Honey Facts and Home Spa Ideas

Honeycomb

Honey has been consumed throughout history. In biblical times, God gave honey as part of his blessings to His people. He gave the Israelites "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8) and He provided manna from heaven that "tasted like wafers made with honey." (Exodus 16:31). 

Honey has played an important role in cultures not only as food, but as medicine as well. Pure honey contains the natural sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of plants or flowers. It is a naturally flavored sugars that contains trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Honey is made by bees in one of the world's most efficient facilities, the beehive. The 60,000 or so bees in a beehive may collectively travel as much as 55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make just a pound of honey. The color and flavor of honey differ depending on the bees' nectar source. In general, lighter colored honeys are mild in flavor, while darker honeys are usually more robust in flavor. Honey is considered a superfood. Did you that for a period of time, honey was one of John the baptist's main sources of food?

"John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." - Matthew 3:4

Beehive

Honey can be consumed internally or applied topically to heal wounds as it has antibacterial and antibiotic quality. However, this property is easily destroyed when exposed to heat and light. You will not benefit from its antibacterial and antibiotic properties if you cook with honey, but it is a good natural sweetener and alternative to refined sugar. Make sure you buy and use honey that is pure, raw, and unpasteurized.

Honey is also nourishing for our skin. It's natural and has antibacterial properties. We don't have to buy expensive skin products that may contain toxic chemicals. You can create the following to nourish your skin with honey:

- Facial scrub. Honey mixed with ground almonds or oats makes an excellent facial cleansing scrub.

- Moisturizing pack. Mix two tablespoons of honey with two teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

- Lotion. Mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of olive oil and a half teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to dry patches or skin on hands, elbows, heels of your foot, or other parts. 

- Lip Balm. Honey works well on chapped lip because it has antibacterial properties.

Do you use honey a lot in your home? What is your favorite way to consume or use honey?