November 25, 2008

Health Benefits Of Honey

"And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There comes forth from within it a beverage of many colours, in which there is healing for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. (Surat an-Nahl, 68-69)

Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above minerals, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it.

Approximately one half of the human diet is derived directly or indirectly from crops pollinated by bees. Today honeybees are an essential part of a healthy agriculture economy. If you have allergies, honey can be beneficial. If you eat honey that is local to your area, it may prevent your seasonal allergies. Bees use the pollen from local plants and eventually it ends up in your honey.

Skin Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. You can use honey instead of alpha hydroxy masks because of its high content of the acid. It is also safe for sensitive skin.

You can also use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair. To use it as a conditioner, mix the honey with olive oil. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly after conditioning.

Sore Throats If you have a sore throat, take some honey. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory effect, it will help to heal the sore throat more quickly. It also has different phytochemicals--chemicals found in plants and different foods--that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus making it a good substitute for wound dressings.

The taste may also take your mind off the pain. There is evidence that honey diluted in water will help with your stomachaches and dehydration.

Germ-Fighting Properties Do you have a cut? Honey is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in which honey was employed to treat wounds. By applying honey to your wounds, you prevent infections. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound (caution test the heat before you place it on the wound).Many types of bacteria can’t survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling eases, and tissue can grow back.

How Does It Help In Healing Wounds? When honey comes into contact with body moisture, the glucose oxidase enzyme introduced to the honey by the bee slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide at a sufficient level to be effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging. Not only is honey anti-bacterial, it also draws body fluids and nutrients to the area and so assists cell growth and prevents a scar forming by drying out of the wound.

The osmotic action of the honey draws out and provides a film of liquid between the tissues and the dressing, allowing the dressing to be removed painlessly, without tearing of the re-growing cells. There are reports of large bed sores, otherwise needing skin grafts that have healed without scarring after honey treatment. In treating diarrhea, honey promotes the re-hydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets. The anti-bacterial properties of honey, both the peroxide and non-peroxide, are effective in the laboratory against MRSA strains of bacteria which are notoriously resistant to antibiotics and are sometimes responsible for the closing of hospital wards.

Honey may also be effective in the treatment of your ulcers. In Europe, honey has been used internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers.

Burns, too, heal better with honey, studies show. The advantage of honey is that it not only prevents infections from occurring, it actually accelerates skin healing.. Since the sugar in honey absorbs water it helps to trap some of the moisture so that the bacteria and other microbes can’t grow as easily as in other food.

Other Benefits of Honey Easily digested: Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.

Good source of antioxidants: It plays a big role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease.

Rapidly diffuses through the blood: When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar, thus, reduces fatigue.

Supports blood formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.

Does not accommodate bacteria: This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey. (bizzybeehoney.com)

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Natural honey-bee products may have applications in cancer treatment

Natural honey-bee products such as propolis, royal jelly, caffeic acid, honey and venom may have applications in cancer treatment and prevention, say Croatian researchers in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture this month.

Nada Orsolic and colleagues from the University of Zagreb found that bee products significantly decreased tumour growth and / or spreading (metastasis) in mice when they were applied orally or by injection.

The researchers tested both the preventative and curative effects of the bee products on tumour models in mice. In the prevention studies, the products were administered before inoculation with the tumour cells. In the curative studies, the products were administered after tumour inoculation.

"The effects of the tested compounds were demonstrated either by inhibition of tumour growth or metastases (secondary tumour) formation and by increased survival of the animals," said Dr Orsolic.

Propolis or caffeic acid significantly reduced subcutaneous tumour growth and prolonged the survival of mice. Honey also inhibited the spread of the tumour when applied before tumour cell inoculation in the lungs. Simultaneous inoculation with royal jelly and tumour cells significantly inhibited tumour spread. When bee venom was injected intratumourally, tumour shrinkage occurred, and the delay of tumour growth was evident. Survival of bee venom-treated mice was prolonged compared to control mice.

The way in which the bee products work to combat the tumours is not clear, but the authors suggest the chemicals cause apoptosis (cell suicide) or necrosis of the cancerous cells, or that they exert directly toxic or immunomodulatory effects. They may also reduce harmful oxyradicals in cells or body fluids.

