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Along with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, honey has made its way onto the list of “miracle foods.” For thousands of years honey has been used as an all-natural home remedy with a number of benefits. From food and beauty to treating ailments, here are 10 ways to put your raw, unfiltered honey to use.

Face Mask

Known as a natural moisturizer with antibacterial properties, honey not only works to curb breakouts, but also relives dryness and irritation. Leave raw, unfiltered honey on your skin for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water. Try this mask two to three times a week for skin that is soft and supple with an improved tone.

Ease a Hangover

If you’re feeling the effects of too many cocktails the morning after, look to honey to ease your pain. Loaded with fructose, it helps your body metabolize alcohol faster while preventing changes in alcohol levels, which can lead to headaches. Mix with orange juice as the ultimate sobering agent.

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Sugar Substitute

Ditch the sugar and the Splenda and substitute all-natural honey. Sweeter and denser than sugar, it also gives you a boost of vitamins and minerals. Use it in baking and your morning or afternoon cup of tea. Bonus: It is also known to boost energy!

Boost Immune System

A tablespoon of honey a day may keep the doctor away – or at least build your immune system! Loaded with antioxidants and antibacterial properties, honey helps improve your digestive system and fight infections and bacteria to keep you healthy. Spread it on a piece of toast in the morning or mix it with hot water, lemon and ginger as a detox elixir.

Homemade Salad Dressing

Make a healthier dressing for your salads by using all-natural ingredients such as honey. Great for lemon or lime vinaigrettes and zesty honey mustard, it adds the perfect sweet touch without added ingredients and preservatives.

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Hair Conditioning Mask

Don’t let dry or damaged strands get you down. A honey hair mask will revitalize locks in no time. Mix with coconut oil and let the moisturizing mask go to work for an hour. The honey works as a clarifying and conditioning treatment to leave you with smooth and shiny hair.

Body Scrub

Exfoliate the natural way with an eco-friendly honey body scrub. As brown sugar buffs away dead skin cells, honey works as a humectant to draw water into the skin for added moisture. Try this recipe for glowing skin:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbs. citrus zest

Combine olive oil and honey, then mix in the brown sugar. Add zest. Store in an airtight container and use all over twice per week.

Cough Suppressant

A better-known use for honey is to help soothe and treat sore throats. This all-natural alternative to the cough drop will not only coat your throat for instant relief, but will also kill bacteria that cause infection. Try gargling with a mixture of honey, warm water and lemon juice.

Simple Appetizer

You don’t have to be a five-star chef to serve up a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Simply spread goat cheese on crostini bites and drizzle with honey for a sweet and tasty treat. Honey also pairs well with ricotta and Gorgonzola cheeses. For an attractive presentation, top with almonds or basil.

Burns

Burnt yourself from a batch of cookies – or worse – the dreaded curling iron burn? Apply honey directly to the skin for its antibacterial properties and to calm the skin. This soothing ointment can be highly effective in treating minor burns as it is able to absorb moisture from the air to promote healing.

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Lifestyle / Wellness