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I will put this notice on my post from now on, every time that I copy a post from Facebook, so all of my readers will know that this is not my work, but that of someone else. This, like so many of my posts have, came from Facebook. This was in Love Live Health in the health section.
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Honey is more than just a delicious food product. This versatile natural substance has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has therapeutic properties that can treat a range of ailments. Here are sixteen simple home remedies to help you heal your ills with honey.
1. Cuts and Scrapes
Honey is antiseptic and antimicrobial. It can speed healing of minor wounds and help to prevent infection. After cleaning the wound, cover it with honey and apply a bandage. Change the dressing in the morning and before bedtime.
2. Coughs
Studies have shown that honey can be just as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants. Whisk together one cup of honey, three tablespoons of lemon juice and ¼ cup of warm water. Transfer the cough syrup to a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator. Take by the tablespoon whenever a coughing fit strikes.
3. Cold sores
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Honey is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acid, compounds shown to combat the virus in laboratory tests. Dab honey onto cold sores four times a day to speed the healing process. Applying honey to the affected area as soon as you begin to feel tingling and soreness may help prevent an outbreak.
4. Eczema
Eczema is a persistent inflammation of the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help to decrease the symptoms while the anti-bacterial properties work to prevent infection. Apply honey over red, itchy scaly areas. Cover with plastic wrap and leave for twenty minutes, then gently rinse to remove the sticky residue.
5. Hiccups
Hiccups are caused by involuntary spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm. Both honey and castor oil have anti-spasmodic properties. Mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of castor oil. Swallow a teaspoonful every five minutes until the hiccups stop.
6. Dandruff
Many cases of dandruff are caused by a fungal yeast. The anti-fungal properties of honey can provide relief from itching and flaking. Mix together a solution of three parts honey to one part water. After shampooing, massage the diluted honey into the scalp. Allow it to work for twenty minutes before rinsing hair in warm water.
7. Acne
Honey and cinnamon both have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They help to prevent acne outbreaks and reduce redness and swelling. Mix together one tablespoon of powdered cinnamon and two tablespoons of honey. Use your fingers to apply the mixture to your face, concentrating on acne-prone areas. Allow the ingredients to work for ten minutes before rinsing.
8. Burns
Clinical trials have shown that burns treated with honey heal faster than those treated with conventional medical dressings. To care for mild to moderate burns, cool the affected area under cold running water and pat dry. Slather thick, set honey over the burn and onto the surrounding skin. Cover the honey-coated area in plastic wrap and secure it with a bandage.
9. Dry Skin
Honey is a humectant and helps skin to retain moisture. Olive oil improves the skin’s suppleness and elasticity. Whisk together equal amounts of honey and olive oil until they emulsify into a cream. Simply massage the lotion into all areas of dry skin.
10. Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection characterized by red, itchy, flakey skin on the feet. Honey has natural fungicidal properties. Before bedtime, rub a thick layer of honey over the affected area. Cover your sticky feet in an old pair of socks and keep them on overnight. Wash and dry your feet in the morning and repeat the procedure each night until the infection clears
11. Sore throat
Honey coats the throat to soothe irritation. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps to reduce throat pain by stimulating the mucous membranes. Fill a mug with water and stir in a tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice. Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Heat the mixture in the microwave and slowly sip.
12. Sunburn
The humectant properties of honey help to keep moisture in sunburnt skin and the anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness, burning and irritation. Whisk together two cups of apple cider vinegar, one cup of water and ½ cup of honey. Transfer to a spray bottle and spritz over sunburnt areas for instant relief.
13. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid enters the esophagus and damages its walls. Honey coats the lining of the throat to soothe the painful burning sensations caused by the acid. Because it is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it also helps to heal the mucus membranes. Simply swallow a teaspoon or two of honey when symptoms arise.
14. Dry, Damaged Hair
Honey is a humectant and helps to hold moisture in the hair. Olive oil coats the hair shafts, providing smoothness and shine. To make a hair treatment, warm ½ cup of honey in the microwave and stir in ¼ cup of olive oil. Shampoo hair, then work the conditioner through it. Leave for ten minutes before rinsing with warm water.
15. Mouth Ulcers
A honey and turmeric salve can help to speed healing of mouth ulcers. Honey’s anti-microbial effects ward off infection, while turmeric acts as a natural antiseptic and cooling agent. Mix equal parts of honey and turmeric to form a thick paste. Use a cotton swab to apply it to the sore and leave for two minutes before rinsing your mouth. Continue the treatment twice daily until the ulcer is healed.
16. Insect Bites
The anti-inflammatory properties of honey ease the redness and swelling associated with insect bites, while its antiseptic properties help to prevent infection. Baking soda calms itchiness and irritation. Create a paste by mixing together a tablespoon each of honey, olive oil and baking soda. Apply to the bite and cover with a bandage.