7 Natural Remedies Using Honey

    The medicinal properties of honey were first recognized by the ancient Egyptians, and has since been used as a natural home remedy solution. Honey contains powerful anti-inflammatory components that help strengthen your immune system and protect you from diseases.  Honey can soothe an upset stomach, prevent fatigue, repair sore muscles, treat toothaches, get rid of fungus in athlete's foot, and even aid in weight loss. Suffice it to say, you should always have a jar of honey in your closet. Here are 7 natural home remedies you can prepare using a dash of honey:    1) Ginger and Honey: Treating Upset Stomach   Ginger helps alleviate symptoms of inflammation while promoting proper blood circulation. Honey contains many essential enzymes that prevent harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Candida, from entering your body.  What You Will Need: 1 cup of honey 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger root A pinch of ground ginger (optional) Directions:  Pour 1 cup of honey into a saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped gingerroot.  You can add a small pinch of ground ginger if you’d like as well, but it does have a strong flavor.  On low heat let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.  When it’s done let it infuse for 2 hours or up to 2 weeks in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid. Strain when it’s finished if you’d like. Alternatively, you can also add chopped ginger root to herbal tea. 2) Homemade Cinnamon Mouthwash: Bad Breath   Cinnamon is widely used to calm upset stomach and treat other gastrointestinal disorders. Cinnamon also contains the carminative herb, which is used as a flavoring agent in the production of toothpaste and mouthwash to kill off bacteria.   What You Will Need: 2 lemons 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon-1 teaspoon baking soda 1 ½ teaspoons of honey 1 cup of warm water A bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid Directions: Add ½ tablespoon of cinnamon into a bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid. Add the juice of the 2 freshly squeezed lemons along with 1 ½ teaspoons of honey.  If you’d like you can also add in 1/2-1 teaspoon of baking soda and leave out the honey, or use both.  Pour 1 cup of warm water, which is used to melt the honey, into the jar, and stir well.  When you need to freshen up your breath, give it a quick shake and swish/gargle 1-2 tablespoons for 1 minute. 3) Honey and Coconut Water Drink: Sore Muscles   Coconut oil prevents dehydration, which can lead to headache, fatigue, and dry mouth. Coconut water helps repair damaged tissues in the body and keeps your joints functioning properly at all times.   What You Will Need: 3 cups of coconut water 1 cup of strawberries 1 cup of fresh water 1 cup of ice 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt 2 tablespoons natural sugar or honey Directions: Mix everything into a blender and drink as a healthy smoothie. 4) Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub: Dry Skin   Honey and brown sugar combine to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. The mixture fights acne and wrinkles while cleansing the pores at the same time. Make sure you use a toner after the treatment process to remove any excess oil.  What You Will Need: 2 1/4 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup honey 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional) Directions: In a bowl combine all ingredients until fully mixed. Store the mixture in an airtight container.  Tie the jar with bakers twine, add a wooden spoon, and you have the perfect sugar scrub gift. You can purchase these jars at the Hobby Lobby or any retail store.  5) Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey: Acid Reflux   The natural antibiotics contained in apple cider vinegar helps prevent gastric acid from entering the stomach, which causes reflux problems. The cider and honey work together to while promote healthy digestion.  What You Will Need:  1 cup of honey 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Directions: Add 1 cup of honey to a saucepan, and then pour in 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.  Allow the mixture to heat over low flame for 10 minutes, stirring well about halfway through.  Place the mixture into a jar and let it sit for a while or until you are ready to use.  It doesn’t need to sit as long as something like cinnamon sticks or cloves would. 6) Fenugreek Seeds, Honey and Ginger Remedy: Asthma   Fenugreek seeds help fight off respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. Honey helps prevent airway constriction, which occurs when mucus accumulates in the bronchial tubes. Ginger contains many natural anti-inflammatory properties that allow you to breathe better.  What You Will Need: 2 tbsp fenugreek seeds  2 tsp ginger paste (make it from fresh ginger root) 1 tsp honey 4 cups of Water Directions: Add the fenugreek seeds to water, and allow them to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the water after 30 minutes. Put the ginger paste into a sifter and press to extract it’s juice. Add the ginger juice to the water you just strained. Add honey to this solution and mix well. Drink a glass every morning. 7) Clove and Honey: Toothache   Cloves contain a pain-relieving anesthetic called Eugenol that is used to treat toothaches and gingivitis. Honey acts a natural antiseptic that kills germs and bacteria, which adds to the infection.   What You Will Need: 1 cup of honey 5-10 whole cloves Directions: Pour 1 cup of honey into a saucepan, and then add 5-10 whole cloves.  On low, heat for 10 minutes before letting it infuse for 2 hours or up to 2 weeks, placing it in a jar with a tightly fitting lid.  Strain when it’s finished (optional).