17 Unexpectedly Sweet Uses For Honey
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The average person consumes 1.3 pounds of honey per year in the United States. This sweet substance is perfect for flavoring your tea or baking, and even has a history of medicinal use. And when you catch a cold, tea and honey is your go-to drink.
However, we've rounded up 17 ways to use honey that you may not know about (including a DIY honey mouthwash)!
#1. Moisturize dry skin: Rub onto the dry area and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing off. This DIY honey heel scrub is also perfect for removing those post-summer rough patches.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#2. Repair damaged hair: Add a teaspoon of regular shampoo, or combine it with olive oil for a deeper conditioning treatment (let this soak in for 20 minutes with your hair wrapped in a towel before shampooing).
#3. Soothing bath: Use two tablespoons of honey to one cup of hot water along with two to three drops of lavender essential oil.
#4. Homemade facial: This DIY three-ingredient face mask uses ingredients you already have in your kitchen (lemons, avocados, and honey).
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#5. Thwart allergies: Consuming local raw honey will lessen your allergy attacks come springtime. The small amounts of pollen present in the honey helps your body build an immune response to the pollen.
#6. Stress-free sleep: Having trouble sleeping at night? Dab a little bit of honey on your tongue before going to bed.
#7. Mouthwash: If you hate the taste of store-bought mouthwash, make your own! This honey mint flavor is refreshing and leaves your mouth feeling clean.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#8. Treat eczema: Next time you get the urge to scratch the spot, mix equal parts honey and cinnamon and apply it to the itchy area.
#9. Boost immune system: You drink tea with honey for a cough or sore throat, so why not start earlier before you get sick? Since this naturally sweet product is good for your body, start your day off with a glass of warm water and one to two tablespoons of honey. For an extra health boost, add fresh lemon juice and a dash of cinnamon. This routine will keep the flu and common cold away.
#10. Tame indigestion: Take one to two tablespoons of honey before heavy meals.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#11. Make honey lemonade: It'll feel like Summer every day with this fresh and healthy drink.
#12. Cure hangovers: Add two tablespoons of honey into a glass of water, and drink. It'll help eliminate the toxic compounds resulting from the metabolism of the alcohol.
#13. Use on cuts, burns or bruises: Apply a thin layer to the spot. Honey is a natural antiseptic and will help your wounds heal faster!
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#14. Make chili honey butter: If you're tired of plain butter, this recipe packs a flavorful punch, and it's easy to make. This will be your go to condiment (sorry, ketchup).
#15. Sugar substitute: For those who are trying to cut back on sugar, honey is the perfect alternative.
#16. Honey lip balm: Sooth your chapped lips with this DIY rose petal lip balm. The honey in it makes it the perfect natural moisturizer.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#17. Boost athletic performance: Research shows that athletics who take honey compared to those who don't perform better in sports.