This guest post is by Krystyna of Spring Mountain Living.

When most people think of honey, they think of satisfying their sweet-tooth.  You  might be surprised to find out honey has some unconventional uses you (maybe) haven’t heard about.

1. Wash your face with it. When I started using raw honey as a face wash, my skin issues resolved and my pores reduced in size, making me look a bit younger. Replacing your store-bought face wash with honey is a great way to save money (and your skin from chemicals).  Just be sure to use unrefined honey, or you’ll lose the benefits I mentioned through the pasteurization process.
2. Use it as topical antibiotic cream.   Honey has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help heal skin faster and kill germs and infections.  Apply it over a cut or burn & apply a band aide for faster healing & pain relief.
3. Put it in your hair.   It may sound like a trick, but using some watered-down honey on your hair will reduce frizziness.
4. Make an energy drink.   Just one tablespoon of honey mixed with some water will provide a great pick-me-up in the middle of the day.  And you won’t get a caffeine crash like you would with coffe.
5. Stockpile.  Honey never goes bad, as long as it’s stored in a sealed container.  Stock up on it without fear of expiration.
6. Put it on your lips.  Honey really soothes my sore, chapped lips in the winter.  I just apply it directly on my lips, while trying to resist the temptation to lick, and let it work its magic.
7. Treat colds & cure sore throats. Try Spring Mountain Living’s Cough & Cold Cure in our Healthy Holiday article.  This is our go-to remedy for sickness and sore throats in our house.  It works better than any over-the-counter or prescription cold medicine we’ve ever tried!
8. Control odors. Did you know that honey absorbs odors?  Coat stinky feed or underarms with honey for a few minutes while bathing to illuminate or reduce offending smells.
9. Take it to sleep. Unadulterated honey, or honey in its natural state, is high in tryptophan and potassium, both soothing for the brain & nerves.  Honey is thought to interrupt a neuro-transmitter in the brain called orexin.
10. Treat hypoglycemia. I suffer from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. I have to prick my finger and test my blood regularly and if it’s below 70 mg/dL, I’m supposed to “take action” by consuming hard candy, glucose tablets, soda or milk. Between my allergies and sugar, those options don’t really sound appealing to me. But a spoonful of honey, under my tongue, helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms like headache, nausea and shakiness.

Do you use honey at your house? Share some of your uses in the comments! 

Marine Corps Veteran and mother of two active boys, Krystyna stays busy helping her husband (and best friend!) with the daily demands of life on the farm. With a family to nurture, food to grow and preserve and animals to raise, there is never a dull moment in her life. Krystyna is a city girl gone country and natural living enthusiast who is passionate about sharing her homesteading experience with others. She hopes to help readers climb the ladder of self-sufficiency and encourage others in their journey towards a greener (and healthier) lifestyle. Find her at Spring Mountain Living, connect with her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.