‘Soap dissolves the fat membrane of the virus – and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and dies'
Viruses
can be active outside the body for hours, even days. Disinfectants,
liquids, wipes, gels and creams containing alcohol are all useful at
getting rid of them – but they are not quite as good as normal soap.
Health authorities have been giving us two messages: once you have the virus there are no drugs that can kill it or help you get rid of it. But also, wash your hands to stop the virus spreading. This seems odd. You can’t, even for a million dollars, get a drug for the coronavirus – but your grandmother’s bar of soap kills the virus.
So why does soap work so well on the Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus and indeed most viruses? The short story: because the virus is a self-assembled nanoparticle in which the weakest link is the lipid (fatty) bilayer. Soap dissolves the fat membrane and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and dies – or rather, we should say it becomes inactive as viruses aren’t really alive.
The slightly longer story is that most viruses consist of three key building blocks: ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins and lipids. A virus-infected cell makes lots of these building blocks, which then spontaneously self-assemble to form the virus. Critically, there are no strong covalent bonds holding these units together, which means you do not necessarily need harsh chemicals to split those units apart. When an infected cell dies, all these new viruses escape and go on to infect other cells. Some end up also in the airways of lungs.
When you cough, or especially when you sneeze, tiny droplets from the airways can fly up to 10 metres. The larger ones are thought to be the main coronavirus carriers and they can go at least two metres.
These tiny droplets end on surfaces and often dry out quickly. But the viruses remain active. Human skin is an ideal surface for a virus. It is “organic” and the proteins and fatty acids in the dead cells on the surface interact with the virus.
When you touch, say, a steel surface with a virus particle on it, it will stick to your skin and hence get transferred on to your hands. If you then touch your face, especially your eyes, nostrils or mouth, you can get infected. And it turns out that most people touch their face once every two to five minutes.
Washing the virus off with water alone might work. But water is not good at competing with the strong, glue-like interactions between the skin and the virus. Water isn’t enough. Soapy water is totally different. Soap contains fat-like substances known as amphiphiles, some of which are structurally very similar to the lipids in the virus membrane. The soap molecules “compete” with the lipids in the virus membrane. This is more or less how soap also removes normal dirt from the skin.
The soap not only loosens the “glue” between the virus and the skin but also the Velcro-like interactions that hold the proteins, lipids and RNA in the virus together.
Alcohol-based products, which pretty much includes all “disinfectant” products, contain a high-percentage alcohol solution (typically 60-80% ethanol) and kill viruses in a similar fashion. But soap is better because you only need a fairly small amount of soapy water, which, with rubbing, covers your entire hand easily. Whereas you need to literally soak the virus in ethanol for a brief moment, and wipes or rubbing a gel on the hands does not guarantee that you soak every corner of the skin on your hands effectively enough.
So, soap is the best, but do please use alcohol-based sanitiser when soap is not handy or practical.
USES OF HONEY AND ITS' PROPERTIES
Here’s how you can use honey for your skin every day.
-If you have an acne breakout, you can get rid of them using honey. Gently dab honey on the acne-affected area. You can also mix it with tea tree or lavender oil for an extra boost.
-Use a mix of honey and coconut/jojoba oil as a skin cleanser. It not only loosens the makeup but also acts as a moisturizer
-For dry skin, mix honey, vegetable oil and lemon juice and apply on the skin. Leave for 10 minutes and wash off.
Medicinal use
Honey has been used to treat a wide array of illnesses, ailments, and injuries.It can be mixed with other remedies and consumed or rubbed onto the skin. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have attempted to use honey as a remedy for the following:
- stress
- weakness
- sleep disturbance
- vision problems
- bad breath
- teething pain, in children over a year old
- cough and asthma
- hiccups
- stomach ulcers
- diarrhea and dysentery
- vomiting
- bedwetting and frequent urination
- high blood pressure
- obesity
- jaundice
- hangover relief
- eczema and dermatitis
- burns, cuts, and wounds
- arthritis
Honey is sometimes touted as a cosmetic solution for cracked, dry, pimply, or clogged skin.
