By Shahnaz Husain
Honey has numerous beneficial properties when taken orally, or used in external applications. What exactly is honey? It is a natural product, made by bees, when they convert nectar into simple sugars. It contains valuable vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, as well as Vitamins B and C. It also contains enzymes and amino acids. Taking honey can provide the body with essential nutrients. But, if there is a medical condition like diabetes, please consult your doctor first.
Honey can be externally applied for beauty, as it is a powerful natural moisturizer. It attracts moisture from the environment to the skin, making the skin soft and smooth. If the skin is dry and flaky, with rough patches, honey helps to improve the texture. It also suits all skin types.
Home Remedies:
- If the face feels dry, apply one teaspoon honey after cleansing. Keep it on for 15 minutes and wash off with plain water.
- Honey can be added to face masks, along with other ingredients. To one teaspoon kaolin powder, add one teaspoon honey, one teaspoon carrot juice OR one teaspoon curd and one egg white (optional). Apply on the face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with water.
- One tablespoon honey can be added to a litre of water and used as a last rinse, after washing the hair. It helps to counteract dryness and adds shine to the hair.
- Honey suits both oily and combination skin. For oily skin, mix honey with egg white and apply on the skin daily, washing it off after 20 minutes with plain water. Egg white has a cleansing effect, reducing oiliness, while honey will soften the skin and nourish it. If you have a combination skin, apply honey by itself on the entire face, as it would suit both oily and dry areas.
- Honey can also be used on acne-prone skin, if there is superficial dryness. Mix one teaspoon honey with multani mitti and apply on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. It would relieve dryness and also soothe and nourish the skin.
- Take a glass of warm water and add one teaspoon honey and the juice of one lemon. Have it first thing in the morning. This helps to flush the system and prevents constipation and pimples. It also provides energy and nutrition.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.’
