Ambrosia, the nectar of the gods, is broadly believed to have been a type of honey.
It was served at heavenly feasts on Olympus and was believed to grant immortality. Within the Homeric poems, it seems as an ointment or beauty used to wash and look after the our bodies of gods and mortals alike. That is all to say, that the luxurious and therapeutic energy of honey is not any new idea.
What’s the distinction between Manuka honey and common honey?
Manuka honey is made with the nectar of the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand within the North, South and Stewart Islands, in addition to Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.
In the meantime, common honey comes from many various kinds of flowers. The 2 varieties of honey are related nutritionally however have distinctive flavours – Manuka is earthier with a velvety texture whereas common honey is fruitier and extra floral.
Some varieties of Manuka honey have increased antibacterial properties than common honey resulting from a compound known as methylglyoxal (MGO). Because it’s uncooked and unpasteurised, Manuka honey additionally tends to comprise extra vitamins – akin to antioxidants, amino acids, nutritional vitamins and minerals. Whereas other forms of uncooked honey comprise extra vitamins than processed choices too, it’s actual Manuka honey that has that all-important excessive MGO content material.
What are the advantages of honey in haircare and skincare?
Antibacterial: MGO permits Manuka honey to successfully fight a variety of micro organism, making it helpful for treating wounds, burns, and infections whereas selling tissue regeneration and decreasing irritation. This makes it good for these scuffling with painful pores and skin situations like eczema, psoriasis and topical steroid withdrawal. Anti-ageing: Nutritional vitamins and minerals in Manuka honey assist the pores and skin produce collagen, which retains pores and skin agency and elastic. Some research have additionally discovered that it may assist decelerate the exercise of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which – when produced excessively within the physique – can contribute to the breakdown of collagen.Moisturising: Honey is a pure humectant, which signifies that it attracts and locks in moisture – making a protecting barrier which helps stop dryness and heal broken pores and skin. It additionally comprises enzymes that enable moisture to penetrate deeper into the pores and skin for a softer and plumper complexion that stays hydrated for longer. These enzymes have additionally been identified to have exfoliating properties, as they assist to take away useless pores and skin cells to permit for higher penetration of moisture into the pores and skin. Antioxidant advantages: Honey comprises antioxidants that may assist to neutralise dangerous free radicals – whether or not or not it’s on the pores and skin, scalp or hair follicle. It will possibly thus assist to guard in opposition to environmental injury whereas serving to to advertise wholesome pores and skin regeneration and decreasing the looks of positive traces and wrinkles. Appropriate for delicate pores and skin: Due to its uncooked nature, Manuka honey tends to be appropriate for every type of pores and skin, together with probably the most delicate varieties. Nevertheless, it’s at all times beneficial to do a patch check earlier than attempting any new product – particularly in case you have significantly reactive pores and skin. Improves scalp well being and prevents hair breakage: Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties may also help take away buildup from the scalp that may clog hair follicles and contribute to broken, boring and sad hair. It will possibly additionally assist to enhance scalp well being by decreasing irritation, stopping dandruff and making certain moisture stays locked in.
Does it matter whether or not it’s Manuka or common honey?
Whereas all honey is efficient for moisturising and nourishing the pores and skin, Manuka honey is a particular sort of uncooked, unpasteurised honey which has a excessive focus of antibacterial compounds. This makes it anti-inflammatory and therapeutic in addition to hydrating.
Whereas this all sounds fairly fantastic, it’s necessary to notice that although highly effective – Manuka honey isn’t a magic wand that may be waved over any pores and skin or hair-related concern to advertise therapeutic. As at all times, seek the advice of a dermatologist earlier than making any radical modifications to your skincare routine.
With out additional ado, it’s time to remodel your rest room cabinet, one honey-infused product at a time. Let’s get busy, fellow bees.