The authors conclude that the intake of honey-bee products could be advantageous in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

"These results suggest the benefits of potential clinical trials using propolis or honey, combined with chemotherapeutic agents," said Dr Orsolic. (news-medical.net)

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Disease Prevention of Honey

In addition to its use as a wound healing agent, honey has been used as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions ranging from gastrointestinal problems to ophthalmologic disorders. Unfortunately, research documenting the effectiveness of honey for these conditions is scarce. On the other hand, medications for these conditions abound, rendering honey a less popular choice. More recently, honey has been examined for its potential to treat chronic conditions including risk factors for heart disease and seasonal allergies. Research into these areas is preliminary but potentially promising.

Honey may lower plasma insulin levels, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine in healthy and diabetic subjects,
Al-Waili N S. Natural honey lowers plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, and blood lipids in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidaemic comparison with dextrose and sucrose. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2004; (Spring), 7 (1)100-107

This “study” reports on the results of seven different pilot experiments designed to determine the effects of natural honey on factors known to impact cardiovascular health including plasma glucose, insulin and blood lipids levels, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein in normal, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic subjects. Each of the seven experiments is described briefly below.

Experiment 1: Effects of honey vs. dextrose on plasma glucose and insulin levels in healthy subjects: Using a double-blind random cross-over design, eight healthy subjects (5 men and 3 women) consumed either a dextrose solution (75 g dextrose in 250 ml water) or a honey solution (75 g honey in 250 ml water). Plasma glucose and insulin were measured at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 hours post consumption. Blood glucose elevations were not significantly different between honey and dextrose; however, insulin levels were significantly higher after dextrose at all time periods.

Experiment 2: Effects of honey, honey analogue, or dextrose on blood lipid levels in healthy subjects: Using a double-blind random cross-over design, nine healthy subjects (6 men and 3 women) consumed either a dextrose solution (75 g dextrose in 250 ml water), honey solutions (75 g honey in 250 ml water) or a honey analogue (35 g dextrose and 40 g fructose in 250 ml water). Blood lipids including total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides were measured at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 hours post consumption. No significant effects of time or treatment were noted.

Experiment 3: Effects of daily consumption of honey on blood glucose levels, blood lipids, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein in healthy subjects. Eight healthy subjects (5 men and 3 women) consumed a honey solution (75 g honey in 250 ml water) for 15 days while maintaining their normal diet and exercise regimens. Plasma glucose, blood lipid levels, homocysteine and C-reactive protein was measured at baseline and day 16. On average, decreases in cholesterol (7%), LDL-C (1%), triglycerides (2%), C-reactive protein (7%), homocysteine (8%) and blood glucose (6%) and an increase in HDL-C (2%) were observed.

Experiment 4: Effects of honey or a honey analogue on blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. Using a double-blind, random cross-over design, six subjects (4 men and 2 women) with elevated total cholesterol and LDL-C and five subjects (3 men and 2 women) with elevated triglycerides consumed either a honey solution (75 g honey in 250 ml water) or a honey analogue (35 g dextrose and 40 g fructose in 250 ml water). Total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides were measured at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 hours post consumption. Honey produced a significant reduction in triglycerides over the 3 hour period. No other differences were detected.

Experiment 5: Effect of daily honey consumption on total cholesterol and C-reactive protein: Five subjects (3 men and 2 women) with elevated blood lipid levels and C-reactive protein consumed a honey solution (75 g honey in 250 ml water) daily for 15 days. Total Cholesterol, LDL-C, and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and on day 16. On average, decreases in cholesterol (8%), LDL-C (11%) and C-reactive protein (57%) were observed.

Experiment 6: Effects of honey vs glucose on blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics: Using a double-blind, random, cross-over design, seven subjects (5 men and 2 women) with type 2 diabetes consumed either a honey solution (90 g honey in 250 ml water) or dextrose solution (70 g dextrose in 250 ml water). Blood glucose levels were measured at baseline, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes post consumption. Plasma glucose after honey consumption was significantly lower compared to glucose consumption at all time periods.

