Taking a teaspoon of unpasteurized honey 30 minutes before bed may improve sleep. Honey contains glucose and fructose, which raise insulin levels, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain more easily. Tryptophan converts to serotonin, then melatonin, regulating your sleep cycle.
15 Household Uses For Honey
There are so many different ways you can use honey in addition to putting it in your tea or on toast. We get it, it's delicious that way! But did you know that you can also use it to treat burns and acne, and that it can help you get a good night's sleep? Here are 15 favorite household uses for honey.
Honey as a Sleep Aid
Pre-Workout Energy
Whether working out or not, your body needs sugars for energy. Honey's natural sugars may provide an extra boost, and it also contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
Stomach Soothing with Manuka Honey
Manuka honey, produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, contains an antibacterial compound that can soothe stomach issues. Taking 3 teaspoons daily may help, though results may not be as rapid as with prescription treatments.
Honey for Burns
Honey can effectively help with mild burns and sunburns. Its antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals promote healing — apply directly to the affected area or on gauze/bandage, replacing every 24 hours.
Wound Healing with Honey
Honey can be used to help clean wounds, absorbing moisture and impurities. Manuka honey has stronger antibacterial properties and can aid in infection prevention and skin healing.
Honey Face Mask
Use honey alone or mix it with other ingredients for a cleansing, moisturizing, or calming face mask. Apply to damp skin, leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
Acne Treatment with Manuka Honey
Manuka honey can help with bacterial acne by removing impurities and reducing bacteria. Apply to the face, avoiding the eyes, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Add a few drops of jojoba oil for extra moisture.
Honey for Sore Throats
Mix one tablespoon of honey with warm water (not hot) or use lemon-ginger infused honey to soothe a sore throat. The antibacterial properties may help ease throat irritation or cold symptoms.
Honey for Acid Reflux
Honey's properties may help ease occasional acid reflux. Mix one teaspoon with warm water or consume directly.
Baking with Honey
Replace refined sugar with honey for a different take on your favorite recipes — just modify the recipe slightly to accommodate the switch.
Hangover Relief with Honey
The fructose and glucose in honey can help alleviate some hangover symptoms by providing energy, and may help reduce headache and nausea.
Honey Bath
Add honey, olive oil, and essential oils to running bath water for a relaxing soak that can moisturize and soften skin.
Honey for Hair Care
Use honey shampoo and conditioner to nourish and restore dry, dull hair for a healthy shine.
Honey for Mosquito Bites
Apply honey directly to mosquito bites to help relieve itching and reduce the chance of infection.
Honey in Charcuterie
Drizzle honey over a charcuterie platter or add fresh honeycomb for a sweet touch that guests will love.
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