Is Honey Good For Diabetes Patients

The straight answer is yes; honey is natural; brewed and cooked by bees; its heavy component is fructose and glucose making up over 80% and 18% water. Vitamins are plenty too; these are B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid as well as certain amino acids. The better part of honey is that compared to sugar, honey has invert sugar ready for uptake with ease; while commercial sugar has to be inverted, thus taxing the alimentary canal to a big extend.

Have a look at the chemistry and physiological performance of each, it's amazing; honey is sweeter than sugar; it has more calories; one teaspoonful has about 65 while sugar has 45. Raw honey is rich as indicated above, with 180 different compounds that are of value to man; while sugar most of its contents remain sucrose nothing else. Antioxidants or antirust are found in honey which chemically remove free radicals in our bodies; at the moment, more research is on to determine what additional medical benefits are in store on this line. In short, honey is of medicinal value; it doesn't decompose; all forms of colds, flu etc can be handled well by honey plus diabetes and many more, which are yet to be researched.

What else do I say upon ingestion honey gets converted to glycogen - animal starch - and stored in the liver (savings bank of glucose) without much ado; a situation no one has understood well. A good start regimen to follow when diabetic is 2 to 3 table spoonfuls in the morning with any escort, be it a fruit or a short touch of yogurt. A free wheeler can add one more spoonful with a snack in between meals. In the evening at bedtime, another one to two spoonfuls is adequate. It comes as no surprise to all and sundry; beginners inclusive to ward off any temptation to panic, guidance and support should be sort from health personnel to reinforce any illusion on the contrary.

Illuminating reports suggest that, honey behavior has not been well understood in these insulin deficient fellows; no amount of it has proved disaster, if anything on all supplied cases, tolerance has been reported upon testing. All tests subjected to insulin deficient subjects, proved negative, negating the fundamental belief that honey is harmful to them. The suppositions are many to tie this presumption; bees suck the quintessence of a wide range of flower juices medicinal and the like I suppose adds something of their own to it via saliva or whatever, and manufactures honey. It's no wonder then, the belief is true, that honey fits into the curative diet of all diabetes, supplying remedies to the depleted organs.

Honey For Facial Treatment

A lot of people swear by the amazing benefits of a honey facial treatment. A honey facial can certainly give your skin a lift because of its many uses. Some people spend a lot on facials and other skin treatments but what they do not know is that they can whip up their own facial treatment right in their own kitchen by using honey and other natural ingredients.

Honey, specifically active manuka honey, has a lot of amazing properties. One of its most popular uses is as an antibacterial and antiseptic. Its antibacterial properties help keep the skin clean and it also helps fight off acne. It can also speed up the healing process of wounds.

Manuka honey also works as an anti inflammatory. It is very effective in reducing redness, swelling, and pain. It also helps calm the skin down like in cases of eczema and other skin conditions.

Honey also plays a role in cellular rejuvenation. It can help in the renewal of skin cells. It also promotes stronger collagen so it is not easily damaged by external factors. Honey is also an effective skin moisturizer that does not only provide moisture but nourishment as well. Manuka honey also has antioxidant properties to help prevent skin damage caused by free radicals.

You can use honey as an ingredient in many skin care treatments. You can have a honey facial, make a honey scrub, a facial mask, and many more. You can combine it with other beneficial ingredients like milk, yogurt, fruits, and oatmeal.

There are many things you can do with honey to promote healthier skin and you don't have to spend a lot either. You can easily find ingredients right in your own kitchen which are not only effective but safe too.

If you opt to use skin care products with honey instead, make sure that it contains only natural ingredients. Check the list of ingredients instead of relying on the label itself. It should be free from chemicals like parabens, alcohols, dioxanes, mineral oil, and fragrances as these can harm not only your skin but your health as well.

Natural honey facial products are available in the market and these contain other natural ingredients which are also beneficial for the skin. Other ingredients that do wonders for the skin include grapeseed oil, maracuja extract, cynergy TK, nano-lipobelle H-EQ10, avocado oil, and many more. Visit my site today and learn how and why these ingredients are effective. By choosing natural skin care, you are sure to have healthy skin.

