Honey Spa Recipes BY THE NATIONAL HONEY BOARD   Honey is nature's ultimate beauty product. Its antioxidant properties protect and rejuvenate the skin, while its hydrogen peroxide properties aid in cleansing. Honey also has humectant properties that trap and seal in moisture leaving skin soft and supple. These all-natural beauty products will help you unwind and de-stress. Nothing invigorates the weary like a little pampering. So take some time out and indulge in guiltless spa pleasure.  Cranberry Lip Gloss Protect sensitive lips from the drying elements with this simple yet rich lip balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine! 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil 10 fresh cranberries 1 teaspoon honey 1 drop of vitamin E oil Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. ( Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stovetop). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small amount onto your lips and remember to smile! Rose Oil & Honey Mask Rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Sweet almond oil, which is light and easily absorbed, softens and nourishes skin. Honey as natural humectant, moisturizes, leaving even tired skin incredibly smooth. Gather: 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil 5 drops essential oil of rose Mix honey, sweet almond oil and essential oil of rose. Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion. Rosemary Honey Hair Conditioner The extremes of heat and cold we endure throughout winter can make even the greatest of hair look and feel like straw. This nourishing conditioner blends honey for shine; olive oil for moisture and essential oil of rosemary to stimute hair growth. Gather: 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup warmed olive oil (2 tablespoons for normal to oily hair) 4 drops essential oil of rosemary 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (available in health food stores) Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight fitting stoppeer or lid. Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way. Gentle Honey Cleanser This cleanser is simple and effective. The soap gently cleans, the glycerin prevents drying and the honey not only softens the skin, but its antimicrobial properties can help ward off breakouts. A tough of honey is all you need for healthy, glowing skin. gather: 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon liquid soap 1/2 cup glycerin Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until they are fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle. Pour onto clean face sponge or soft cloth and gently rub onto face, wash away with warm water and pat face dry. Enjoy fresh radiant skin. Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath Banish the winter blahs and dissolve away the harshness of the day by relaxing in a soothing bath. Honey is nature's silky moisturizer and guaranteed to sweeten your mood! gather: 1 cup sweet almond oil (light olive oil may be substituted) 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup liquid soap (plain or flower scented) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Enough for four large luxurious baths. Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water -then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape. _______________________________________ Author: The National Honey Board: Visit http://www.honey.com for more beauty recipes, and delicious food recipes. Photo credit: The National Honey Board

• print this page