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Have you ever felt betrayed by sugar? It's like a young mistress who takes your money and leaves you, heart broken and not to mention bloated, hyperactive, anxious, in danger of kidney damage, arthritis, prone to varicose veins and with the inability to absorb calcium. That's why I've made the switch to honey - raw honey which not only leaves you fresh, balanced and with feelings of zen but also is great for your wallet. Just look at these 5 ways to use raw honey!
1. FACIAL CLEANSER -
Burt's Bees started out in the right place but I have to admit after trying many of their facial cleansers I've gone back to their roots: good raw honey combined with cooked oatmeal. This DIY spa treatment penetrates deep, utilizing honey's antibacterial properties to clean your face while leaving it hydrated and with a natural glow!
FACIAL CLEANSER RECIPE:
Mix raw honey with an equal quantity of plain cooked oatmeal (I used a 1/4 cup and stored the extra) and gently apply to face moving in small upward circles and being careful to avoid eye area. Lay down for a half an hour, then gently wash off.
2. BURNS -
Raw honey, when applied topically, speeds the healing of tissues damaged by infection and/or trauma (fire, scrapes, mild puncture wounds). Why? Well it is not only antibacterial but also hygroscopic. Hygroscopic means that when exposed to air, honey naturally absorbs moisture in from the air. So when it is applied liberally over burns it cools, removes pain and aids fast healing by keeping the wound moist as well as clean! You can spread honey directly to open cuts, abrasions and burns, or apply it directly to the gauze.
3. FOOD PRESERVATIVE -
Honey in chocolate chip cookies?! It's true: if you replace the sugar in cake and cookie recipes with honey, they'll stay fresher longer! Also remember that type 2 diabetes is the most common type in America and what is the main cause? Obesity - and what causes obesity? Excess fat and sugar. So skip the refined landmine and replace your baked goodness with nature’s natural sweetener. Just remember to reduce liquids in the recipe by one-fifth to allow for the moisture present in honey.
4. HAIR CONDITIONER -
Mix honey with an equal quantity of olive oil, cover head with a warm tower for half an hour then shampoo off. Your hair will never look or feel better! For more economical beauty tips click here!
5. FATIGUE -
Before you down several cups of Joe (which dehydrate and can cause anxiety) try this quick fatigue fix. Dissolve a dessertspoon of honey in warm water and store it in the fridge. Why does this work? Well, honey is made up of glucose and fructose. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost while fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy!
What unique or unexpected ways have you used honey? Are there any other overlooked items that are secretly a treasure-trove?