New uses for honey
Want to start reaping the many health and beauty benefits honey has
to offer? Check out the favourite uses for honey below - you're going to
love them!
1. Make a honey & egg hair mask
Egg? Yes, egg! You only need 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to make a super-nourishing hair mask.
Put all your ingredients together in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture to your hair, cover with a shower cap and leave to soak in for around 30 minutes then shampoo with cold water. Take care not to use hot water, or the eggs will scramble!
2. Use as an after-shaving treatment
Does your skin feel aggravated after shaving? Honey is super soothing and can help calm irritated skin.Head to the kitchen cupboard, grab the honey and apply a layer to the skin. Let it dry and then rinse it off with cold water. The swelling will be reduced and the skin will be moisturised. Give it a whirl if your legs feel irritated.
3. Moisturise cuticles
Mix 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar together with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 tsp of honey, then massage into each cuticle. Leave your nails to rest for up to 10 minutes before washing with warm water to enjoy nourished and soft cuticles!
4. Cure dark lips
Have you been on a lovely holiday in the sun recently? Lips can too!If your lips have suffered sun exposure then you can cure dark lips with honey. Apply directly to lips before bed and leave overnight - just try not to lick it off before it has a chance to work its magic!
5. Eat honey before exercise
Tucking into spoonful of honey before a workout will help release a slow and steady stream of glucose into your blood, resulting in an added energy boost.
It can help during exercise too, by preventing your muscles from getting fatigued. Keep them nourished and supple by drinking some water with honey in it.
6. Lighten your hair with honey
Lovers of natural beauty have discovered many amazing ways to replace harmful products over the years, and today we're showing you how you can lighten your hair with honey.
Watch the video above to learn how to get lighter hair that shimmers and shines using all natural ingredients - honey, cinnamon and olive oil.
7. Honey for hay fever
Many folks believe that a spoonful of local honey helps to relieve symptoms of hay fever.
Supposedly local honey helps develop immunity against the allergy by desensitising you to pollen.
8. Treat a mild burn
Honey's anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it an ideal DIY burn treatment.If you've burned yourself a little, first run it under cold water from the tap for five minutes to cool down the area. After, pour over manuka medicinal honey or organic raw honey and then dress the burn. Change the dressing once a day.
9. Prevent a hangover with honey
After a heavy night out, have a few spoonfuls of honey with some hot water before you go to bed. The sugar will help the body to metabolise and prevent sudden changes in blood sugar levels, as well as help the alcohol metabolism processes.
10. Dandruff treatment
Embarrassed about your dandruff? There are many causes of dandruff, but thankfully, just as many remedies.Heal with food has a wonderful recipe for treating pesky dandruff. Using 6 cloves of garlic and 7 tbsp of organic honey, you can make a fantastic mask for your hair that will work to banish garlic.
11. Treat a sore throat with honey
Add a tablespoon of honey to some warm milk and mix well. Your throat will be moisturised by the milk and soothed by the honey. Drink this mixture throughout the day and enjoy relief from your annoying sore throat and cough.
12. Treat acne
With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is an ideal treatment for acne. Try eating more of it in your diet, or applying it to your problem areas.We found a Natural Face Wash from Amazon which uses Manuka Honey and Aloe Vera and is great for acne, eczema, psoriasis and more - why not give it a go and see what honey can do for your face today?
13. Nausea remedy
If you've been feeling a little sick, reach for that trusty pot of honey. Honey and ginger work wonders for nausea!
Cut peeled ginger root into small pieces and stir into boiling water. Boil this for five minutes and then add honey to taste to make a sort of tea. Stir and drink - yum!
14. Put it in the bath
Honey can have an amazing effect on the skin, making it softer and smoother than ever.Add a tablespoon of honey in some warm water and give it a good stir, then transfer the mixture to a nice warm bath. Honey is full of antioxidants and your skin will love it.
15. Treat acne scars
Not only can honey help with acne, but it can also help with acne scars. Home remedies for life have created an amazing list of methods (all including honey) for you to try.16. Nourish dry skin
We already know that honey is a great moisturiser, so if you're suffering from dry elbows or knees in the winter then reach for your trusty pot.
