The Timeless Beauty Benefits of Honey

Oct 27, 2025

Authored by: Adeeba

Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Hello our dear human friend! We are the honeybees, the tiny buzzing team behind the creation of the golden nectar- Honey. Have you ever wondered how this golden sweetener which you love is actually crafted? Probably you must be wondering by now, so listen carefully to our journey of crafting honey from beautiful nectar of blossoms.

Our story begins in the field, among radiant flowers, full of nectar. Everyday we fly from one flower to another, collecting tiny drops of nectar and storing them in our hives. We bury our heads and legs in the petals of the flower in order to gather grains of pollen to make honey. We then fly back to our beehive, inside the Hive this nectar turns into honey. It becomes our strength, our food and our way of giving back to nature.

But as time passed, eventually, you humans discovered that Honey isn't just delicious, but also it is healing. Its benefits range from soothing throats to healing wounds and making skin glow. Honey became one of the oldest natural remedies known to mankind. In Ayurveda honey is even called Madhu, meaning sweet, pure, and full of life.

So now we will take you on a little tour wherein we will explain everything you must know about honey, the golden nectar; the Ayurvedic wisdom, the science behind the nectar and how it helps your skin, hair and overall wellness.

Table of Content

The Healing Essence of Honey: Ayurveda
What makes Honey so effective: The Science behind
Skincare benefits of Honey
Haircare benefits of Honey
Honey for different skin and hair type
Make your own Honey Skincare
Make your Honey Haircare

The Healing Essence of Honey: Ayurveda

Raw honey benefits

If you peek into the pages of ancient Ayurvedic literature you will find that Honey is known by various names like : Madhu, Kṣaudra, Mākṣika, etc. The works of scholars like Suśruta,Vāgbhaṭa and Caraka discusses honey’s nutritional and therapeutic properties and later texts like Nighantus have also mentioned various properties of honey and its uses. Ayurveda teaches that Honey is considered the best medicine for normalising kapha (one of the three fundamental bodily energies). It is often used as Anupana meaning that when given in combination with other herbs it enhances its activity. What makes honey so special is its multidimensional healing properties like lekhana (scraping), sandhana (union), sondhana (purification), ropana (healing) and tridoshaghna (pacifying all three Doshas : Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Modern day science discovers that Honey enhances the effectiveness of the medicines it carries. An interesting discovery was made during the 20th century, when it was reported that Honey contains anti-microbial properties which suggested that it can be effective for wound healing.

Ayurvedic Properties of Honey

Did you know that in Ayurveda there are two types of honey that are named according to their properties. Navina madhu (fresh honey) and Purana madhu (old honey). Navina madhu is fresh and recently collected honey from our bee hives. It gives nourishment, increases body weight and acts as a mild laxative. Purana madhu turns old after one year of honey collection. It acts as a good absorbent and reduces fat.

Humans have been studying our food for thousands of years so you must know that honey isn't just seen as a sweet treat, it's a complex natural medicine in Ayurveda with its own power and personality. In the great Ayurvedic system of medicine, the properties of honey are described as having Madhura (sweet) and Kashaya (slightly stringent) taste. It is Ruksha (dry quality) in Guna (property) and Sheetha (cooling potency) in veerya (potency), which makes it wonderfully calming for the body. The interesting part about honey is that not every drop of it is the same. The immature or unripe honey as they say leads to an imbalance of Tridosha - the three fundamental bodily energies according to Ayurveda; Vata (air/nerve energy), Pitta (fire/heat energy) and Kapha (water/structure energy). Ayurveda even sees a difference between new and aged honey. Fresh honey builds body tissues while old honey is like a natural detox. So whether you need energy or balance, our honey adjusts to what your body needs, which is a pretty sweet wisdom.

Effect on Doshas

You'd think that honey being sweet means it would be cooling, right? But Ayurveda teaches that taste alone doesn't tell the entire story, it's the Virya, meaning how the food behaves once its digested. It decreases both Vata and Kapha, which is helpful in treating disorders like cold, dryness or mucus. Honey mildly aggravates Pitta, the dosha responsible for heat, metabolism and transformation. So someone with high Pitta (inflammatory conditions, irritability, skin rashes), should not take too much honey, especially in hot weather as it can tip the balance.

In olden days, honey was collected in a way that preserved its purity, no usage of plastic,steel and no-heating processing. If the honey is cloudy or thick, that's usually a good sign that it has not been tampered with, not always, but often.

Returning to the scripts of Ayurvedic literature can help you unlock the true potential of honey. Whether you're stirring it into a warm (not hot!) herbal drink or applying it to healing wounds, treat honey as the sacred medicine like it has always been.

What makes Honey so effective: The Science behind

Honey is composed of fructose, glucose and carbohydrates, with water as the second most abundant component. The active compounds present in honey makes the hard work of bees so special, so let's talk about it.

