It's a Honey of a Spa!

The weekend is finally here and you find yourself in serious need of pampering. A trip to the spa just isn’t in this month’s budget – darn that price of gas! A perusal of the pantry for a sweet treat yields no relief. But does it? Take another look. Is that a pudgy honey-filled bear hiding back there? If so, you’re in luck. With just a few more simple ingredients, let your head-to-toe spa weekend begin.

Why honey? According to the National Honey Board, honey is a perfectly natural ingredient for all things spa. Honey itself is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. With its antimicrobial properties honey also acts as an anti-irritant, making it safe for babies and those with sensitive skin. Because of its overall wholesomeness, honey is used in soaps, lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, bath products and cosmetics.

Honey has been used as a beauty secret by women for centuries throughout the world. While Cleopatra’s milk and honey baths are now legendary, over on the other side of the world, Chinese women were keeping their skin blemish-free using a blend of honey and ground orange seeds. All the while, women of European aristocracy used secret concoctions of honey to keep their long hair soft and shiny and their skin smooth and supple.

For an easy skin softening bath, add 1/4 cup honey to your bath water. If you have more time and a few extra ingredients, try these recipes...