After a bath or shower, rub some honey into your elbows and leave for half an hour. Rinse off and enjoy your soft skin.
17. Heal wounds
There are still a couple more uses for honey to come, and this is one of our favourites!Honey's antibacterial properties and thick consistency make it ideal for applying to wounds. It will prevent dirt from getting in and also keep skin from sticking to dressings.
18. Honey face mask
This is because honey's antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can be extremely beneficial for skin. It also works to moisturise and soothe skin to leave it soft and supple.
Properties
According to
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient
Database, one tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, 17.3 grams (g)
of sugar, and 0 g of fiber, fat, and protein.Choosing honey over refined and processed sugar may lead to long-term health benefits. Honey is known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing effects.
It is made up of glucose, fructose, and minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium, and magnesium.
Below is a typical honey profile, according to Bee Source:
- Fructose: 38.2 percent
- Glucose: 31.3 percent
- Maltose: 7.1 percent
- Sucrose: 1.3 percent
- Water: 17.2 percent
- Higher sugars: 1.5 percent
- Ash: 0.2 percent
- Other: 3.2 percent
The physical properties of honey vary depending on the specific flora used in its production, as well as its water content.
HONEY: ITS' FACTS AND BENEFITS
The flavor of a particular type of honey will vary based on the types of flower from which the nectar was harvested.
Both
raw and pasteurized forms of honey are available. Raw honey is removed
from the hive and bottled directly, and as such will contain trace
amounts of yeast, wax, and pollen. Consuming local raw honey is believed
to help with seasonal allergies, due to repeated exposure to the pollen
in the area. Pasteurized honey has been heated and processed to remove
impurities.
Honey
has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and glucose, and it
contains about 70 to 80 percent sugar, which provides its sweetness.
Honey also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Modern medical
science has managed to find uses for honey in chronic wound management
and combating infection.
This MNT Knowledge Center article includes a brief history of honey in traditional medicine and explains some of its potential health benefits.
Fast facts on honey
- Honey is linked to wound-healing properties and antibacterial action.
- It has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years.
- Honey can replace sugar in meals, providing a healthier option. However, they can also add browning and excess moisture to a dish.
- Do not give honey to children under 12 months old.
10 Surprising Health Benefits of Honey
Since ancient times, honey has been used as both a food and a medicine.
It's very high in beneficial plant compounds and offers several health benefits. Honey is particularly healthy when used instead of refined sugar, which is 100% empty calories.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of honey.1. Honey Contains Some Nutrients
Honey is a sweet, thick liquid made by honeybees.
The bees collect sugar — mainly the sugar-rich nectar of flowers — from their environment.
Once inside the beehive, they repeatedly consume, digest and regurgitate the nectar.
The end product is honey, a liquid that serves as stored food for bees. The smell, color and taste depend on the types of flowers visited.
Nutritionally, 1 tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose.
It contains virtually no fiber, fat or protein.
It also contains trace amounts — under 1% of the RDI — of several vitamins and minerals, but you would have to eat many pounds to fulfill your daily requirements.
Where honey shines is in its content of bio active plant compounds and antioxidants. Darker types tend to be even higher in these compounds than lighter types.
Summary Honey is thick, sweet liquid made by honeybees. It is low in vitamins and minerals but may be high in some plant compounds.
High-quality honey contains many important antioxidants. These include organic acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids.2. High-Quality Honey Is Rich in Antioxidants
Scientists believe that the combination of these compounds gives honey its antioxidant power.
Interestingly, two studies have shown that buckwheat honey increases the antioxidant value of your blood.
Antioxidants have been linked to reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and some types of cancer. They may also promote eye health.
Summary Honey contains a number of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds like flavonoids.
The evidence on honey and diabetes is mixed.3. Honey Is "Less Bad" Than Sugar for Diabetics
On one hand, it can reduce several risk factors for heart disease common in people with type 2 diabetes.
For example, it may lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammation while raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
However, some studies have found that it can also increase blood sugar levels — just not as much as refined sugar.
While honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should still be consumed with caution.
In fact, people with diabetes may do best by minimizing all high-carb foods.
