9 Unique Uses for Honey
We all know honey as the delicious and versatile sweetener that can be added to everything from chicken skewers to chocolate chip cookies. But did you know that honey is just as versatile outside of the kitchen as it is inside? It’s true. In celebration of National Honey Month, take a look at these 9 unique uses for honey – some you may already know, others you may have never thought of.
1. Help boost your energy. Pour a dollop of honey into your water bottle before heading to the gym. When you take a drink, you’ll not only get hydrated, you’ll be getting energized, because honey’s natural unrefined sugars are easily absorbed by the body meaning these simple carbohydrates are a great source of energy.
2. Soothe a sore throat. Sooner or later, everybody gets a scratchy, tight sore throat. Next time, trickle a spoonful of Sue Bee® honey down your throat for a sweet, slow and soothing feeling that will help you sleep through the night. You can also add honey to a cup of hot tea to do this, too!
3. Soothe a sunburn. For burns, mix together 1 teaspoon of Sue Bee® honey, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice and put it on the sunburned area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with water.
4. Draw a honey bath. Add 1/4 cup of Sue Bee® honey to your bath water for a fragrant, silky, relaxing bath.
5. Make your own lip balm. Help nourish chapped lips by combining honey, beeswax, olive oil and cocoa butter for a homemade lip balm. Lips are delicate and need a little extra attention.
6. Make your own facial cream. Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture directly to a blemish and hold for several minutes. Then use a cotton swab to dab honey on the blemish and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
7. Make your own moisturizer. Make a lotion by mixing together one teaspoon each of honey, vegetable oil and lemon juice. You can rub the lotion into hands, elbows, heels – anywhere that feels dry – and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse with water.
8. Help make your hair shinier. The sun and other elements can be tough on hair. Treat yours to a homemade hair shine: Stir 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. Add lemon if desired. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair. Don’t rinse; dry as usual.
9. Preserve your fruit. Honey can be used to help preserve fruits for longevity and is a great way to enjoy many different fruits when they are out of season. The preserved fruit makes for a great addition to yogurt or as a topping for ice cream. Try this recipe from Bake Then Eat to get started. It’s simple and quick while allowing your fruit to keep for up to six months!