Experiment 7: Effects of honey vs sucrose on blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics: Using a double-blind, random, cross-over design, five male subjects with type 2 diabetes consumed either a honey solution (30 g honey in 250 ml water) or dextrose solution (30 g sucrose in 250 ml water). Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured at baseline, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes post consumption. Honey and sucrose elicited similar elevations in blood glucose. Honey elicited significantly greater elevations in insulin levels compared to sucrose at 30, 120, and 180 minutes.

Despite the obvious limitations in these series of studies (e.g., small sample sizes and lack of adequate controls in some experiments), the data collectively indicate that honey consumption may have a positive effect on factors associated with heart disease risk. Specifically, honey appears to lower C-reactive protein and may have a lesser impact on blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels compared to glucose or a honey analogue particularly in diabetic and/or hyperlipidemic subjects. Further studies employing a larger number of subjects, adequate controls, and longer treatment durations should be conducted to substantiate the findings of these pilot experiments.(honey.com)


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Natural Honey Lowers Plasma Glucose, C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine, and Blood Lipids in Healthy, Diabetic, and Hyperlipidemic Subjects: Comparison

Noori S. Al-Waili
Dubai Specialized Medical Center and Medical Research Laboratories, Islamic Establishment for Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This study included the following experiments:
(1) effects of dextrose solution (250 mL of water containing 75 g of dextrose) or honey solution (250 mL of water containing 75 g of natural honey) on plasma glucose level (PGL), plasma insulin, and plasma C-peptide (eight subjects);

(2) effects of dextrose, honey, or artificial honey (250 mL of water containing 35 g of dextrose and 40 g of fructose) on cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) (nine subjects);

(3) effects of honey solution, administered for 15 days, on PGL, blood lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (eight subjects);

(4) effects of honey or artificial honey on cholesterol and TG in six patients with hypercholesterolemia and five patients with hypertriglyceridemia;
(5) effects of honey for 15 days on blood lipid and CRP in five patients with elevated cholesterol and CRP;

(6) effects of 70 g of dextrose or 90 g of honey on PGL in seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; and

(7) effects of 30 g of sucrose or 30 g of honey on PGL, plasma insulin, and plasma C-peptide in five diabetic patients. In healthy subjects, dextrose elevated PGL at 1 (53%) and 2 (3%) hours, and decreased PGL after 3 hours (20%). Honey elevated PGL after 1 hour (14%) and decreased it after 3 hours (10%).

Elevation of insulin and C-peptide was significantly higher after dextrose than after honey. Dextrose slightly reduced cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) after 1 hour and significantly after 2 hours, and increased TG after 1, 2, and 3 hours. Artificial honey slightly decreased cholesterol and LDL-C and elevated TG. Honey reduced cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG and slightly elevated high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C).

Honey consumed for 15 days decreased cholesterol (7%), LDL-C (1%), TG (2%), CRP (7%), homocysteine (6%), and PGL (6%), and increased HDL-C (2%). In patients with hypertriglyceridemia, artificial honey increased TG, while honey decreased TG. In patients with hyperlipidemia, artificial honey increased LDL-C, while honey decreased LDL-C. Honey decreased cholesterol (8%), LDL-C (11%), and CRP (75%) after 15 days.

In diabetic patients, honey compared with dextrose caused a significantly lower rise of PGL. Elevation of PGL was greater after honey than after sucrose at 30 minutes, and was lower after honey than it was after sucrose at 60, 120, and 180 minutes. Honey caused greater elevation of insulin than sucrose did after 30, 120, and 180 minutes. Honey reduces blood lipids, homocysteine, and CRP in normal and hyperlipidemic subjects. Honey compared with dextrose and sucrose caused lower elevation of PGL in diabetics.(liebertonline.com)

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Natural Honey Facial Scrub

Honey has some great natural healing properties, it has been used for centuries all over the world. It contains glucose oxidase that produces hydrogen peroxid when you combined with water. Another added benefit is that honey contains antioxidants that functions an antibacterial agents. Honey can also moisture the skin.

Honey Facial Recipes

"Yogurt and Honey Facial Scrub"

use:

one drop of lavender essential oil
one teaspoon honey
one teaspoon finely ground almonds
two teaspoons finely ground oats
one tablespoon plain low fat yogurt

Next you are going to mix all the ingredients, dampen your skin using warm water and then massage the scrub on your damp skin.

