5 Ways to Use Honey Other Than in the Kitchen

Honey has been around for many millennia. It is as old as written history, and probably even older. It was known to ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, and Babylonians and the first trace of humans cultivating bees for honey has been recorded in 2,400 BC. In its original form, honey was the first and most widely spread sweetener used by humankind. Aptly dubbed “liquid gold”, honey used to be difficult to make, and so it was considered precious and was often used as a tribute or a peace offering.

Throughout time, people discovered the properties of honey were not only good for sweetening meals and beverages. In fact, it has been used for its healing properties for over 5,000 years! Ancient Egyptians used it to treat wounds and it played a vital part in Ayurvedic medicine, too. Cleopatra herself used honey in her beauty treatments!

Today, we’ll take a look at 5 ways to use honey other than in your kitchen.

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1. Honey Face Mask

Did you know honey is extremely beneficial for your skin? It is full of antioxidants which help your skin stay fresh and healthy and it is also naturally antibacterial, providing a soothing and moisturizing effect.

Easy DIY nourishing face mask:

Mix one tablespoon of raw honey (eg. locally-made Drizzle Honey or Peace River Honey) with your favourite essential oil (PRO TIP: lavender is used for its calming effect; lemon makes your skin radiant and revitalized; Patchouli clarifies your face)
Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (eg. Astro Plain Yogurt)
Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Clean with a warm washcloth.

2. Home-made Lip Balm

You can never win with Canadian weather, especially in Alberta! Summers are scorching hot and extremely dry and winters…well, let us not even talk about winters. Either way, your lips are most likely suffering and need to be moisturized thoroughly. If you are one of those people who don’t leave the house without a lip balm, this one is for you! You can easily make this at home with minimum effort and you will know exactly what went into your lip balm. AND you can tweak it according to your own taste.

Here’s how to make your own honey lip balm at home. You’ll need:

1 tablespoon of coconut oil
2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
1/2 teaspoon shea butter
1/4 teaspoon of honey
3 drops of your favourite essential oil

Mix the coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter in a glass bowl placed in a saucepan partially filled with water and let the mixture melt over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and place in a large bowl filled with icy water. Once the substance cools down a little bit, add honey and essential oil and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Pour into containers and let cool down completely. Voilá!

3. Cough Syrup

Honey has been a remedy for common cold for ages. Mixed with everyday household ingredients, this honey-based cough syrup will soothe any cold symptoms. It is recommended childer under 13 should take 1 teaspoon, older children and adults can take 1 tablespoon of the syrup.

Check out the whole recipe here. You will only need apple cider vinegar, honey, cayenne pepper and ginger and your cold will be as good as gone!

4. Hair Mask

If you are struggling with dry, dull hair that could use a little shine, honey is a way to go. Honey is a great way to treat your hair to a little hydration and nourishment and this hair mask is just so easy to make!

DIY Hair Mask for shiny, healthy hair:

1 teaspoon of honey
1 egg
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Mix in a bowl and apply to damp hair. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

5. Milk & Honey Bath Soak

Take the famous honey & milk bath soak and feel like Cleopatra herself! The soothing smell of honey will leave you calm and well-rested and since honey is also a great moisturizer, your skin will look fresh and soft.

Simply mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 100ml of warm milk. Add to your hot bath, lie back and relax.