Antioxidant compounds - The skin-protectors

Honey contains flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds have great relevance in honey's biological and functional activity. These antioxidant actives protect the cells from damage and reduce oxidative stress. They also protect collagen and lipids, and slow down visible aging.

Antimicrobial agents - Healing mechanisms

With a wide range of effects, honey is a powerful antimicrobial agent. Do you know, the main players of antimicrobial compounds is Hydrogen peroxide, Methylglyoxal found especially in Manuka honey, Bee defensin-1; this is added by bees. Honey can become a possible alternative antibacterial agent with promising therapeutic treatments in the medical setting.

Enzymes - The Active Factory

You know we bees are not just collecting the nectar, but we also add enzymes from our bodies to transform it into honey. Our most important helper is glucose oxidase, which quietly turns the honey into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It might sound a little too complicated, but this gives honey the most powerful antimicrobial strength; the ability to fight germs and keep things clean.

Amino acids, vitamins & minerals - The nutritionist

Our honey is packed with small amounts of amino acids like proline, Vitamin B and C and minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. You may think that they are present in small amounts but you will be surprised to know how big their role is! These nutrients help your skin stay active , healthy and support collagen production and promote tissue repair. It actually helps your skin health and renew itself.

Skincare benefits of Honey

Raw honey benefitrs for skin

Let's talk about beauty, since humans love glowing skin!

You know, raw honey when applied on skin has several benefits including reducing bacteria, exfoliating and speeding up the healing process. Such unique qualities of honey make it especially valuable in the cosmetic industry, such as, using it for clearing acne, fading of acne scars or evening out skin tone.

Let's take a deeper look! Raw honey shows promising results for various skin conditions such as:

Acne, psoriasis and eczema

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis. A 2017 study on the honey of the stingless bee found that raw honey has strong anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate the skin conditions.

Anti-aging effects

Humans love timeless beauty, what about we tell you that honey has the ability to help stop wrinkles from forming, keep the skin looking young and prevent infections on the skin that can accelerate aging.

Wound healing

Honey is known as the oldest wound-healing agent. The use of honey leads to improved wound healing in acute cases, pain relief in burn patients. Its anti-bacterial properties help stop the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, soothe the wound and heal them rapidly.

Hydration

Honey acts as a natural moisturizer that softens the skin. It is a humectant, a substance that attracts and holds water into water to help keep your skin hydrated.

The honey that has been filtered before bottling but hasn't undergone additional processing is raw in nature. Raw honey is richer in beneficial compounds than processed honey.

Haircare benefits of Honey

Raw Honey for hair

Flowers bloom under our care, and so will your hair. Your hair loves honey too and maybe more than your skin. Be ready to explore some amazing benefits of Honey for your haircare.

Hair growth

A 2013 study shows that honey can promote the growth of epithelial cells. The scalp is full of epithelial cells that make up the follicles and ducts so important for hair growth.

Hair conditioning

As we already told you earlier, honey acts as a natural moisturizer that can also help in keeping your hair conditioned and healthy. It also contains plenty of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.

Hair lightening

The enzyme, glucose oxidase present in honey, breaks down and leaves behind hydrogen peroxide which is capable of bleaching melanin, the pigment responsible for giving your hair colour. Honey is a natural alternative to harsh chemical bleaching treatment.

Hair shine

Honey has both emollient and humectant properties, making it a great hair moisturizer. Humectant adds moisture to dry strands and emollients smooth the hair follicles. The natural luster of your hair can be unlocked by using honey.

Hair breakage

You must be aware that protein treatment is so much in demand for hair care routines. But let me enlighten you with this information that Honey contains about 0.5% of protein which along with other vitamins and minerals present in it can be very beneficial for your hair breakage and smoothness.

The bottom line is that Honey is a great natural hair care product that can be used by itself or into other natural hair treatments.

Honey for different skin and hair type

By now you know various secrets of our golden nectar, so let's talk about how it sits on different skin and hair types. Honey has the ability to adapt according to your body's needs.

Skin Types

Dry skin - Honey is a natural hydrator, so when your skin feels dry and dull, the humectant sugars present in honey draws in moisture and locks it deep within your skin, leaving behind a radiant glow.

A gentle cleanser that cleans without stripping moisture.

Oily and combination skin - Since honey purifies the skin from within, its anti-bacterial and astringent powers help unclog pores and manage sebum levels while keeping the freshness of your skin alive.

A blend of honey & neem that balances oil and soothes breakouts.

Sensitive skin - Such types of skin are sensitive to many things, it flares up easily, so you will love how calming honey can be for your type. Its amino acids and minerals strengthen your skin barrier and ease irritation.

A natural formula perfect for delicate skin.

Hair Types

Dry or Frizzy hair - The sugar and minerals present in honey attract moisture to your strands that makes dryness and frizz disappear. Sealing the cuticle and giving that glossy and smooth finish.

A honey infused shampoo for hydration and strengthening.

Oily scalp - Because honey is enriched with anti-bacterial and sebum-balancing properties, it helps manage scalp oiliness.

