20 random uses for honey

If you’ve had a check-up recently with less-than-great blood sugar levels or you’ve become less inclined for super sweet desserts with age, honey can be a great solution. You can easily substitute the sticky treat for the white-grain sweetener. Make sure to double-check conversions, as honey requires liquid measuring instruments.

Baking isn’t the only area where you can replace sugar with honey. It can also be used to give a nice sugary (without going too far) flavor to tea, smoothies, baked beans, or anything you might want to sweeten!

If you’re a fan of a charcuterie board or the girl dinner that has taken the internet by storm, consider including honey on the menu — or, rather, the board. It’s a recommended pairing with many cheese types to enhance the flavor. Drizzle it on top or place some in a small dish for dipping. 

Tea and ice cream might be the most popular home remedies for cold and flu season but don’t forget honey. The anti-inflammation properties help soothe your throat after a day of coughing. You can try a spoonful or add some to tea or hot water and lemon.

Similar to adding honey to various recipes as a sweetener, the golden substance can also enhance your daily hydration. Adding a bit to a glass or bottle of water will make drinking it more enticing and can have energy-boosting properties.

Move over, aloe vera; a new sunburn helper is ready to help. Like the liquid from the bright green plant, you can use honey on skin that was overexposed to the sun. Apply a small amount to the affected area, let sit for about 20 minutes, then remove with a damp washcloth. Repeat as necessary, but you usually see improvement after the first application.

Home hair masks are nothing new. People have been mixing fruit, baking ingredients, eggs, and anything else found around the house for centuries. And honey can be a great staple to help your hair grow longer and shinier. Mix a bit in a bowl with water and massage through hair, then leave in for an hour or two before rinsing with water and shampoo.

Similar to olive oil, honey is a great moisturizer, especially for the sensitive skin on your lips. You can spread it raw on chapped lips or combine honey with a bit of coconut oil and lemon juice on the stove. Then let it harden in small containers to be used later.

Chapstick isn’t the only moisturizing product honey can be used to make. Melt some down with coconut oil, tea tree oil, beeswax, and shea and/or cocoa butter, and let cool for a fantastic facial cream.

You know the old trick to add lemon juice to chopped fruit to keep it from going brown? The same can be done with honey — spread a bit over sliced apples, melon, or whatever is in your fridge. This will extend the fruit’s life a few more days and add a unique taste to your snack!

We all love a balsamic vinaigrette, but sometimes it’s nice to mix up our salad game a bit. And honey is the tasty way to do so. Drizzle over your tossed veggies or combine with other ingredients like lemon juice, dijon mustard, or even add some to balsamic vinegar. 

The same properties that make honey a great treatment for sunburns and sore throats make it great for cleaning cuts or small wounds. So if you find yourself out of Neosporin (or other similar products) but with plenty of honey, rub a bit on the injured spot.

Sugar helps the body burn through alcohol fast, and since there is plenty in honey, having a bit after a few too many drinks can help you feel better quicker. Not to mention the glucose will give you a much-needed jolt of energy the following day.

Since honey is a natural antibacterial, it can be a great tool for clearing pores. Plenty of honey oils and face masks exist on the market, or you can make your own out of the sticky sweet substance and other oils like coconut and olive oil.

If you want to take home cocktails to the next level, mixing in fresh new ingredients like honey is a great way to do so. It pairs best with fruity drinks and tequila.

We all grew up with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and honey on actual bread is the perfect adult version of the cereal. Spread on plain toast or combine with cream cheese or butter for your new favorite breakfast!

Just like that cheese on your charcuterie board, honey can help bring out natural flavors in chocolate. A bit of it as a topping on dark chocolate is a tasty way to switch up everyone’s favorite go-to dessert.

This might sound a bit off-beat at first, but seriously, there are so many reasons to add honey to the tub. It helps your skin retain moisture, exfoliates, and smooths. Next time, skip the bath bomb and pour Pooh Bear’s favorite snack in!

Sunburns and clogged pores aren’t the only skin ailments where honey can come to the rescue. A thin layer over mosquito (or other bug) bites will help soothe and reduce your urge to itch. Just remember to wash it off after about 30 minutes. Otherwise, your clothes and furniture might end up sticky.

Yogurt and honey have long been a staple breakfast. But did you know this combination is used as a dip in many parts of the world? Crackers, veggies, and bread all taste delicious with this pairing. Alternatively, stirring honey in with hummus also takes a favorite dip to a new level.