Honey is one food item that everyone in the family, from the grandmother to the granddaughter places their trust on. Since the ancient times, honey has been used extensively and is also considered auspicious in certain cultures. In Hindu families when a baby is born then he/she is made to taste a drop of honey, as a mark of sweetness filled life ahead.

What is interesting to know, is that you can get creative with honey. Not just by putting it in milk, or using it as a bread spread or using it in homemade sweets, otherwise as well honey can be used in various interesting ways.

1. Nail Care

If you have weak, brittle nails, try mixing 1 tablespoon of honey with ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish. Soak your nails for 10 minutes and rinse. Repeat weekly for strong and healthy cuticles and nails.

2. Dark Circle Remover

Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and spread the mixture under the eyes. After about 20 minutes, wash the mixture off and follow up with a light layer of organic coconut oil. Repeat this treatment a few times a week to keep your skin looking great.

3. Lip Moisturizer

Why do you need artificial lip balms when you can have your own homemade honey balm. A very easy way to heal and prevent chapped lips, this lip moisturizer can be made with honey. Mix one part of warm, recently-melted beeswax to three parts olive oil. Then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to the mixture. Once the mixture has set, it’s ready to use.

4. Healthy Sports Drink

Commercial sports drinks are loaded with sugar and other artificial ingredients. However, it is very easy to make your own homemade sports drink using honey. Simply combine the following ingredients in a Vitamix and blend until the honey dissolves: ¼ cup fresh lime juice, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 cups water, ⅛ teaspoon of sea salt and 2 ½ tablespoons of raw honey. Take some of this mixture in a water bottle when going out on a long hike and you’ll feel hydrated and energized.

5. 5. Morning Sickness Reliever

Organic honey is also effective in relieving morning sickness for pregnant mothers. A warm tea made with honey and ginger is highly effective at calming a pregnant mother’s tummy.

6. Fruit Preserver

Preserving your fruits with raw honey makes them so much healthier. Simply use one part honey to ten parts water and cover your berries in the mixture. So much better than sugar.

7. Makeup Remover

 Mix baking soda and honey together to make a paste and add a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply using a warm washcloth in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.

8. Breath Freshener

If you suffer from bad breath, try a mixture of ¼ cup water, I teaspoon raw honey, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Gargle for 3 minutes and spit out for fresh breath all day long.

9. Antiseptic

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing.

1. Hair Conditioner

In the shower, after you wash your hair, coat the ends with a bit of honey. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out and you'll find that your hair is less frizzy and extra conditioned. Or, make your hair shiny and bright by adding one teaspoon honey to one quart of water. After washing your hair, pour the mixture over your head. Let dry and enjoy your new-found shiny luscious hair.

1. Water Softener

Relax your body and soak your skin in a soothing bath. Put 2 tablespoons of honey in 1 cup of hot water and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes, then add to your bath. This will give you sweet smelling, softer feeling water.

Honey is an item with so many benefits that other than the ones mentioned above, one can find many more creative ways to make the best of the goodness of honey. To know more, click here.