There are other natural recipes for honey like Lavender facial Masks made with raw honey and 3 drops of lavender essential oil.

Medical studies have shown many added benefits of honey for skin care and anti aging properties that rejuvenate the skin making it look smooth and younger.

There is Active Manuka Honey from New Zeland that has very powerful anti aging and skin care properties that are incredible. A few skin care creams on the market use active manuka honey to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles caused by age.

The best skin care anti aging creams are made with natural ingredients, manuka honey is one of the most powerful ingredients that a skin care cream can contain, it moistures your skin, has potent anti oxidants and revitalize your skin naturally.

If you want to look years younger active manuka honey is one of the best option that you should look for in a cream.

(ezine.com)

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How to Make Natural Honey Hair Conditioner

There are many hair care products available in your local supermarket for deep conditioning and hot oil treatments, but they are expensive, particularly the 'all-natural' variety. What's worse, name brand products can actually damage your hair with harsh chemicals and excess build-up. You can make a simple deep conditioning hair treatment at home with just a few common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's fast, simple, fun and will leave your dry hair shining and beautiful.

Things You’ll Need:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons natural honey
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon natural unbleached flour
Step 1
Place one tablespoon of olive oil in a microwave safe bowl. Olive oil is perfect for hair and skin care products, as it nourishes and cleans the hair at the same time. Unlike petroleum jelly, heavy oils and other synthetic conditioners, olive oil will easily rinse from your hair, leaving it moisturized and shining.

Step 2
Add two tablespoons of all natural honey to the bowl. Honey is the main conditioner in your dry hair treatment, and not only smells great but has cleansing properties to gently rid the hair product build-up without stripping it of it's natural oils. Honey forms a protective layer on your hair, helping to prevent damage from products, styling and the elements.

Step 3
Pour in one tablespoon of buttermilk. Buttermilk is also a moisturizing agent, and contains lactic acid, an element that will help build the strength and elasticity of your hair.

Step 4
Microwave the mixture for 30 to 60 seconds until hot. Stir in approximately one tablespoon of natural unbleached flour to make a paste. Apply the warm paste to wet hair and allow the conditioner to set for 20 minutes before washing as normal.

Tips & Warnings

  • This recipe makes one application for medium length hair. Double the amount of ingredients for longer hair.
  • This natural honey conditioner contains no chemicals and will not cause build-up in your hair; therefore, you can use it as often as necessary to control dry, frizzy hair.
(ehow.com)

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Shop WIki

This is not the same, “Shop Wiki” is revolutionary for shopping. It’s different with traditional shopping sites will only show you stores that have paid for placement. "Shop Wiki" will give a shopper everything regardless if we can earn anything. For a shopper, this means they can find anything and everything for sale on the web at "Shop Wiki"

As a health and beauty buying guide, at "Shop Wiki" you can find products and advice on using makeup, or the current tips and trends for cosmetics, learn about skin care, hair care, look good and smell good, men shaving, men moisturizer for face and skin, nice soaps, body scrubs, spa treatments, etc. All the products and tips are good and helpfully.

Please visit "Shop Wiki" site now for your first order!

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November 11, 2008

Boost your beauty with honey

By ELISE MINTON and PAIGE HERMAN

Honey has become a staple ingredient in some of today's most sought-after beauty products -- and for good reason. Besides its deliciously sweet scent, this natural moisturizer is hailed for its wide variety of therapeutic properties, such as the ability to keep skin hydrated and moist, as well as the power to fight against the signs of aging. Plus, honey is an anti-irritant, so it is safe to use on even the most sensitive skin.

Benefits of honey

Derived from the hives of honeybees, honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. Honey contains essential vitamins such as B5 and panothenic acid. It's also full of minerals like zinc and magnesium, which increase the skin's moisture retention. And it improves cell production and scalp circulation. Honey also contains loads of enzymes and amino acids, making it a powerful antibacterial ingredient that is excellent for treating acne, as well as reducing redness and inflammation. Rich in antioxidants, honey also helps regenerate damaged tissue, deflect free radicals and improve skin tone and elasticity. To reap the full benefits, look for dark-colored honey, which contains more antioxidants than light-colored versions.

