Check Out These Creative Uses For Honey

We all know how delicious raw honey is, but it’s so much more than just a yummy sweetener. As a natural humectant, antibacterial, antiseptic, and source of antioxidants, honey is used in everything from health and beauty products to natural remedies. If you ask us, it really is un-bee-lievable.

We’ve already shown you how to make enriching skincare products with honey, so now we want to share our favourite creative uses for honey that you can make in your own home!

Please note: we do not recommend raw honey for infants younger than 1-year-old due to a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum that can cause infant botulism and is sometimes found in honey, both raw and pasteurized. Once a child is 1 year old, their digestive system has matured enough to kill the bacteria.

Raw Honey Lip Balm

Cold weather means chapped lips. Raw honey will add some natural healing properties and moisturizing effects to a natural homemade lip balm, keeping your puckers crack free. This recipe is simple, quick, and makes a great gift.

Ingredients

4 tsp beeswax

3 tsp coconut oil

2 tsp shea butter

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp raw honey

4 drops of essential oil (peppermint, lavender, or your favourite)

Jar or metal container

Gently melt the beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and raw honey in a double boiler. Mix the ingredients well and then remove from heat. Stir in the olive oil and your choice of essential oil. Pour your new lip balm into a container and leave it alone to set. Check the mixture after it returns to room temperature. If it’s too firm you can remelt and add in more olive oil, if it’s too soft, add in some more beeswax. Fine tune for your preference!

Raw Honey Marshmallows

We can substitute honey in place of sugar for homemade baked goods. Try making these fluffy honey-sweetened marshmallows the next time you have guests, they are sure to be a big hit! We recommend adding them to your favourite hot cocoa drink.

1 cup cold water (split into halves)

1 cup raw honey

3 tbsp gelatin

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Coat a 9-inch square pan with canola oil spray or coconut oil then place parchment paper inside. Leave enough parchment paper to hang over the sides then lightly oil the paper.

Put ½ cup of water in a bowl for a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. You can also use an electric hand mixer if you don’t have a standing model. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and set aside to soften.

In a medium-sized saucepan, add the remaining ½ cup of water, honey, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Use a candy thermometer and remove the mixture from heat after it reaches 240 F.

Turn the mixer on low then slowly (and carefully) add the honey syrup into the gelatin mixture. Then add in the vanilla extract and turn the mixer on high for 10-15 minutes. The mixture should become very thick and fluffy!

Transfer the mixture to your greased pan and leave it at room temperature (uncovered) for a minimum of 5 hours. It’s better to wait overnight if possible!

Cut up the squares and enjoy! You can optionally toss the marshmallows in coconut flakes or confectionary sugar.

Homemade Cough Syrup

This immune boosting, antioxidant-rich, stomach settling concoction is a natural home remedy for coughs and sore throats. Take 1 small spoonful as needed. You can also add a spoonful to hot water or tea for ultra-soothing relief!

Juice of 3 lemons (you can use more to balance out the sweetness of the honey)

½ cup raw honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp water

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Glass jar with lid

Put all the ingredients in a jar and mix. It’s just that simple! Keep the mixture in the fridge, it should last for a couple of months. Before you grab a spoonful, make sure to give it a quick shake to mix up all the ingredients.  
So there you have it! Some creative ways to use your favourite ingredient. Let us know if you try any of these DIY projects or if you have your own special raw-honey recipe, share it with us on Facebook or in the comments below.