15 Alternative Uses For Honey

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

When you think of honey, my guess is that you think happy things. Honey bees, sunshine and smiles – these are all things that come to mind when I think of honey.

As you probably know, honey is made by bees from their own internal digestion (and regurgitation) of flower nectar. This is stored as a food source in wax honeycombs that are formed within the beehive. With about the same relative sweetness as that of granulated sugar, honey has a long history of human consumption, going back as far as ancient Egypt. Even back then it was used to sweeten cakes and biscuits.

What you may not know is that there are many other uses for honey – other than consumption, that is. Today, I would like to share 15 alternative uses of honey that were compiled by my friend, “Above Average” Joe Marshall at Survival Life.

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15 Alternative Uses for Honey

Aside from being a tasty snack that never expires, honey can be used for a variety of home and health-related applications.

Here are 15 alternative uses for honey that you may have never thought of:

Antiseptic

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and the appearance of scars.

Liquid Allergy Pill

Though still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of locally harvested honey is said to strengthen your immune system and work to reduce any allergies you have to plant pollen. I’ve tried it and while I still keep my Alavert on hand in the spring I have noticed an improvement.

Skin Moisturizer

Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so it can be used by people with sensitive skin. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, you can use it as a hand and body lotion or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin.

Acne Remover

Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer but it is certainly tough on acne. With constant exposure to the bee fluid, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face. Cover them with adhesive bandages. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.

Energy Booster

Why buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey? Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll be healthy and quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.

Improves Blood Flow

Honey, being rich in glucose, is known to improve the blood flow through the fortification of blood’s formation. Glucose provides energy in the bloodstream, which is distributed throughout the body. As a result, the blood produced has the proper consistency, flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. Glucose is believed to prevent capillary damage due to its ability to improve your blood flow.

Substitute Honey for Sugar in Baking

For every cup of sugar a recipe calls for, replace it with 3/4 cup of honey. For best results, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce another liquid in your recipe by 1/4 cup. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.

Relax in the tub

Add a few tablespoons of honey to your bath, for sweeter smelling, softer feeling water. It’s a little secret I use when running a bath for my wife.

Preserve fruit

Jam is so five years ago; show you’re truly cutting edge by preserving your fruits in a honey sauce. All it takes is one part honey to ten parts water and then covering your berries. Pretty much the closest you’re ever going to get to bottled summer.

Treatment for Sore Throat

Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Just continue to make more rounds until you are finally free from colds.

Remedy for Burns

A burn is not only painful, the marks also last for a good number of days before healing up. By applying honey on your burn, the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation. As a result, the burn marks will heal in a few days with less pain. Use honey as a dressing for maximum results.

Antibacterial Solution

Bacteria and germs won’t survive when covered in honey, given its acidic pH balance and viscous base. The microorganisms will be trapped in the sticky acidic base, which is too abrasive for their exteriors, killing them off eventually. Apply honey on a wound, scratches or an inflamed region, in conjunction with an antiseptic. You’ll be surprised at how fast your injury heals.

Relaxant for Anxiety and Nervousness

Anxiety and nervousness are the enemies of a healthy mind and in any situation, especially when you are in survival mode, you need to be clear headed and calm. Honey’s nutrients produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. No wonder some consider it a part of the breakfast of champions. Honey can also be mixed with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep.

Condition Damaged Hair

Simply add a teaspoon of honey to your regular shampoo. This will smooth your damaged locks. You can also combine it with olive oil for a deeper conditioning. Let it soak for 20 minutes with your hair wrapped in a towel before shampooing as usual.

Remove Parasites

I have never had to do this and Hopefully you’ll never have to use this trick either. I have seen many different articles stating that honey works well to remove parasites. The recipe seems simple enough: combine equal parts honey, vinegar and water. Then drink. The combination of these three ingredients is supposedly the perfect parasite killer.

The Final Word

I have not tried all of these uses myself, but can definitely attest to the use of honey as a treatment for sore throat. Shoot, I don’t think I know a single person who at one time or another did not have Mom or Nana mix up a brew of tea, lemon and honey to sooth the symptoms of a cough, cold or sore throat.

So how about you? Can you suggest some additional uses for honey?

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

Further articles by Gaye Levy:

About Gaye Levy

Gaye Levy, also known as the Survival Woman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and has moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State. She lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com.

At Backdoor Survival, Gaye speaks her mind and delivers her message of prepping with optimism and grace, regardless of the uncertain times and mayhem swirling around us.

You can find Gaye through her website at Backdoor Survival, on the Backdoor Survival Page on Facebook, and as Survival Woman on Twitter.

About ‘Above Average’ Joe: I am just an average guy with a passion for learning. I am excited to share the things I learn with you but I am most interested in learning from you. Thank you, Gaye, for inviting me to share the Survival Life with your readers!

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