Use Natural Sweetener Honey

Consider replacing man-made, processed, empty calories in your diet with a natural sweetener. Trying to fight your sweet tooth by eliminating sugar from your meals is not smart at all.

Sugars are one form of carbohydrates essential for our body's energy supply. However, excessive sugar consumption is a major contributor to calorie intake and weight gain. It can also deplete your body of several minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin C.

Nutritionists consider Vitamin C to be the single most important supplemental nutrient for the proper functioning of white blood cells and maintaining a strong, efficient immune system and recovering from infections. The white blood cells in our body need high doses of vitamin C to fight viruses and bacteria, and combat illnesses such as the common cold, heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. Glucose and vitamin C have similar chemical structures, thus when the sugar levels go up, they compete for one another when entering the cells. Hence, as you eat more sugar, there will be more glucose around and less vitamin C will be allowed into the cell, resulting the slowing down of your immune system. Simple sugars found in foods that do not use a natural sweetener thus have been observed to aggravate illness such as asthma, hypertension, arthritis, nervous disorders, diabetes, heart diseases, gallstones, and mood swings. They are certainly not a preferred form of carbohydrates in our meals.

Different types of carbohydrates behave differently in the body and are part of different nutritional packages. Over-processed, factory-made sugars or table sugar which does not have any vitamins or whatsoever nutrients may not be the best choice of carbohydrates. In fact, they are foes of the healthy immune system - they suppress immune cells. For instance, a chocolate bar may satisfy hunger because of the high amount of sugar and fat, but it can create a nutrient deficit in the body. That is why there are so many overweight people who are at the same time under-nourished and in poor health. The best types of food not provide a steady supply of energy, but also bring other nutrients the body needs, for example honey, a natural sweetener which contains the extra nutrition in the form of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Try raw honey spreaded on a slice of bread. The plant enzyme amylase present in the raw honey is effective in breaking down and helping the predigestion of the starches in the bread. Taking honey also helps to raise the level of antioxidants required in the body.

Remember, the type and the quantity of food you consume is very important for your health. "You are what you eat."

Honey For Aging Skin Rejuvenation

Why do people suggest honey for aging skin? There are several reasons, actually. Of course the effectiveness depends on the other ingredients. Although it is possible to make a mask in your own kitchen, it's not very comfortable and it is difficult to remove. If you want to be satisfied, leave it to the experts. High quality masks and nighttime creams work best. Some of them even contain the best variety of honey.

It has been used since ancient times to speed healing and prevent or treat infection. Only recently have researchers been able to identify the reasons for its effectiveness. Some varieties contain antioxidant and anti-bacterial enzymes. The manuka variety has been identified as the one have the most active enzymes.

Manuka can be dehydrated to a powdered form without reducing its activity. The powder can then be added to moisturizing emollients and nourishing extracts to create creams that soften, smooth and reduce the effects of time.

What is the importance of manuka honey for aging skin? Free radical molecules with the skin's layers cause damage to the cells and degrade the elastic fibers. This leads to wrinkling and sagging.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and go to work repairing damage that has already occurred. Cells and fibers deteriorate over time and are replaced by new ones. We usually call that rejuvenation. Manuka supports the skin's natural rejuvenation processes.

The antibacterial activity is also important. Women that suffered from acne during their youth often see it reappear during menopause. Blemishes of all kinds are caused by bacteria. Blemishes are really slight infections. Manuka prevents bacteria build up. It is beneficial for treating acne and helps prevent blemishes.

In addition to manuka honey for aging skin, other beneficial ingredients include avocado extract and Shea butter. Avocado extract is scientifically proven to stimulate the production of new elastic fibers. Shea butter softens and smoothes, while reducing age spots, scars and blemishes, as well as wrinkles.

Those three ingredients combined would do a great deal. But, one company has gone even farther. Their nighttime cream contains lots of other antioxidants and a special protein complex called CYNERGY TK.