History of honey for cosmetic purposes

Using honey in beauty rituals dates back to ancient Egypt, when Cleopatra would bathe in a mixture of honey and milk to keep her skin feeling soft and looking young. Roman emperor Nero's wife, Poppea, was also a devotee of honey and milk, although she preferred to mix the ingredients together into a paste for a facial mask. Renowned Greek physician Hippocrates used honey to cure skin infections, infected wounds and ulcers on the lips, while Queen Anne of England would blend honey and oil together to form a hair serum that helped keep her locks thick, shiny and lustrous.

Can honey help prevent sun damage?

We all know that it's crucial to use sunscreen on a daily basis, but many chemical and physical barrier sunscreens contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation and reactions. Since honey is suitable for sensitive skin and is a natural moisturizer, it is currently being considered as a substitute ingredient for some of the harsh chemicals found in most sun blocks. Thanks to its natural antioxidant properties, honey also helps the skin to protect itself from the sun's damaging UV rays and also aids in skin cell rejuvenation.

Product picks

Facial cleanser: Soothe and soften skin with L'Occitane Comfort Cleansing Fluid, which features a blend of compounds from Provengal honey hives, protein-rich royal jelly and bisabolol extract. $20; usa.loccitane.com

Facial scrub: Regular exfoliation is a must for a clean, clear complexion. In addition to honey (its thick consistency makes for the perfect base), Collective Wellbeing Honey Buff is jam-packed with natural ingredients like vitamin C to fight the signs of fine lines and wrinkles; rose hip seeds and lemon peel to exfoliate and echinacea to keep pore-clogging dirt at bay. $13; collectivewellbeing.com

Face mask: Great for avid travelers who experience dry skin from constantly being on the go, Apitiva Skin Food Mask with Honey leaves skin soft, refreshed and hydrated, thanks to a blend of honey and cereal proteins. The individually packaged masks also boast vitamins C, E and F for cell regeneration. $24 for a box of 6; bigelowchemists.com

Facial moisturizer: Suitable for all skin types, Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer neutralizes damaging free radicals that destroy collagen and elastin. Subtly scented and greaseless, this extremely absorbent moisturizer contains honey and orange extract to hydrate and nourish skin, leaving it velvety smooth. $25; mariobadescu.com

Shampoo: Formulated to calm itchy, dry, irritated scalps, Frederic Fekkai Sensitive Scalp Shampoo features a mixture of lavender and manuka honey to heal while moisturizing. A melange of botanicals gently removes excess sebum without drying or stripping the hair and scalp. $20; neimanmarcus.com

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Honey proves a better option for childhood cough than OTCs

Hershey, Pa. — Now that the safety and effectiveness of children’s cough medicines are in question, what can parents do to help their child deal with a troublesome cough?

A new study by a Penn State College of Medicine research team found that honey may offer parents an effective and safe alternative. The study found that a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold medications.

Honey did a better job reducing the severity, frequency and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infection than DM or no treatment. Honey also showed a positive effect on the sleep quality of both the coughing child and the child’s parents. DM was not significantly better at alleviating symptoms than no treatment.

These findings are especially notable since an FDA advisory board recently recommended that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines not be given to children less than 6 years old because of their lack of effectiveness and potential for side effects.

The results are published by Penn State College of Medicine researchers, led by Ian Paul, M.D., M.Sc., in this month’s Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

In a previous study published in 2004, Paul and colleagues showed that neither DM nor diphenhydramine, another common component of cold medications, performed better than a placebo at reducing nighttime cough or improving sleep quality. However, honey has been used for centuries in some cultures to treat upper respiratory infection symptoms like cough, and is considered to be safe for children over 12 months old. Honey has well-established antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, which could explain its contributions to wound healing. Honey also soothes on contact, which may help explain its effect on cough as suggested by the World Health Organization.

In the latest study, the researchers enrolled 105 children between the ages of 2 and 18 at a single university-affiliated physician practice site. On the first night of the study, children received no treatment. Parents answered five questions about their child’s cough and sleep quality as well as about their own sleep quality. On the second night, children received either honey, artificial honey-flavored DM or no treatment about a half hour prior to going to bed. Parents answered the same five questions the following morning.

