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11 Powerful Healing Benefits of Honey for Skin, Hair & Health

Sweet, sweet goodness…

Researched, written by Amber & The Team
Updated on July 9, 2023

Honey

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Researchers have shown that honey has beneficial effects on the skin, hair, and mental well-being. More studies support the healing benefits of honey on the human body, encouraging its use on wounds, wrinkles, and more.

Honey has antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that promote better health and impact the body’s well-being.

The benefits of honey on the human body are as follows.

 

Honey Treats Acne

 

Honey has been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight acne and breakouts on the skin.

The antiseptic properties fight infections that cause acne, while the anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling.

Honey also contains natural humectant properties that are deeply moisturizing to the skin.

The natural humectants draw moisture from the air into the skin, reducing dryness and promoting clearer skin.

 

Honey Provides Gentle Exfoliation For the Skin

 

People have used honey in their skincare routine for years to help exfoliate and remove dead skin and unwanted impurities like dirt.

Honey crystallizes when rubbed on the skin to help unclog pores and enhance the skin’s glow while reducing blemishes.

The natural sugar in honey has been shown to offer a gentle exfoliating solution for the skin while introducing its healing properties.

 

Might Prevent Memory Disorders

 

Research has proven that honey and its properties can be used as natural preventive therapies for memory disorders and cognitive decline.

These studies have shown that the antioxidant properties in honey help reduce the impact of oxidative damage that leads to cognitive impairment.

Further studies have linked raw honey with antidepressant, anti-convulsant, and anti-anxiety benefits that improve the oxidative state of the brain.

 

Honey Deep Conditions Hair

 

Honey has been used by people for decades to restore their hair’s natural luster and combat dryness and damage.

Honey’s emollient and humectant properties help soften hair strands and add moisture to keep the scalp and hair healthy.

Using honey for hair in the form of honey shampoo, or even raw honey has been known to present antibacterial properties.

Honey has also been shown to help deal with scalp conditions like dandruff and dermatitis.

 

Might Promote Wound Healing

 

Natural healing remedies have been used for years to help promote a faster healing process.

Researchers show that using honey for wound dressing promotes rapid and improved healing.

The wound healing benefits are due to honey’s anti-bacterial & anti-oxidant properties, hydrogen peroxide content, and high acidity.

Research has also shown that honey helps relieve pain and decrease inflammation in burn injuries.

These studies promote the topical use of medical-grade honey for effective wound care and pain relief.

 

Honey Helps Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines

 

Findings show that the demand for honey-based cosmetic products has increased in the past few years.

More cosmetic companies are adding honey as a key ingredient in their cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.

Studies have shown that the primary cause of early wrinkles and fine lines is exposure to UV rays that lead to damaged skin.

The natural antioxidants in honey help protect the skin from sun damage and promote skin cell rejuvenation.

The moisturizing effects of honey also help keep the skin supple and prevent the early appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

 

Helps To Reduce Cardiovascular Diseases

 

The antioxidants in raw honey include phenolic acids and flavonoids believed to improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that honey can help decrease the risk of heart disease and improve cholesterol levels.

Experts suggest substituting refined sugar for honey for patients with diabetes but with moderate consumption.

Further studies by the National Library of Medicine have shown that honey can reduce blood pressure, restore heartbeats, and modulate oxidation.

 

Honey Can Treat Coughs

 

Evidence from different studies supports that honey can treat coughs in children and adults.

These studies have shown that a single dose of honey can diminish cough and discomfort.

Over-the-counter drugs that most people rely on to ease their cough can be less effective and result in adverse health effects.

Eucalyptus and citrus honey have proven to be excellent cough suppressants for upper respiratory infections (URI) and acute night coughs.

 

Honey Can Soften Chapped and Cracked Lips

 

Experts define chapped lips as dry, cracked skin on the lips that is caused by sun exposure, dehydration, and cold or dry weather.

Honey promotes smoother lips by protecting them from the sun’s UV rays and providing adequate moisture. The anti-microbial properties in honey also help to protect cracked lips from infection while enhancing the gentle exfoliation of dead skin.

Cosmetic companies have stepped up to meet customers’ needs by producing honey-infused lip balms and oils.

 

Honey Restores Cracked Heels

 

Research has shown that honey helps restore cracked heels by increasing moisture levels and reducing the risk of infection.

The humectant and anti-bacterial properties help rehabilitate cracked heels and exfoliate to remove dead and cracked skin.

Cracked heels can result from dryness in the feet or medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, eczema, and hypothyroidism.

Experts encourage soaking the feet and applying honey to boost moisture in the heels and reduce dryness.

 

Honey Might Be Helpful With Skin Cancer Treatment

 

Studies on skin cancer cells have shown positive results of using honey on skin cancer cells.

These studies have proven the ability of honey to slow down the reproduction and growth of cancer cells.

Another study also shows that honey has anticancer and antiproliferative effects that help impact cancer treatment.

However, experts warn against relying on honey as the sole treatment option for skin cancer and encourage people to consult with their primary physician.

Co-authors at ShineSheets.com

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