Self-care is essential to women’s overall health because as they get older, their needs for skin and health change. Choosing the ideal product with the wide range of cosmetic products available on the market can be difficult. However, naturally occurring honey offers several benefits. Honey has long held the title of
“queen bee”
in the world of beauty. It is also beneficial for the health. Honey forms when the bees convert the nectar of the flowering plants into honey. The bees make honey through a process of collecting nectar and then regurgitating the nectar. Then, moisture leaves the nectar forming honey.
In the process of making this viscous golden liquid, bees perform the important task of pollinating fruits, vegetables, legumes and other types of food-producing plants.
Benefits of honey
PCOS
When taken in moderation, this sweet, dark, viscous fluid can help with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Most women with PCOS predominantly experience insulin resistance. Honey contains several antioxidants. It’s vital for women with PCOS to monitor their food intake and exercise to avoid unexpected weight gain. Eating honey may help people lose body fat and weight. Other issues caused by mood changes in PCOS include depression and anxiety.
Hormonal balance
Hormonal level imbalance (especially testosterone levels) often affects females and impacts their reproductive health. Consuming honey regularly helps balance testosterone levels, enhance reproductive health, reduce mood swings, and boost hormonal balance.
Immunity
Honey is a known and effective remedy for colds and flu, which is important in boosting the immune system. Consuming honey helps people avoid getting sick during flu season or other seasonal changes. Antioxidants included in honey help to combat cancer cells, increase energy levels and improve overall health.
The presence of essential minerals, proteins and enzymes that provide constant energy all day long. Manuka honey helps in boosting immunity due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal, which increases the generation of cytokines (secreted by immune cells during an immunological response).
Weight loss
Honey is one of the most delicious additions to a diet plan. Burning extra calories helps in shedding kilos. By substituting honey for refined sugar in beverages, one can drastically cut calories while still reaping health benefits. A morning cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon is energising and can help you lose weight. This simple yet effective shift to honey is a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
Good for gynaecological health and pregnancy
Since ancient times, people have believed that honey increases fertility naturally. Some people even think that the ‘honeymoon’ got its name from the ancient custom of newlyweds consuming honey to assist conception.
Aids in dealing with irregular periods and cramps
Many healthcare professionals advise using honey for irregular periods because it can be the best tool for regulating weight. Additionally, honey is essential in easing the signs and symptoms of menstruation cramps.
Honey for skin
Moisturiser
Our skin loses suppleness and is more prone to dryness as we age. Honey is brimming with natural humectant and moisturising properties due to the presence of strong enzymes that hydrates the skin. Even after prolonged exposure to sun rays, honey significantly reduces dryness. Honey’s moisturising and calming properties make the skin feels smooth, radiant, and glowing after use. Being a great addition to the regular skincare regimen, moisturising serums and hydrating lip oils use honey as an ingredient.
Skin ageing
The primary cause of skin ageing is free radicals, which result from metabolic processes or external factors like UV damage or pollution. The skin’s collagen, essential for maintaining its structural support from these free radicals, is destroyed. Wrinkles and fine lines appear as collagen levels drop and the skin becomes less elastic. Antioxidants can help in protecting against this. When administered topically, antioxidants including chrysin, pinobanksin, catalase and pinocembrin found in honey can neutralise free radicals. This maintains healthy skin.
Consumption and topical use of honey can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, alleviate pain, and improve immunity. The ideal way to take honey for healthy skin is to add it to tea or morning drinks. To apply honey for flawless skin and a glass skin glow, combine honey with curd and gram flour.
Scar reduction
The antioxidants in honey, especially buckwheat honey, heal injured skin and help heal scars. For additional anti-inflammation benefits, look for honey-containing propolis. This can reduce stretch marks and skin discolouration. Massage raw honey on the affected skin in a circular motion for one or two minutes. Rinse it off using water. Use this regularly for effective results.
Spot treatment
Buckwheat honey is an excellent natural home remedy for acne. It has anti-inflammatory characteristics that reduce pimple redness and swelling, and if it contains propolis, it also has antibacterial properties that can help battle acne-causing germs. Honey also helps control oil production since it maintains skin hydration. For best spot treatment, apply raw honey topically on the affected spot. Rinse the honey off after 10 to 15 minutes.
Heals wounds
Women experience several symptoms before and during the menstrual cycle, including body pain, headaches and backaches. Using a little amount of ginger or ginger tea, along with one tablespoon of honey, can help relieve pain and lower inflammation in the body.
Honey’s antibacterial, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory properties are excellent for relieving inflamed and stinging burns, including sunburns. There is no need to cover the burn with gauze after applying the honey because of its thickness, which serves as a barrier against any infections that might attempt to enter the burn.
Sleep
Eating honey causes a slow, steady spike of insulin, which then transforms into serotonin and melatonin, substances that help with sleep. A tablespoon of honey can also help us stay asleep for individuals who frequently wake up at night since it helps stock the glycogen in the liver. This is something the brain needs to make a person stay asleep. Take some honey 15 minutes before going to bed. If waking up in the middle of the night is a problem, take a teaspoon of honey immediately.
Honey for hair
Dry hair
The moisture-retaining ability of honey keeps the hair smooth and bouncy and prevents it from drying. It serves as a natural conditioner. Combine two ripe bananas, half a cup of organic honey, and a quarter cup of olive oil to make a banana and honey hair mask. Apply the mixture to the scalp and the hair after combining the ingredients until they are smooth. Let it stay in the hair for 20 to 25 minutes. Wash the mask by rinsing it off with shampoo and cool or lukewarm water. Use this mask two to three times per month.
Everyday conditioner
Honey is a natural humectant that holds moisture, keeping the hair feeling silky and lustrous. The hair will be healthy-feeling, full of life, and bounce after using honey. Dissolve 1/4 cup of organic raw honey in water. Spread this mixture throughout the hair. Work it into damp hair for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
It is no surprise that honey is an excellent skincare and wellness ingredient. Honey is a fantastic choice for anti-ageing skincare and maintaining a healthy, disease-free body due to its natural healing, moisturising and nourishing qualities. Pure honey consumption significantly decreases the volume of monthly bleeding and the level of discomfort in women with primary menstrual pain. Honey is equally beneficial for the health as they are for the skin. It helps reduce primary dysmenorrhea, nausea and vomiting, and headache intensity. Consuming honey considerably reduce labour discomfort.
Source: Star Health
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