Honey, a sweet golden liquid food produced by bees, has been long hailed for its health benefits since its discovery. But the sticky, yet delicious substance can be used for even more than you might realize! From elevating your beauty routine to soothing a dog’s stomach, there are many reasons to keep a jar on hand. Below you’ll find 13 uses for honey that will give your life and home a boost!
1. Freshen breath in a pinch with honey
The next time you run out of mouthwash, try using honey instead. Just combine 1 Tbs. of honey with 1 cup of warm water in a small bowl, then gargle the mixture for 30 seconds. Spit and rinse your mouth out with water. Honey contains antiseptic agents that eliminate the plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to unpleasant breath.
2. Eliminate an ant problem using honey
No matter what you do, it seems like an army of ants finds its way into your home. A cost effective way to get rid of them: Mix 1 Tbs. of honey and 2 tsp. of borax; place onto small cardboard pieces and set in areas where you’ve seen the bugs. (Note: Keep away from children and pets.) Ants will be attracted to the honey and carry it — along with the borax, which is toxic to them — back to their nests. (Click through for more ways to get rid of ants).
3. Heal a scrape naturally thanks to honey
If you’ve got a minor cut or scrape and can’t find antibiotic ointment, reach for honey. Just wash and dry the area, apply a thin coat of honey and cover with a bandage. Propolis, an antibacterial compound found in honey, kills germs that could contribute to an infection. Plus, the honey retains water molecules to ensure your skin stays moist.
4. Honey can tame an overly spicy salsa
You’re famous for your homemade salsa, but when you give your latest batch a taste test, you find it’s spicier than you anticipated. To cut down on the heat, stir a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lime juice into the salsa. Honey’s sugar combined with lime’s citric acid will help cut down on the heat from the peppers, ensuring your salsa will be a hit!
5. Honey will reveal a radiant complexion
A spa-inspired way to pamper your skin: Combine 2 tbs. of honey and 1 tsp. of ground cinnamon and spread over your clean face; rinse off after 15 minutes. “Thanks to its robust antimicrobial and antioxidative properties, honey is our secret weapon to naturally cleanse the skin while providing a vital boost of hydration,” shares Stacey Tapping, CEO and owner at Beauty Sculpting Room. “This royal nectar revives tired skin cells, slows down wrinkle formation and enhances overall skin radiance — a perfect solution for those seeking a youthful glow without introducing harsh chemicals.”
6. Lift dark stains from clothing with honey
For a surefire way to keep a stain like cranberry sauce from setting on a shirt, rinse the area with warm water as soon as possible. Then cover the mark with a thin layer of honey and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the shirt again and launder as usual. Honey works like an oxidizer to break down even dark food stains so they come out in the wash.
7. Honey can take the itch out of bug bites
You feel quite rejuvenated after taking a weekend hike. The bad news? You wake up the next morning covered in itchy bug bites. What can help: Rub a small amount of honey onto each bite. Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe irritated skin so you won’t want to scratch. To learn more, watch the TikTok from @coxshoneyqueen below:
@coxshoneyqueen Honey gives relief to bug and mosquito bites! #honey #bugbite #mosquitobite #relief #itchy
8. Treat a dog’s tummy troubles with honey
Fido enjoyed a few too many treats again and now appears to be dealing with yet another stomachache. The simple way to make him feel better again: Just grab a small spoonful of honey and allow him to lick it all off. It contains enzymes that work to aid digestion, so his tummy trouble will be a thing of the past in no time. (Click through for more foods good for a dog’s upset stomach).
9. Remove unwanted hair naturally with honey
Skip chemical-laden wax products to nix pesky hairs that pop up. Instead, mix ¼ cup of honey, 1 cup of sugar and the juice of half a lemon in a bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Let cool to room temperature, then use a clean Popsicle stick to spread onto hair. Once it hardens, use your fingers to pull the formula off in the opposite direction of hair growth. The mix will bind to the hair, not the skin, for easy removal.
10. Ensure fresh-cut flowers last thanks to honey
Few things brighten your day quite like a stunning arrangement made from blooms in your garden. To help the flowers last as long as possible: Add 1 Tbs. each of honey and vinegar to the vase every time you change the water. Sugar in the honey provides nourishment, while acid in the vinegar kills off wilt-causing bacteria. Your flowers will thrive for days!
11. Honey can help you feel more alert in a blink
The next time you need to power through your to-do’s, but are feeling a bit sluggish, reach for some honey. “The carbohydrates in honey provide a quick source of energy, making it a popular choice for athletes and those in need of a quick energy boost,” says Samael A. Tejada, functional medicine expert and president/founder at Liquivida. “Just enjoy a tablespoon of it for a fast pick-me-up!”
12. Revitalize dry, damaged cuticles with honey
Give your nails a little TLC with a DIY honey treatment. To do: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp. of honey, 1 tsp. of aloe vera juice and 1 Tbs. of olive oil. Stir well, then massage onto your cuticles and under your fingernails. Leave in place for 4 to 5 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. The honey helps soften rough skin and cuticles, the aloe vera reduces inflammation and the olive oil moisturizes.
13. Preserve fresh fruit by using honey
To enjoy the flavor of raspberries, peaches and plums for months, try preserving them with honey; its earthy flavor pairs well with summer fruit. An easy recipe: Mix 3 pounds of peeled, chopped fruit, 1 cup of honey and the juice of a lemon in a saucepan; cook 30 minutes, stirring. Ladle into sterilized glass jars and set in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Store in the pantry or freeze for up to 6 months. (Need to know low glycemic fruits? Find out which are best!)
This article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.
14. Stop a cough using honey
Next time you’re dealing with a nasty cough, enjoy a spoonful of honey! Research shows it’s even more effective than over-the-counter cough syrups at curing a lingering cough. Why? Honey is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, plus it forms a film that calms irritation in delicate throat tissue.
Content in this article originally appeared in the print edition of FIRST for Women
