10 Surprising uses for honey

Can you remember hearing that Honey improves memory for menopausal and post-menopausal women? Well, one study found that women given honey treatments for several weeks had the same boost in memory as women given oestrogen and progestin hormone therapy. So what other sweet stuff can honey be used for?

1. The antioxidant properties in honey means you can apply it to your wound, and this will help it heal faster. Just let the honey sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off.
2. Honey infused with propolis nourishes damaged skin, so helps scars fade. This is thanks to the same antioxidant properties which prevents infection in wounds. Massage raw honey on the affected skin using a circular motion for a minute or two.
3. Need a gentler daily antibacterial scrub for your sensitive skin? Honey crystallizes over time, and the little granules break down in water. So you can use honey as a gentle exfoliant face wash. Warm it in your hands for a bit, and then apply to your face, and wash off afterwards.
4. The moisturizing and soothing effects of raw honey means it can hydrate your skin. Try it- Apply honey to your skin as a face-mask for 20 minutes before massaging it off thoroughly with water.
5. Honey can heal herpes sores just as quickly as pharmaceutical ointments and is better at dealing with the itchiness. Research shows honey to be effective in treating both oral and genital herpes.
6. Take a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of salt when you wake up in the middle of the night, and can’t get back to sleep. “Early waking” insomnia can really mess with your productivity. Honey helps reset your levels of cortisol and adrenalin. The stress hormones that are keeping you from falling back into a cozy slumber.
7. Pesky mosquitoes got through your defences and sprays? A drop of honey on a mosquito bite will reduce itchiness and irritation, and antibacterial qualities help prevent infection.
8. Sneezing your nose off? Many believe that a dollop of honey desensitises you to pollen, and can help you develop immunity against allergies which cause hay fever.
9. Stirring a tablespoon of honey in some warm water and adding this to a nice warm bath will make your skin smoother. Honey is full of antioxidants and your skin will love it.
10. In addition to honey being a natural immune booster, natural anti-inflammatory agent, natural antimicrobial agent, there is also evidence that honey aids the healing of chronic ulcers and wounds; some of the risk factors for cancer development.