7 Surprising Ways to Use Honey
By Kate Gardner
What is sweet, delicious, and incredibly sticky? Honey! It's not surprising that humans have been using honey in cooking for thousands of years. According to the WebMD article "All About Honey," beeswax has been found in cooking pots from 8000 B.C. and there are records that indicate ancient Egyptians kept bees. Today, honey is used in candies, cereals, and even beer and mead. Some bakers choose honey over sugar to sweeten their goods because of the possible nutrients honey provides that sugar does not. But did you know honey can be used for more than sweetening our treats? Read on to find out how you can include honey in your self-care routine!
Honey's Health Benefits - In WebMD's profile of the sticky substance, it is noted that honey may be effective in treating a number of health issues.
Research shows that honey added to bandages helps treat burns and certain types of wounds. It appears that the added honey helps clean wounds, reduce infection and pain, and decrease healing time. Medical grade honey can be purchased from drug stores if you want to add honey to your first-aid kit.
Did you ever take honey for a cough as a kid? It turns out taking honey before bedtime, reduces coughing in children 2 years and older, at least as well as dextromethorphan (the main ingredient in many cough suppressants). Remember, despite honey's wonderful health properties, it shouldn't be given to children less than 1-year-old.
Taking honey daily may also provide small decreases in cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Honey's Skin Benefits - Honey's attributes also make it great for your skincare! Women's Health lists many of the beauty benefits of honey.
Honey can be used to exfoliate the skin. Honey's sticky texture may help by removing dead skin cells that dull the complexion.
Wash your face with honey! Not only can it be very moisturizing, but it may also work to kill bacteria on the skin which can help manage acne complications.
Honey's Hair Benefits - Honey can also be great for your hair!
Use humectant honey to add moisture to your hair. Create a conditioner by thinning honey with water and applying to your hair.
Combine honey with a banana and olive oil to create a hair mask.
Clearly, honey is more than just a sweetener and has earned a place in your medicine cabinet and beauty bag!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, visit your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Valencia, Calif.