While delicious and one of the oldest forms of substance eaten by man, honey is also a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizer. Here are some non-foodie uses of honey.
With over 300 species of honey in the US alone, this sweet-tasting nectar is one of the oldest foods consumed by man. Its nutritional properties were recognized thousands of years ago, and honey has remained a mainstay in pantries all over the world. While some special and rare types of honey-like Manuka may be on everyone’s lips as the latest “superfood,” honey has, in fact, been used for much more than just sweetening for centuries.
- 1. Cough: Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 110 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.
- 2. Acid Reflux: Due to its viscosity, which coats the esophagus, honey helps prevent Gastroesophageal reflux.
- 3. Rehydration: Thanks to its nutritional value and antibacterial effects, it is used as a natural way to rehydrate the body following severe gastroenteritis, especially in children.
- 4. Hypoglycaemia: Honey can help regulate blood sugar levels due to the combination of fructose and glucose. Some types of honey have a low glycaemic index. This means when such honey is consumed, it will not spike your blood sugar level fast.
- 5. Combat acne: Due to its antibacterial properties, honey can be useful to attack the bacteria that cause breakouts while also drawing moisture to the skin. Dab a small amount onto blemishes, leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.
- 6. Skin lightener: Honey mixed with milk works wonders for ironing out fine lines and lightening the skin to a great deal.
- 7. Eye mask: A spoonful of honey may help fade dark circles and ease swelling under the eyes. Mix equal parts honey and almond oil, then apply as you would an eye cream before bed; rinse off in the morning.
- 8. Reverse cuticle damage: Coat your cuticles and nails with a mixture of raw honey and apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon each) to cleanse and soften. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off.
- 9. Reduce razor burn: Soothe the irritation caused by shaving mishaps by smearing a dab of raw honey over razor bumps post-shave. Rinse off after 10 to 15 minutes.
- 10. Moisturizing Bath: Take a leaf out of Cleopatra’s book and indulge in your very own honey bath. Dissolve 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw honey in 1 cup of hot water. Pour into a hot bath.
- 11. Soothe an itchy scalp: Honey helps combat an itchy scalp thanks to its anti-fungal properties. Dilute one tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of water and massage it into your scalp for two minutes; rinse with warm water after two hours. Repeat every other day until your scalp is flake-free.
- 12. Condition Hair: Raw honey is a humectant that locks in moisture. Revive dry, lackluster hair by thoroughly mixing in 1 teaspoon of raw honey with your shampoo. Lather up as usual and rinse well.