7 Unexpected Uses for Honey
Updated: Jul. 14, 2022Who knew you could do so much with honey?
There’s a reason the lovable Winnie the Pooh knew that “eating honey was a very good thing to do.” Raw honey is a super versatile ingredient. Aside from sweetening up some of our favorite recipes, it can work wonders on the body via medicinal means. Check out these unexpected uses for honey. You may just keep an extra jar around the house!
Pro tip: When shopping for honey, make sure to look for pure and local products on the shelves—not anything that is listed as a “blend,” which can mean it has been cut with additives to lower costs. Find out if you’ve buying the fake stuff. In general, the darker the honey, the higher in antioxidants it will be and the stronger the taste.
1. Allergy Relief
Already dreading allergy season? You might be able to relieve seasonal allergies with a little bit of the stuff that causes them! It might seem counterintuitive because of honey’s connection to pollen, but it may work a little like an immunization. It was shown in a small study of birch pollen honey that eating honey made from the pollen that causes the allergic reaction may help reduce your symptoms.
2. Antiseptic
Looking for a more natural alternative to help heal a cut or abrasion? Think of honey as a natural Neosporin thanks to its antimicrobial properties. You might find honey pre-infused in band aids, but using a bit on the affected area can do the trick, too! In fact, it’s one of history’s oldest antiseptics, referenced in the Bible and historical texts for its healing properties.
3. Beauty Product
Honey is the perfect beauty treatment for a harsh winter’s night. If you have super dry elbows or knees, massage a little honey onto dry spots and leave on the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off in the shower.
4. Burn Ointment
Kitchen burn? You can naturally and rapidly soothe a small burn with honey.
5. Cocktail Sweetener
You might want to store honey on your bar cart too! We know honey is a delicious sweetener in cooking, so why not use it to sweeten up your favorite cocktail? Try it with this Peach Wine Cooler recipe.
6. Hangover Cure
If you went a little overboard with your honey-infused cocktails, add some honey into your morning tea, coffee or breakfast. Or opt for these hangover-busting sandwiches.
7. Energy Booster
A to the National Honey Board, “honey can help maintain muscle glycogen, also known as stored carbohydrates, which gives athletes the boost they need when they need it most.” Get an energy boost by adding a little sweetness into your routine.
Besides these more unconventional uses, honey is also becoming more of a staple in baking. Learn how you can substitute honey for sugar to put a healthier twist on your favorite recipes.
Try these honey recipes today.
Honey CornbreadServing this moist cornbread to family and guests is a pleasure. Honey gives the bread a slightly sweet taste, and most people find it difficult to eat just one piece. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Honey Spice BreadThe texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O'Dell, Binghamton, New York
Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts SaladEven if you dislike the main veggie, you will love this Brussels sprouts salad. The dressing is truly tasty, and it pairs so nicely with the apples, grapes and walnuts. You can also add whatever cheese, nuts or fruit you prefer. —Sheila Sturrock, Coldwater, Ontario
Honey Lemon Meringue PieMy husband especially enjoys this lemon meringue pie recipe with condensed milk. His mother made a similar treat for him when he was a child, but it was rewarding for me to create a recipe of my own that he loves so much! —Portia Gorman, Los Angeles, California
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day DipYou can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Baklava Thumbprint CookiesThe topping on my sister-in-law's peach cobbler was so delicious that I asked for the recipe; then I decided to use that to top a cookie I developed with the flavors of baklava. My adult son tried one and immediately ate two more—which is unusual for him! It's a good recipe to mix up the night before and bake fresh the next day for company. —Sharon Eshelman, Harrington, Delaware
Canned Nectarines in Honey SyrupNectarines are in season for such a short time, you'll want to do whatever you can to extend the season. With this quick method for canning nectarines, you'll have delicious fruit all year long. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey Cran-Raspberry PieThis cranberry raspberry pie is my son Michael's recipe. It was passed down to him when he got married in 2002. The pie is quite tart, but it pairs well with a favorite vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. —Beverly Batty, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Honey-Citrus Iced TeaA frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this refreshing punch nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch. —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio
Bee Sting CakeThe bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey-Peanut Butter CookiesWhen my husband wants a treat, he requests these chewy peanut butter honey cookies. —Lucile Proctor, Panguitch, Utah
Apple-Honey Dutch BabyI love to make this treat on Sunday morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm right out of the oven...and the apple honey filling is yummy! —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
Orange Pomegranate Salad with HoneyI discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Honey-Lime Almond CookiesDecades ago my grandmother passed this buttery lime cookie recipe to me. Through years of baking, our cookie memories keep the family connected, although we’re miles apart. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Apple Honey Tapioca PuddingI'm glad that apple season is long, since my family requests this pudding quite often!
Originally Published: April 03, 2018
