10 Incredible (and Surprising) Uses for Honey

Honey is full of benefits when consumed in reasonable amounts on a daily basis. However, the question often comes up of what else can honey be used for besides eating? Well here is a list of 10 amazing uses that help you unlock honey’s full potential! In order to capitalize on all the benefits of this sticky, delicious substance make sure your honey is raw.

1. Wound Care – Honey had antibacterial and antiseptic properties. When honey comes in contact with fluid from our bodies it will actually make a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The next time you get a small scratch, cut or burn try using honey as part of the wound dressing.
2. Cough Suppressant –  Honey has been shown to be as effective as some over the counter cough suppressants. In some countries in Europe honey is actually recognized as a medical treatment for cough. The next time you or your child is suffering from a cough try a spoonful of honey. You can also mix it with lemon and warm water or tea.
3. Facial Cleanser – Due to it’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties honey makes an excellent mild cleanser for your face. Honey is also hygroscopic meaning it will absorb water from the air and moisturize your skin. To use, warm a small amount of honey in your hands (teaspoon or two) and apply to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes then rise with warm water.
4. Sleep Aid – Honey helps stock the liver with glycogen which is reserve fuel for the brain. By taking a teaspoon of honey before bed you go to sleep with a full energy supply for your brain. If you find yourself waking too early in the morning it could be metabolic stress caused by low glycogen. You can also try our Moon Milk recipe for help sleeping.
5. Exfoliator – You can mix honey with used coffee grounds or used honey that has crystallized to create a face mask and scrub.
6. Dry Scalp Treatment – Studies have shown honey to be an effective treatment for dandruff and dry scalp. Use a mixture of 90% honey and 10% warm water and rub into your scalp for 2-3 minutes. Let the honey sit for 2-3 hours then rinse. Repeat every other day for two weeks, then once weekly.
7. Nausea and Indigestion – Take a tablespoon to counter indigestion or mix with ginger and lemon juice to aid with nausea
8. Skin Moisturizer – Again honey absorbs moisture from the air and puts it next to your skin. If you have some dry skin try mixing 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Rub into your skin and let sit for 15 minutes then gently rinse.
9. Sore Throat Treatment – Try mixing honey with lemon juice for sore throat relief or make yourself a Hot Toddy
10. Help with a Hangover – Honey contains fructose which helps your body metabolize alcohol as well as potassium which can help counteract some hangover effects. Add 1 teaspoon of honey along with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to a glass of warm water and drink slowly after waking up. Do this 2 more times throughout the day.

Honey is pretty amazing stuff! If you’re curious about how the bees make it read our blog post on How Honey is Made.