the resistance to antibiotics, has led to a resurgence of interest into the healing properties of honey. The effective antimicrobial agent in honey prohibits the growth of certain bacteria. It contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey. This makes honey a useful treatment for wounds and scalds. Cuts, abrasions and scalds can be covered in honey to prevent bacteria from entering the wound and promote healing. Another added benefit for the little ones in our lives is that honey on a wound does not sting like the Bactine our moms use to use.
Honey can also be used to treat minor acne, by attacking the bacteria that cause the outbreaks while moisturizing the skin to aid rejuvenation. Types of honey differ greatly in their antimicrobial potency, varying as much as a hundred fold. Commercial honey will not work. This is like putting sugar water on your skin. Be sure the honey you choose is raw and organic. The color of honey you choose is an indication of the potency. The darker the honey….the better. Raw, dark honeys claim the highest potency of such antimicrobial properties.
Honey contains natural antioxidant properties that can destroy biologically destructive chemical agents. These biologically destructive chemical agents have been linked to many diseases, such as cancer. Studies also found that dark-color honeys, such as Aseda Wild Honey, seem to possess more antioxidants than light-color varieties. Not only could honey’s antioxidants help to eliminate free radicals in the body, they are also part of the nutrient supply for growth of new tissue. These precious honey properties help protect the skin under the sun and help the skin to rejuvenate, keeping the skin young-looking. Due to these facts, there have been an increasing number of manufacturers using honey in skincare products, including sunscreens, lip balms, body care products and facial cleansing products for treating damaged or dry skin.
We know you love enjoying Aseda honey in your teas and your recipes. Now, you may want to start experimenting in other ways with your Aseda Wild Honey. When you do, please share your experience with us here on the blog, or on our facebook page. Aseda-means gratitude!
Art by Dre Day