Delicious sweet honey, we all know and use honey to naturally sweeten tea or desserts; however, this delicious treat has so many beneficial properties affecting our internal and external health. Throughout the centuries, honey has been used for the treatment of various disease conditions such as diabetes, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, nervous system, and even in cancer treatment. Honey has also been used to speed up wound healing, and to cleanse, moisturize and nourish hair.
Honey consists of flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, glucosides, and anthraquinone. One of the most important components in honey are monosaccharides (fructose and glucose); they are responsible for most of the nutritional and physical effects of honey. Gluconic acid, a product of glucose oxidation is the main organic acid in honey (also contains acetic, formic, and citric acid) that contributes to its acidic properties (ph between 3.2 and 4.5). FYI acidic shampoos are key to laying the hair shaft for smooth, healthy hair. Additionally, the glucose oxidase, after an extended period of time, releases hydrogen peroxide, which can naturally lighten the hair.
Other important properties of honey include containing all nine essential amino acids, (building blocks to protein) and all nonessential amino acids, except for asparagine and glutamine. Honey contains all water-soluble vitamins and about 31 minerals. The ingredients of honey are said to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative (inhibit tumor cell growth), anticancer, and antimetastatic effects (prevents the transfer of disease to other parts of the body). For a full list of honey’s properties click here.
Honey and Your Hair
Now let’s delve into how honey impacts your hair.
• Honey is an emollient which means it draws moisture to your hair and softens and conditions it.
• Honey cleanses the hair by removing dirt and oils and unclogging your hair follicles for faster hair growth.
• Honey also comprises antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. This prevents scalp infections and soothes issues like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis, allowing for hair growth. A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research in 2001 concluded that the application of 9:1 honey: warm water mixture to affected dandruff areas relieved itching and flaking within one week, provided that the mixture was left on for three hours before rinsing. It was also found that 'skin lesions healed within two weeks and patients even showed an improvement in hair loss. The patients did not relapse even after six months of use.'
• It has rich antioxidant properties which prevent sun and oxidative damage, keeping your scalp and hair healthy.
How to Use:
Here’s my favorite honey deep conditioner recipe
How do you use honey in your regimen?