The randomized study was partially double-blinded: Medical staff did not know what treatment each participating family received when distributing their sealed syringe-containing envelope. Parents of children who received honey or artificial honey-flavored DM in a measured syringe were blinded to their treatment group. Parents of children in the no treatment group received an empty syringe, and therefore were aware of their child’s treatment group.

Across the board, parents rated honey as significantly better than DM or no treatment for symptomatic relief of their child’s nighttime cough and sleep difficulty. In a few cases, parents did report mild side effects with the honey treatment, such as hyperactivity.

"Our study adds to the growing literature questioning the use of DM in children, but it also offers a legitimate and safe alternative for physicians and parents,” said Paul, a pediatrician, researcher and associate professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Children’s Hospital. “Additional studies should certainly be considered, but we hope that medical professionals will consider the positive potential of honey as a treatment given the lack of proven efficacy, expense, and potential for adverse effects associated with the use of DM.”

Potentially dangerous effects of DM in young children include dystonic reactions, severe involuntary muscle contractions and spasms. Further, DM is a commonly used as a drug of abuse by adolescents.

Cough is the reason for nearly three percent of all outpatient visits in the United States, more than any other symptom. It is particularly bothersome at night because it disrupts sleep. Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on OTC cough and cold medications despite little evidence that these drugs provide significant relief.

This study was funded by an unrestricted grant from the National Honey Board, an industry-funded agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. (live.psu.edu)

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Beach Ready Beauty with Honey

Whether you'll be bronzing at the beach, pool-side or in the back yard, it's time to make sure your skin is ready for ultimate summer exposure.


Before putting on those summer tanks and sandals, take a moment to slough away winter's effect on your skin and rejuvenate with one of nature's favorite beauty secrets - honey.

For centuries, pure honey has been used as part of a healthy skincare regimen. From Cleopatra to Jennifer Lopez, well-known beauties have used honey as part of their regular beauty treatments. Pure honey acts as a natural humectant, anti-irritant and exfoliator to give skin a sweet, youthful glow.

Christopher Watt, owner of Christopher Watt Esthetics in West Hollywood, Calif. and skin care expert to celebrity A-listers, including Halle Berry and Ricky Martin, uses pure honey in most of his skin and beauty treatments.

"I recommend using 100 percent pure honey as part of your regular beauty routine," said Watt. "With summer rapidly approaching, now is a great time to experience honey's natural moisturizing properties. Honey is an inexpensive way to get spa-like results."

Watt teamed up with the National Honey Board to create easy honey-based skin treatments you can make at home. He recommends using honey at least twice a week to soften and exfoliate the skin.

Not only will honey keep your skin smooth, but it is also a great way to keep your lips healthy. Honey's naturally occurring enzymes, vitamins and nutrients are absorbed by your lips leaving them kissable and soft.

From the Sweethearts' Chocolate Honey Scrub to the Aloha Honey Hawaiian Delight facial, these homemade skin treatments will leave you wanting to shed those winter sweaters and show some skin! For additional beauty tips and recipes using pure honey, visit www.honey.com.

RECIPES:

Sweethearts' Chocolate Honey Scrub, courtesy of Christopher Watt
Makes 2 treatments

Ingredients:
2 cups honey
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
6 tablespoons unsweetened chocolate, grated
2 cups kosher salt

Directions:
In rubber mixing bowl, combine honey and grapeseed oil. Stir in chocolate and salt mixing completely. Consistency should be grainy and thick. Apply scrub to skin and gently massage all over the body. Remove with warm damp towels or rinse in shower.

Beauty Benefits: Increases circulation and helps rid body of toxins. Honey provides a moisturizing effect as well as fights damaging free radicals.

Aloha Honey Hawaiian Delight, courtesy of Christopher Watt
Makes 2 treatments
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons green tea
1/2 ripe papaya
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
2 tablespoons honey

Directions:
Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. Peel papaya wedge and remove seeds. In blender or food processor, blend papaya and pineapple until pureed. Pour into glass bowl and combine honey and green tea. Mix well. Apply to face with fan brush or finger tips. Recline and rest for 10 - 15 minutes. Remove completely with tepid water and soft facial cloth. Store in covered container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Beauty Benefits: Exfoliates, hydrates and rejuvenates.

