1. Wash your face with it. When I started using raw honey as a face wash, my skin issues cleared up and my pores got smaller. Replace your factory-processed face wash with honey, and not only will your skin look better, but you'll save money too. Just remember to use raw honey or the beneficial antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that heal your skin will be lost through the pasteurization process.
2. Use it as topical antibiotic cream. We all know that hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning out cuts and scrapes, but did you know that raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide? When you apply honey to a cut, the glucose gradually releases the hydrogen peroxide onto the area. Because of honey's natural antimicrobial properties, it can be used like Neosporin to treat cuts, scrapes and burns. Honey is also a natural anti-inflamatory, so it will help reduce swelling around the injured skin. I cover a burn or scrape with honey, apply a band aide over it and let that liquid gold do its work. My skin heals faster and I experience less scarring.
3. Put it in your hair. No really, do it. I know it sounds like a trick, but when I add honey to the ends of my (verrry long hair), I get a conditioning boost and my hair is less frizzy. I used to pay around $9 for a bottle of anti-frizz serum to do this. Not anymore!
4. Make an energy drink. Feeling tired or run down is something we all experience. Give yourself a pick-me-up by mixing approximately one tablespoon with one cup of warm water or tea. You'll find some extra energy in no time and you won't have any caffeine jitters. Don't have time to carry or mix a drink? Just take one teaspoon of honey, preferably under your tongue, and you'll get a boost!
5. Stockpile. Did you know honey never goes bad? As long as it's stored in a closed container and unpasteurized, it will last forever. Stock up and prepare for the end of days, or just have it on hand as a survival food.
6. Put it on your lips. I love the way honey sooths and heals my chapped lips. I apply it either plain or blended with some coconut oil or shea butter. Sure makes me happy to not have to spend $10 for a similar variation at the store just because it's natural.
7. Treat colds & cure sore throats. Try SML's Cough & Cold Cure in our Healthy Holiday article. We use this at our house at the first sign of sickness and it never fails. Soothing sore throats and calming coughs, this is our go-to (and only) remedy for colds. Local? Contact us and we'll make a batch for you!
8. Control odors. Honey naturally absorbs odors and offensive smells. Use it on stinky feet or underarms to reduce unpleasant odor.
9. Take it to sleep. Unadulterated honey, or honey in it's natural state, is high in tryptophan and potassium. Together, they sooth the brain and nerves. Honey is thought to interrupt a neuro-transmitter in the brain called orexin.
10. Treat hypoglycemia. I suffer from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. I have to prick my finger and test my blood regularly and if it's below 70 mg/dL, I'm supposed to "take action" by consuming hard candy, glucose tablets, soda or milk. Between my allergies and refined sugars, those options don't really sound appealing to me. But a spoonful of honey, under my tongue, helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms like headache, nausea and shakiness.
{I am not, and do not claim to be, a medical professional. Nothing in this article should be construed as medical advice. }
Do you use honey at your house? Share some of your uses in the comments!
Wellness Wednesday 1-23-13
These are unconventional uses - most I haven't heard of before! I'll have to try it out. Thanks for linking this post up with Wellness Wednesdays :)
ReplyDeleteTruly said, I am too using honey in daily usage. But now a days I have started using natural sweetener which is a substitute of sugar or honey.
ReplyDeletelow calorie sweeteners