No doubt you like a spoonful in your tea or drizzled over your morning oatmeal, but honey is much more than a natural sweetener.
This primal elixir, prized by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, has long been used as medicine to heal and beautify the skin, calm inflammation in the body, and treat bacterial infections. However, not all honey is created equal. Skip the runny stuff in the plastic bear, which lacks nutrient-dense bee pollen. Instead, choose the cloudy, solid, raw, organic variety that’s rich in beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Here are a few new ways to use honey in your daily routine.
Bath soak
Honey is a natural humectant, a substance that reduces moisture loss. Simply add a few teaspoons to your next bath and soak in the softness.
Workout booster
Try a tablespoon before hitting the gym to improve performance or even make your own natural sports drink with honey. Next time you head to the gym, add 3 tablespoons of raw honey to a cup of hot water. Dissolve a pinch of sea salt and 2 tablespoons of lemon or lime juice. Dilute with distilled water in a sports bottle until desired sweetness is achieved. Can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Hangover helper
Did you overdo it last night? Honey to the rescue! Due to its antioxidants, honey neutralizes the toxins created by alcohol and helps the body metabolize it faster. Eat several spoonfuls when you wake up in the morning after a wild night. In fact, you might be able to avoid a hangover all together if you eat a spoonful of honey alone or spread on a piece of toast before you hit the hay.
Acne fighter
As a natural antimicrobial, honey can be used internally and externally to treat acne. For a simple yet effective face mask, mix two teaspoons of honey with the juice of half of a lemon. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Not only will this mask help heal existing pimples, it can help diminish acne scars as well.
Burn reliever
A natural antibiotic, honey has been used for thousands of years to speed up the healing process for mild burns, abrasions, and wounds. After running cold water over affected area for several minutes, apply a layer of honey to the wound. No need to apply a bandage. Honey acts as a natural barrier to bacteria.
Create infused honeys
Double the power of honey by infusing it with healing herbs. It couldn’t be easier! Take a clean mason jar, add an herb like fresh thyme or a cinnamon stick, pour honey over top and let rest for a week on your counter. Strain the honey and you’ve got a delicious topping for desserts, cheese, toast and more.
Lip balm
If you’re suffering from dry, cracked lips, try a bit of moisturizing honey. Simply apply raw honey directly to your lips throughout the day and before bedtime. You can also trying making your own beeswax lip balm.
Sleep aid
Honey contains a perfect ratio of fructose to glucose which provides energy for your brain and your liver while you sleep. Consuming a tablespoon of honey 30 minutes before bedtime may help you sleep deeper and more restfully all night long.
Throat soother
If you have a scratchy throat and cough, honey can help speed up your recovery. Because of its antiseptic properties, honey can fight infection and reduce inflammation and swelling. Plus, its thick consistency acts as a “throat coat” that reduces painful soreness. Simply dissolve a few tablespoons of honey into a cup of hot water or herbal tea and drink several times daily or try this homemade ginger-honey beverage for even more immunity-boosting benefits.
