The Many Benefits of Honey

Cleopatra is said to have ruled Egypt with an iron fist. Apparently, it was also a smooth fist, since she was one of the more famous people in history to use honey for its skin-enhancing properties. In fact, Cleopatra's legendary milk and honey baths are just one of many historical examples of people using honey to pamper their complexions. While Cleopatra didn't know why honey softened her skin, new research suggests the Queen of the Nile was definitely onto something. Manufacturers have used honey in everything from hand lotions and moisturizers to bar soaps and bubble baths. One reason they use honey is for its wholesome, all-natural image; however, image is just the beginning

Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. This makes honey a natural fit in a variety of moisturizing products including creams, shampoo and conditioners. Honey also acts as an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products*. Honey is also a natural emollient and it is high in vitamin and minerals, which has wonderful benefits for the hair.

Try whipping up some of the simple beauty recipes provided below yourself:

Honey Mayo Hair Treatment

1 cup mayonnaise

1 avocado

2 tbsp honey

1/2 cup EVOO (optional)

rosemary or lavender EO

Mix together mayonnaise, avocado and honey and massage into dry hair, concentrating on the ends. Add two or three drops of essential oils to create a distinctive hair treatment, or a half cup of olive oil to provide extra conditioning. Use a shower cap to cover the hair and leave on for 30 minutes.

Rinse the mayonnaise and honey hair treatment out in a warm shower. Massage the scalp to get the blood flow going, which helps to stimulate hair growth and health. Once the treatment is washed out completely, use a clarifying or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner as usual. For those who have dry hair, using a shampoo and conditioner that adds moisture is ideal to create shiny and smooth hair. Remove excess moisture from the hair with a towel and let air dry. 

Hair Shine Conditioner

1/2 cup of honey

1/4 cup of warm EVOO

1 tsp of xanthan gum

EO (optional)

This treatment leaves your hair feeling super silky and moisturized.

Mix  honey, olive oil, xanthan gum and 4 drops of essential oil (if a scent is desired) in a small bowl.

Warm a towel in the dryer and wrap the warm towel around your head.Apply mixture to damp hair. Work mixture into hair making sure hair is coated from the roots to the ends. Leave the towel on for 30 minutes or longer if desired. The longer the conditioner is left on, the shinier your hair will be. Rinse the mixture out of your hair with cool water and lightly shampoo hair. Rinse shampoo out with cool water. Dry as usual and admire the shine.

Honey Shampoo 

Honey has slight bleaching properties, so this shampoo will create subtle highlights in your hair over time. Honey will also provide your hair with extra body and shine. 

1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
1/2 cup water
1 cup honey

In a squeeze bottle combine the Castile soap, water and honey. Place the lid on the bottle and rock back and forth gently to mix the ingredients. Use your own homemade honey shampoo as you use your normal shampoo. Allow it to rest on your hair for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. 

(Substitutes: If the your hair is oily, you can substitute the liquid Castile soap in this recipe with any gentle shampoo. Castile soap is made from olive oil and is may leave some people's hair too oily. You can also substitute molasses for the honey if you do not want your hair to lighten with use.)

* always do a patch test to avoid an serious allergic reaction.