Keep in mind, too, that certain types of honey may be adulterated with plain syrup. Although honey adulteration is illegal in most countries, it remains a widespread problem.
Summary Some studies show that honey improves heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes. However, it also raises blood sugar levels — so it cannot be considered healthy for people with diabetes.
Blood pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease, and honey may help lower it.4. The Antioxidants in It Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
This is because it contains antioxidant compounds that have been linked to lower blood pressure.
Studies in both rats and humans have shown modest reductions in blood pressure from consuming honey.
Summary Eating honey may lead to modest reductions in blood pressure, an important risk factor for heart disease.
High LDL cholesterol levels is a strong risk factor for heart disease.5. Honey Also Helps Improve Cholesterol
This type of cholesterol plays a major role in atherosclerosis, the fatty buildup in your arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Interestingly, several studies show that honey may improve your cholesterol levels.
It reduces total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while significantly raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
For example, one study in 55 patients compared honey to table sugar and found that honey caused a 5.8% reduction in LDL and a 3.3% increase in HDL cholesterol. It also led to modest weight loss of 1.3%.
Summary Honey seems to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. It leads to modest reductions in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
Elevated blood triglycerides are another risk factor for heart disease.6. Honey Can Lower Triglycerides
They are also associated with insulin resistance, a major driver of type 2 diabetes.
Triglyceride levels tend to increase on a diet high in sugar and refined carbs.
Interestingly, multiple studies have linked regular honey consumption with lower triglyceride levels, especially when it is used to replace sugar.
For example, one study comparing honey and sugar found 11–19% lower triglyceride levels in the honey group.
Summary Elevated triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Several studies show that honey can lower triglyceride levels, especially when used as a sugar substitute.
Again, honey is a rich source of phenols and other antioxidant compounds. Many of these have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.7. The Antioxidants in It Are Linked to Other Beneficial Effects on Heart Health
They may help the arteries in your heart dilate, increasing blood flow to your heart. They may also help prevent blood clot formation, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Furthermore, one study in rats showed that honey protected the heart from oxidative.
All told, there is no long-term human study available on honey and heart health. Take these results with a grain of salt.
Summary The antioxidants in honey have been linked to beneficial effects on heart health, including increased blood flow to your heart and a reduced risk of blood clot formation.
Topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds and burns since ancient Egypt and is still common today.8. Honey Promotes Burn and Wound Healing
A review of 26 studies on honey and wound care found honey most effective at healing partial-thickness burns and wounds that have become infected after surgery.
Honey is also an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, which are serious complications that can lead to amputation.
One study reported a 43.3% success rate with honey as a wound treatment. In another study, topical honey healed a whopping 97% of patients’ diabetic ulcers.
Researchers believe that honey’s healing powers come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects as well as its ability to nourish surrounding tissue.
What's more, it can help treat other skin conditions, including psoriasis and herpes lesions.
Manuka honey is considered especially effective for treating burn wounds.
Summary When applied to the skin, honey can be part of an effective treatment plan for burns, wounds and many other skin conditions. It is particularly effective for diabetic foot ulcers.
Coughing is a common problem for children with upper respiratory infections.9. Honey Can Help Suppress Coughs in Children
These infections can affect sleep and quality of life for both children and parents.
However, mainstream medications for cough are not always effective and can have side effects. Interestingly, honey may be a better choice, and evidence indicates it is very effective.
One study found that honey worked better than two common cough medications.
Another study found that it reduced cough symptoms and improved sleep more than cough medication .
Nevertheless, honey should never be given to children under one year of age due to the risk for botulism .
Summary For children over one year of age, honey can act as a natural and safe cough suppressant. Some studies show that it is even more effective than cough medicine.
Honey is a delicious, healthier alternative to sugar.10. It's Delicious, But Still High in Calories and Sugar
Make sure to choose a high-quality brand, because some lower-quality ones may be mixed with syrup.
Keep in mind that honey should only be consumed in moderation, as it is still high in calories and sugar.
The benefits of honey are most pronounced when it is replacing another, unhealthier sweetener.
At the end of the day, honey is simply a "less bad" sweetener than sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
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