Mariah Carey crooned about it, Cleopatra bathed in it, and even Paleo Pete Evans slaps it on his ham. Often considered “Nature’s Golden Nectar,” there is a sweet science behind honey that makes it such a popular ingredient in food, skin care, and even home decor. Because, whether enhancing the flavours in of our favourite treats, nurturing our complexion or scenting our homes, honey is a multifaceted marvel whose boundless benefits have made it one of the buzz ingredients of the month. Here are three ways to incorporate it into your wellness routine.
Sweet treats
Honey offers a sweet symphony between the culinary and the scientific. And has been a treasure for centuries, for both its distinct flavour and remarkable health benefits.
Honey’s natural sweetness can elevate the taste of many dishes. Use it as a drizzle on Greek yoghurt, in marinades for meats, or as a natural substitute for sugar in recipes. Its unique floral notes can turn ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Beyond its sweet taste, honey boasts essential nutrients. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients not only enhance the flavor but also offer potential health benefits. Honey’s combination of refined-free sugars, provides a quick natural energy boost. It’s a preferred choice among athletes for a natural energy source during workouts.
We love:
Raw Manuka MGO 40+ Multi Floral Honey, $8, by 1839 Honey
700+ MGO Manuka Honey Kai Ora Black Label, $76, by Kai Ora
The benefits of honey in your beauty routine
Beyond the kitchen, honey has similarly earned its spot in the realm of skin care, promoting radiance, hydration, and healing. A moisture magnet, honey is a potent humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. When used in skincare products, it helps keep your skin hydrated, soft, and supple.
The natural enzymes in honey also make it an effective, yet gentle exfoliator. It removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin with a healthy glow. Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties can be a game-changer for those with acne-prone skin. It helps unclog pores and soothes irritated skin. Its antimicrobial properties have been used for centuries to heal wounds and soothe sores. Its high viscosity helps form a protective barrier over wounds, aiding the healing process. Finally, rich in antioxidants, honey can help combat the signs of ageing. It protects the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals, promoting a youthful complexion.
And, while honey in your hair my suggest a sticky situation, a number of honey infused hair products have also made it easy to include to those who want sweet tresses.
We love:
Beeswax Lip Balm, $6.99, by Burt’s Bees
Silk Balm Honey Kiss, $32, by Huda Beauty at Sephora
Prioriteyes Mascara, $43, by Okkiyo
Eau Triple English Honey Perfume, $231, by Officine Universelle Buly at Mecca
Pro-Youth Shampoo and Conditioner, $37, by Coco & Eve
Honey Balm Jelly Moisturiser, $66, by Wishful at Sephora
Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, $75, by Kiehl’s at Mecca
Honey Oud Eau de Parum, $359, by Floris London
Milk & Honey Lanolin Hand Cream Intense, $16.95, by Lanolips
Honey Infused Hair Oil, $139, by Gisou at Mecca
Green Tea Honey Drop Body Cream, $35, by Elizabeth Arden
Honey, I’m home!
Give a female (bee) honey … and she’ll convert it to beeswax! Which, incidentally, makes an amazing addition to a range of homeware products such as candles, aromatherapy oils and even eco-friendly plastic alternative food wraps.
Aussie entrepreneur Cate Burton and founder of Queen B, came to this realisation when she started rolling candles in 2000, as a way to manage the anxieties of a high-pressure corporate job – and create a sweetly scented living space at the same time.
Central to Queen B’s success is its commitment to crafting candles from 100% pure Australian beeswax and pure cotton wicks – providing a natural alternative to paraffin, soy, or palm wax.
“Queen B’s beeswax is sourced mindfully from Australian bees and beekeepers throughout regional Australia. Cleaned for 48 hours with a proprietary method, it’s distilled to its purest form, ensuring the cleanest burning candles on the market are made from wax that is good enough to eat.
According to Cate, with its varying colours and beautiful translucence, “Natural beeswax is an extraordinary material to work with. Queen B’s stringent commitment to quality is reflected in the candles’ superior burn. As a result of years of research and development, our beeswax candles offer a longer burn time and a more golden flame, thanks to the absence of chemical bleaching.”
We love:
Black Label Two Ample Pears 100% Beeswax Candles, $79.95, by Queen B