Make your own Honey Skincare

Since now you are all well informed about the benefits of raw honey on skin, it's time to turn your home into a spa with just a few more ingredients. So get ready to explore different DIY recipes for honey skincare.

1 Honey sugar scrub

The classic honey sugar scrub that leaves behind a radiant glow with its exfoliating and antibacterial properties. Classic yet very effective!

Ingredients:

½ cup granulated sugar (white or brown, your choice!)

¼ cup raw honey

Squeeze a fresh lemon juice (it's optional)

The process of whipping

Mix: In a bowl, pour all the ingredients, and mix it until you achieve a golden textured mixture.

Scrub: Apply the mixture to your damp skin in gentle circular motions. The sugar will help remove the dead skin cells while the honey will work to moisturize and hydrate the skin.

Rinse: Wash off with water and pat your skin dry.

This scrub is packed with exfoliation, brightening and moisturizing benefits.

2 Honey & Turmeric face mask

Turmeric is rich with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, when mixed with honey this mask becomes a miracle for reducing acne and skin redness.

How to:

Prepare: Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Apply: Spread the paste evenly on your skin and let it settle for 20 minutes.

Rinse: Wash off with cool water, and use a gentle cleanser to wash off any yellow stain of the turmeric.

3 Honey, lemon & Baking Soda Face mask

Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight acne.

How to:

Prepare: 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon baking soda, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.

Apply: Gently apply the mask over the face and avoid the area around the eyes.

Rinse: Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and remove it with warm water.

4 Honey for hyperpigmentation

Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey , 1 tablespoon plain yogurt and ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and rinse it with warm water.

Honey can also be used with other ingredients like yogurt, coconut oil, aloe vera, avocado.

Precautionary notes

Since honey is a natural ingredient it generally does not cause any allergic reaction in most people. Use these remedies with caution if you have known allergic to:

Pollen
Celery
Bee venom

Always take a patch test before applying any product or DIY recipes on a small area of your skin to rule out any potential risk of reaction on your skin.

Make your Honey Haircare

Have you ever wondered what a spoon full of honey when blended with other herbs and ingredients can do to your hair? Let me tell you it can transform your dull, tired strands into soft, lively, lustrous looking hair. Let's explore some DIY rituals that bring salon-like results.

1 Honey hair mask

A very basic mask, it's well-suited to dry, damaged hair.

Ingredients:

½ cup of honey (use raw, organic honey)

¼ cup of olive oil

Stir the mixture well

Instructions:

1.Start with clean, damp hair.

2.Warm the mixture for 20 seconds

3.Let it slightly cool and then gradually apply from scalp to ends.

4. Massage gently, cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it for 30 minutes.

5. Rinse and wash your hair with shampoo

2 Scalp cleansing mask

This mask includes yogurt and coconut oil. The protein in yogurt can cleanse your scalp and also strengthen your hair.

Ingredients:

½ cup plain yogurt

3-4 tbsp honey

2 tbsp coconut oil

Mix the ingredients well and warm the mixture in a microwave for 15 seconds. Once cool, then add the yogurt and mix the ingredients well until it is well-blended.

Apply it on your hair and scalp and rinse it out of your hair.

3 Hair strengthening mask

This mask includes egg and coconut oil along with honey. High in protein content, this mask helps in making the hair less prone to breakage and damage.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 large egg (whisked)

Mix the coconut oil and honey together, gently warm the mixture, then add whisked egg in the mixture and stir it well. Once it is well-blended, apply the mixture to your hair and let it settle for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo your hair with lukewarm water or cool water to remove all the ingredients.

Precautionary notes

There's a very low risk associated with using these ingredients in a hair mask unless you are allergic to honey or oils.

If you warm the honey and oil in the microwave first, make sure it doesn't get too hot, if it gets too hot, wait till it gets warm or cool, and then apply the mask on your hair. So you're good to go now!

Nature's golden gift

From the Hive to your homes, this golden nectar is perfected by bees. Rich in antioxidants, enzymes and healing actives, it supports your skin, hair and overall wellness. Every drop of honey carries the efforts of thousands of wings and the blessings of nature's pure harmony.

Recommended Products

Shubhr Radiance Honey Moisturizing Face Wash with 15% Real Honey

Briganantadi Hair Fall Control Shampoo for dry dull & damaged hair

Shubhr Neem Face Wash for Acne Control & Oil Balancing

Kumkumadi Brightening Face Wash with Saffron for Non-Drying & Gentle Cleansing

Shubhr Plant based Niacinamide Under Eye Serum for Firming & Brightening

Niraa Madagascar Vanilla Body Wash for Women & Men | Tan Removal

References

EXTERNAL LINKS

https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/2933_pdf.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26645080_Topical_Application_of_Honey_in_The_Treatment_of_Wound_Healing_A_Metaanalysis

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/ayurvedic-rules-to-consume-honey-health-benefits-how-to-eat-dos-and-donts-101661671147297.html