Americans consume about 1.5 pounds of honey per person annually. In the United States, there are more than 300 types of honey. Pure honey has many benefits for humans. Not only can you enjoy honey as a food item, you can use it for a variety of home and health-related applications. It may not replace all of the technological methods currently practiced in hospitals, but it is used as a treatment for illnesses, as well as a replacement for vitamin supplements.

Honey is known to be an effective skin moisturizer, disinfect, antiseptic, and antibacterial solution. Many societies and groups have used honey through the ages to promote good health. Honey may not be a clinically-proven miracle drug, but it has been known to cure quite a few ailments and diseases.

Here are some interesting and innovative uses for honey:

Antibacterial Solution –› Bacteria and germs won’t survive when covered in honey, given its acidic pH balance and viscous base. The microorganisms will be trapped in the sticky acidic base, which is too abrasive for their exteriors, eventually killing them off. Apply honey on a wound, scratch, or an inflamed region, along with an antiseptic. You’ll be astounded at how fast your injury heals after your honey treatment.

Antiseptic –› Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and reduces the appearance of scars.

Blood Flow Improver –› Honey, rich in glucose, is known to improve the blood flow. Glucose provides energy in the bloodstream, which is distributed throughout the body. As a result, the blood produced has the proper consistency, flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. Glucose is believed to prevent capillary damage due to its ability to improve your blood flow.

Burn Remedy –› A burn is not only painful, but the marks also last for a good number of days before healing. By applying honey on your burn, the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation. As a result, the burn marks will heal in a few days with less pain. Also use honey as a dressing and cover with a clean gauze bandage for maximum results.

Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention –› Heart disease and cancer are diseases that have claimed the lives of millions of people. Both conditions have a multitude of causes, some of which are hard to identify. You must have some sort of protection from these diseases. That protection can come in the form of honey. Honey’s antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer cells and preserve the quality of the produced blood. This prevents heart disease in the process. However, engaging in acts that promote cancer, such as smoking and excessive drinking, will still trigger the diseases. So, remain aware of what you choose to do to your body.

Colon Damage Prevention –› Colitis, a disease that damages the colon, induces much discomfort for the afflicted. You can minimize the effects of the disease if you consume some honey every day. The antioxidants found in honey strengthen and improve the resistance of the colon. In addition, honey is used in folk medicine as a means for curing colon-related conditions.

Diabetic Ulcer Remedy –› Curing a skin ulcer entirely is done largely by modern medical techniques. Fortunately, you can help speed up the healing process by using honey as a topical solution. Its ability to heal wounds will come in handy when a patient is advised to avoid other ointments.

Dry Elbow Softener –› You probably are aware that scratchy elbows can ruin your day. Next time, after you've washed and scrubbed, rub some honey on scratchy areas to soften the skin. Leave the honey on for 30 minutes then wash off. Repeat any time you need to soften dry and scratchy skin.

Energy Booster –› There is no need to buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey. Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll keep healthy and be quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.

Facial Scrub –› Soften your skin with honey. It is excellent for skin exfoliation. Mix in some ground almonds and lemon juice to create a killer homemade facial scrub.

Fruit Preserver –› Your grandmother made Jam. Today you can show you're truly cutting edge by preserving your fruits in a honey sauce. Mix one part honey to ten parts water and cover your berries or sliced fruit. The Honey acts as both a natural preservative and sweetener.

Hair Conditioner –› In the shower, after you wash your hair, coat the ends with a bit of honey. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out and you'll find that your hair is less frizzy and extra conditioned. Or, make your hair shiny and bright by adding one teaspoon honey to one quart of water. After washing your hair, pour the mixture over your head. Let dry and enjoy your new-found shiny 'do. Immune System Booster – Health buffs are known to drink a teaspoon of honey daily, along with their morning vitamins. Although still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of honey is said to strengthen your immune system. Give it a shot; you’ve got nothing to lose.

Lip Balm –› Mix almond oil, beeswax, and honey to a consistency you prefer. Smear your 100% natural creation on your lips, and enjoy the benefits of its sun protection and moisturizing coolness.

Parasite Remover –› Honey, when mixed with vinegar and water, can remove worms and other parasites from your body. The combination of vinegar’s acidity and honey’s therapeutic components is more than enough to kill or expel bodily intruders. When you suspect that you have worms in your body, drink ample amounts of the solution regularly.

Relaxant for Anxiety and Nervousness –› Anxiety and nervousness are the enemies of a healthy mind. Free yourself from their negative effects by eating porridge mixed with honey. Honey’s nutrients produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. You also can mix honey with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep.

Skin Moisturizer –› Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so people with sensitive skin can use it. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, use it as a hand and body lotion or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin. If you like, add your favorite scent to your personal 100% natural skin care product, such as lavender oil.

Sore Throat Treatment –› Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Continue the treatment every day until you finally are free from colds.

Sugar Substitute –› Use honey instead of sugar in baking. For every cup of sugar a recipe calls for, replace it with 3/4 cup of honey. For best results, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce another liquid in your recipe by 1/4 cup. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.

Tub Water Softener –› Relax your body and soak your skin in a soothing bath. Put 2 tablespoons of honey in 1 cup of hot water and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes, then add to your bath. This will give you sweeter smelling, softer feeling water. As an extra special treat to yourself, add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil to the water, slip in, and relax. Some call it "pure bliss."

Vitamin A Enhancement –› Vitamin A is the nutrient that fosters better eyesight, especially when consumed in significant quantities. If you mix items that are rich in Vitamin A with honey, the effects are slightly increased.

Zit Zapper –› Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer, but it’s tough on acne. With constant exposure to honey enzymes, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face before you go to bed. Cover the area with adhesive bandages. Let the honey work its magic as you sleep. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.