Honey-Kissed Lip Balm, courtesy of the National Honey Board
Makes 1-1/2 cups

Ingredients:
1 cup sweet almond oil (Found at natural food stores)
1/2 cup beeswax (Can be purchased at craft and beekeeping stores)
2 Tablespoons honey

Directions:
Place almond oil and beeswax in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until mixture melts. Whisk honey into beeswax mixture; stir well. Set aside to cool completely. When cool, pour into small containers with lids. Apply to lips as a moisturizer or on top of lipstick for extra shine. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

Beauty Benefits: Moisturizes and exfoliates lips. (doityourself.com)

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How Honey Helps Acne

Emmy’s Inquiry: (after reading our post on Juice Beauty): I like what you’re trying to do with this site, but you seem to have it in for anything labeled organic. Heaven forbid you admit that anything natural and not chemically processed might have beneficial properties - honey for example is medically proven to be anti-bacterial and is included in the Juice Beauty moisturizer, yet you make no mention of that. And since one of the causes of acne is bacteria, couldn’t it be possible that the presence of honey in the formula IS a benefit not delivered by drugstore brands? But of course, that would mean admitting that the chemicals you never fail to hype aren’t the end-all be-all answer to all beauty problems.

honeyThe Right Brain replies:
We can understand how you might assume that because we’re scientists that we are “pro-chemical.” The truth is, we’re pro-scientific method. If we find reliable studies that prove natural ingredients work, we mention them. But most of the time, natural claims are exaggerations to try to trick you into buying products. Now, on to your question about honey.

Does honey kill bacteria?

We did find legitimate scientific research that backs up the theory that honey has antibacterial properties. For example, one study in the Journal of Antibacterial Chemotherapy showed that honey (in concentrations between 2.5% and 5%) is effective against staphylococci, a very harmful bacteria. We could not find any studies that tested honey’s effect on p acne, the bacteria that helps cause zits. However, given what we know about the antibacterial mechanism of honey, it is plausible it would work on this bacterium was well.

How does honey work?

Honey appears to work against bacteria in two ways, depending on the type of honey. In most types, the bees add an enzyme that generates low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which is the active ingredient that kills bacteria. In a special honey, known as Manuka honey, the bees feed on nectar of the flowers of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which imparts additional anti-bacterial properties. Both types of honey can be effective but (and this is VERY important) their efficacy can vary greatly from batch to batch. Any given jar of honey may or may not have a high enough antibacterial activity to really work. To ensure efficacy, each lot of honey must be tested for activity before you know it will really work. (Learn more about Manuka honey.)

Should you try Juice?

So, back to the question about Juice Beauty: IF they are buying honey that is certified with the appropriate activity level and IF they’re using between 2 and 5% in their formula, and IF nothing else in the formula is deactivating the enzymes in the honey, then it is possible that their moisturizer really is effective against acne.

We’d love to hear from any of our loyal Beauty Brainiacs who want to try Juice’s moisturizer on their zits. (thebeautybrains.com)

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Honey You're A Natural Beauty

By: The National Honey Board


Throughout the centuries, legendary beauties have used honey as part of their skin and hair care treatments. Cleopatra was famous for her milk and honey baths, and Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful. By the time cosmetics were beginning to be mass produced in the late 1800s, honey was a popular ingredient. Today, manufacturers are increasingly using honey in skin moisturizers, facial masks, hair conditioners and shower gels in response to consumer demand for more natural formulations.

Did you know!
All-natural honey is an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns. A recent review of medical research documents its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent.

A Natural Moisturizer
The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. So honey is a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Skin Softening Bath
Add ¼ cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine
Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Research is currently underway to develop a process using honey to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Increased exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, gives skin a younger, more vibrant look. Exfoliation can also cause skin irritation so honey’s natural moisturizing ability makes it a perfect fit for AHA products.

Moisture Mask
Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Antioxidants
Preliminary studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Because chemical and physical barrier sunscreens can cause skin irritation, companies are researching the use of antioxidants, anti-irritants and moisturizers in their sun care products. The natural properties of honey make it ideal for these products. Look for honey to appear in the ingredient statements of more and more cosmetics, sunscreens and skin care products

Honey Cleansing Scrub
Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Firming Face Mask
Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. (pioneerthinking.com)

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