Honey has been used for medicinal purposes and as a sweetener since ancient times. Raw honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, making it a mild antiseptic for treating cuts and wounds. It also contains other healing components, such as propolis, enzymes, and bee pollen, which can stimulate new tissue growth and exfoliate the skin. Honey’s amino acids help the skin retain moisture, while its bioflavonoids prevent breakouts and soothe pores. Raw honey is high in antioxidants and can reduce and reverse the damage free radicals do to the skin.
In the ancient world, honey was used for medicinal reasons and as a sweetener. In fact, until antibiotics arrived on the scene in the 1930s, honey still had a place in treating a variety of ailments. Now, as more bacteria become resistant to the drugs, some doctors are turning to honey’s healing properties again.
Raw honey contains an enzyme, glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and can be used to treat and clean superficial cuts and wounds. Glucose oxidase is destroyed by pasteurization or high heat, so most commercial honeys do not have this benefit. However, if you buy raw or unheated honey, you can take advantage of the antiseptic properties of honey.
Other healing components are present in raw honey. Before pasteurization, it contains propolis, enzymes, and bee pollen, which can stimulate new tissue growth. Other healing properties of honey exist in the essential oils, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which may be present in raw honey, depending on the plant the pollen came from.
Exfoliation is another use for honey. Honey contains a lot of organic acids, which are very mild. When used on the skin, these acids can loosen the bonds of dead skin cells, allowing for easier exfoliation. Gluconic acid is one of the other properties of honey that can be beneficial for the skin. Gluconic acid is one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids and can minimize wrinkles and lines, balance oily skin, increase elasticity, and stimulate collagen production.
Honey also contains amino acids, which can help skin retain moisture. Applying honey to the skin allows these moisturizing properties of honey to start working, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin production. This leads to smoother skin. The high sugar content of honey also contributes to hydration, as it is a good humectant. Additionally, honey contains bioflavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory, antihistamological, and antiviral. These properties of honey help prevent breakouts, reduce puffiness, and soothe pores.
Finally, honey is often called a “free radical scavenger.” Raw honey is high in antioxidants and can reduce and reverse the damage free radicals do to your skin. You can do this without over-drying your skin, unlike many soaps.
The health promoting properties of honey depend, of course, on where the bees get their pollen from and how it is processed. Honey is actually a natural preservative and doesn’t need any additives to prevent it from going bad.
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