Research has shown that protein bound to small amounts of copper and zinc is effective for regenerating tissue and increasing the production of elastic fibers. CYNERGY TK contains that type of protein. It has been shown to increase the thickness of the skin's outer layer, which results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. If you use a cream containing CYNERGY TK, avocado extract, Shea butter and manuka honey for aging skin, you are bound to see a big difference in your appearance in a relatively short period of time.

There are lots of products on the market to choose from and many of them will do more harm than good. They contain common allergens, irritants and toxins. Why not do something good for your skin's health? Using manuka honey for aging skin is just one of the things that you can do.

Natural Treatments For Acne and Skin Problems

Many people have reported suffering with Acne for years and are constantly troubled by spots and constant skin blemishes, with regular visits to the doctor for over priced medications and salves which little or no relief

As alternative remedies become more popular many acne sufferers are seeking more herbal treatments and ways to cure this unsightly condition.

Today science has found many natural herbs that have proven successful in reducing or eliminating the embarrassing effects of acne in women. Some commonly used herbs are red clover, wild yam, primrose and black cohosh which help in striking in a natural balance of oestrogen and androgen in the body.

I have found from personal experience that propolis, which is a natural product from the bees used in the form of a cream is an effective skin treatment and has cured my unsightly acne in a matter of just a few weeks, it has also improved the appearance of my skin by eliminating the infection and it also had a soothing effect on my skin and spots. A tincture of propolis can be used but it can have a temporary staining effect of the skin. Note, if you are allergic to bee stings or honey or if you are pregnant take advice from your doctor. Normally you can check your reaction to propolis by carrying out a small patch skin test before use.

To reinforce my researches I found that Doctor Edith Lauder of Vienna used these tinctures and creams on more than twenty cases of acne simplex which were completely healed by home application within a week. Interestingly, her most memorable result was in the treating of a woman who had been unsuccessfully treated with acne conglobata on her face and chin. The condition was cleared after just a few visits to her clinic.. She had many more notable successes in treating dermatology conditions.

Your local health store will advise on herbal treatments. Additional herbs which have been found to acne conditions are echinacea, liquorice, salvia, dandelion root.

Some dermatologists believe that acne is a result of a deficiency of vitamin B in their diet. This lack of vitamin B can cause excess sebrum, resulting in clogged pores. Vitamin B5 in the diet has shown positive results in reducing and healing of acne symptoms.

Take advice from an alternative medicine specialist if you are uncertain of about side effects of herbal remedies, in particular on suggested dosage requirements. Also if you are taking any prescribed medicines, be sure to advise your physician or alternative medical practitioner, as many herbs should not be taken along with prescribed drugs.

Honey: Natural Beauty and Secret

Want to show your natural beauty? Gentle skin shining? Fresh pink or lips?

Apart from the beauty, physical appearance for women is important. All women must have longed for a natural beauty with the charm of the skin and facial appearance and a fresh mouth. Now that a lot of beauty salons that offer this treatment.

Did you know since the days of Cleopatra, honey has been used as a special potion to make a naturally beautiful woman? Has been tested and proven to honey made Cleopatra and many other women praised her beauty throughout the ages.

Why so Special Honey as a beauty treatment?

The results of the latest research about honey: honey contains Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs) are very good as a skin cream and honey moisturizer that will improve skin elasticity.

In addition honey is also rich in flavonoids and amino acids that serves as a natural skin moisturizer.

Currently, the usage of honey as a treatment of the body both women and men increased from skin care, cosmetics, soap, shampoo, body scrubs etc.

Honey combines with other beekeeping products like Royal Jelly and Propolis will add benefits.

Function of honey on the skin tissue:
- Keeping the skin elasticity
- Skin's natural moisturizer
- Helps slough off the damaged skin tissue / dead.
- Cleaning the skin from inflammation and bacterial infections (pimples)
- Refine and refresh the skin tissue that can appear more soft and fresh.

