Why Warm Milk Helps us Sleep Better

We all know age-old wisdom to cure sleepless nights– drink a glass of warm milk, but few of us know why milk helps us sleep better. What is in milk that makes it bed-time bliss? Does this natural soother work all the time?

Milk contains tryptophan, one of the ten essential amino acids that human body needs to synthesize proteins to maintain good health. Tryptophan facilitates the production of nervous system messengers related to relaxation, restfulness, and sleep. It also raises the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter regulating our sleep patterns, appetite and mood. In order to deliver its soporific effect, tryptophan has to cross blood-brain barrier. It constantly competes with other amino acids to move across. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that consuming protein-rich foods like milk and turkey reduces tryptophan’s ability to enter the brain. If there is not enough tryptophan in the brain, how can we sleep better.

Luckily, eating carbohydrates stimulates the release of insulin, which makes tryptophan enter the brain more easily. Drinking a glass of warm milk before bed can be a soothing routine, what really maximizes the sedative function of milk is a diet including high carbohydrates. Some people always feel drowsy after drinking a glass of warm milk, even though they do not eat any carbohydrate. This may have something to do with placebo effect.

What You Don’t know about Your Sweet Honey

Although we were all born with silky and soft skin, the stress caused by climate changes, environmental pollution and the chemicals in skincare products wreak havoc upon our skin over course of years.

Fortunately, we can draw upon the properties of honey as a natural remedy to rescue dry, dull and damaged skin. Since the dry air that accompanies autumn tends to dehydrate skin, now is an ideal time to consider giving your skin a sweet treat.

Honey is a natural humectant that promotes the skin’s moisture retention. It is an anti-irritant used to for infants and for people who have sensitive skin. Cleopatra pampered herself with honey and milk baths to preserve her youthful appearance. Queen Anne of England applied a blend of honey and oil to her hair to maintain its luster and shine, while Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, used a secret recipe of honey water to wash hers. Chinese women blend honey and ground orange seeds to control blemishes. As you can see, the applications for honey have reached far and wide.

Honey contains alpha hydroxyl acid(AHA),which is added to body moisturizers for its exfoliation effect. Weekly exfoliation removes the dead cells of the outer layer of skin to reveal a fresh layer that appears more youthful and supple.

In addition to its aesthetic properties, honey has been scientifically proven to be an effective antimicrobial agent for the treatment of minor abrasions and burns. Preliminary studies suggest that it is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) ray damage and promotes its rejuvenation. Don’t be surprised to find honey among the ingredients of many moisturizers and sunscreen on the market.

Now that we have discussed the benefits of honey, here are some ways that you can use it to improve the health of your skin and hair. The following beauty methods require long-term application to deliver optimal results.

1. Honey Cleansing Scrub

Combine 6 finely ground almonds, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Gently rub the mixture onto your face for a minute, and rinse with warm water.

2. Honey Moisturizer

Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of milk. Smooth over your face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

3. Honey and Aloe Vera Eye Treatment

Mix together 1teaspoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of natural aloe vera juice. Gently circle it around the eyes and leave on for 15 minutes. Gently pat off with a cotton pad.

4. Honey Facial

Beat 1 egg yolk with a fork, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and blend well. Smear over your face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Then, massage skin for 5 minutes in an anti-gravity direction. Massage helps stimulate blood and energy circulation around the local area and increase skin’s elasticity. Rinse it off with warm water.

5. Honey Face-firming Mask

Mix 1 tablespoon honey, 2 egg whites, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and a litter flour to make a paste. Apply it on face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

6. Honey Night Lotion

Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ½ tablespoon of lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and areas with dry skin before you go to sleep. Leave it on throughout the night and wipe a warm towel in the morning.

7. Honey and Milk Bath

Add 1 cup of honey and 1/3 gallon of milk to bath water. Soak for 20 minutes and raise with warm water.

8. Honey Hair Conditioner

Stir 1 teaspoon of honey into 1 quart of warm water. If you have blonde hair, add ½ teaspoon lemon for juice. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair. Do not rinse. Let hair dry normally.

By following these cost-efficient and health-optimizing techniques for hair and skincare, we can promote the rejuvenated appearance of both. I know that the next time you grocery shopping there will be a container of honey in your cart. I wish you sweet success.