How to use:

Simply dab of honey on the skin and let the honey soak into the skin about 1 hour. Honey that seeped into the skin will function as a moisturizer, stimulates the growth of new tissue and also helps slough off the old network is dead.

Soften your lips by applying honey before bed. Because honey can soften, moisturize and prevent dry skin or lips are chapped.For acne medicine: honey, propolis containing strong enough to treat acne is caused by blackheads, inflammation or bacterial infection Propionilbacterium acne. Therefore honey propolis is very good for treating acne

Special Note:

For maximum results using a new pure honey harvested from the nest. We also provide Propolis Honey derived from choice, Propolis and Royal Jelly is rich in collagen.

Good luck and bring back your skin soft, fresh, flushed...

Honey for Skin Beauty

It's a lot of sophisticated methods that can make women look more beautiful. But the practical ways that are relatively short and still favored by women. There are several ways that you can briefly apply to the appearance of your skin look more vibrant and free of trouble, consider the following.

Do it naturally scrubs using sugar grains of sand can be used to shed dead skin layer. Mix one tablespoon of powdered sugar with one tablespoon of honey and use this mixture as a scrub on face and neck skin that had cleared.

Wear a mask containing papaya materials solvent skin softener and is commonly called bromelaine and papain. The trick is to refine the papaya flesh and rub on your face is clean as a mask for 5 to 10 minutes.

For those of you who have a normal skin will generally tend to be sensitive. So you can use retin A as a mask, not as a moisturizer. Apply a moisturizing cream retin A on my face, let sit for about 15 minutes then wipe up completely clean. Keep the lips, the corners of the mouth and nose.

If you want to deal with acne then there are some simple ways you can apply. The first step is to put a little honey on acne, clean the skin before. Because honey contains antibacterial substances that is easy to eliminate acne. As for acne big stone and swollen without eyes, you should try to mix one teaspoon of yeast, a few drops of lemon juice and water. Mix together until thickened and rub on your acne in order to more quickly deflated.

Deodorant after waxing. If you often make defoliation feathers with wax on the genitals or around the so-called bikini waxing. After doing your best deodorant wipe on the bikini area to prevent red spots due to irritated.

Oil absorbing powder. Oily skin is usually easier to create a foundation fade and change color became darker in the face. So you should try to wear lotion or oil absorbent mattifier before applying foundation. Another alternative is to use the powder as thinly as possible before using the foundation and then use the powder again later. Good luck

The Beauty of Honey

From Cleopatra to Jennifer Lopez1, the reigning queens of beauty have used honey in their hair and skin care regimes. And today, increasing numbers of men and women are finding honey is the natural choice for soft, supple skin and shining healthy hair.

Ready to Use, Straight from Nature

From face creams to body scrubs; from hair conditioner to bubble bath, honey provides consumers with a natural source of personal care products. Honey needs no preservatives, additives, processing or refining, making it one of the few beauty products that can claim it comes straight from nature. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Honey’s mild nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and baby products. And honey’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make it an ideal choice for lifelong skin and hair care. Research is continuing on the role of honey in sunscreen products, exfoliants and moisturizers.

All Natural Beauty

With the range of benefits from honey, it is no wonder that the number of products containing honey continues to grow. While many of these products are available in stores and beauty salons, there are many skin and hair care ‘recipes’ that can be made and used at home. Some examples:

Cucumber-Honey Toner

Puree 1 medium cucumber in a blender and drain the liquid through cheesecloth. Add 2 teaspoons Bee Maid Honey and mix. To use, shake bottle and saturate a cotton pad with the lotion. Sweep over face, neck and chest and let air-dry.

Gentle Honey Cleanser

Mix 1⁄4 cup honey, 1 Tablespoon liquid soap and 1⁄2 cup glycerin (found in drug stores) in a small bowl.

Pour onto a clean face sponge or soft cloth and gently rub onto face. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry.

1- Christopher Watt, Christopher Watt Esthetics in West Hollywood, California, quoted in “Beauty is in Full Bloom with Honey”, National Honey Board, May 10, 2004. 

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 colors, 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.

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

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)