Practical Prepping Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: 15 Prepper Uses for Honey That You Should Know

Hosts: Mark & Krista Lawley
Date: April 6, 2026
Episode Number: 548

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into the surprising and versatile uses of honey for preppers, focusing on its importance as a long-lasting, multipurpose item in any emergency or survival situation. Mark and Krista debunk the myth that prepping is about "doomsday" scenarios by providing real, actionable solutions for everyday situations. They guide listeners through 15 practical uses for honey—covering food preservation, first aid, barter, and more—emphasizing why honey deserves a place in every preparedness kit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Choosing the Right Honey for Prepping

[01:27 – 04:27]

• For medical uses, Manuka honey (medical grade, preferably UMF 15+ and MGO 500+) is recommended, but raw honey will suffice in an emergency.
• Processed, grocery-store honey is better suited for culinary use, not medicinal.
• UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) and MGO (methylglyoxal content) indicate antibacterial strength—the higher the number, the better for emergency uses.

“The recommended strength for prepper use would be a UMF of 15 plus and an MGO of 500 plus. That would be the best all around choice.” – Mark [03:06]

2. Indefinite Shelf Life as a Food Source

[04:39 – 06:29]

• Honey is virtually immortal and never spoils—archaeologists have found edible honey in 3,000-year-old tombs.
• Crystallization does not mean spoilage; simply warm and stir.
• 1 quart contains ~4,600 calories, requires no refrigeration, and is a dense, shelf-stable food reserve.

“If you store it in glass jars or food grade plastic... keep it in a cool, dark, dry location, it will not ruin. It will last forever.” – Mark [05:04]

3. Wound Treatment & Antiseptic

[07:03 – 08:53]

• Acts as an antiseptic due to its low pH, hydrogen peroxide production, and high sugar content.
• Forms a protective, antibacterial barrier on wounds; change dressing and honey at least daily.
• Honey’s high osmolarity draws moisture out of bacteria, dehydrating and killing them.
• Modern medicine validates its use; it’s employed in hospitals, not just "folk remedies."

“This information has been validated in peer reviewed medical literature. This is not folk medicine.” – Mark [08:53]

4. Burn Care

[09:13 – 10:35]

• Raw or Manuka honey can be applied to burns after cooling the area, reducing inflammation, pain, and scarring.
• Promotes faster healing and lower infection rates than conventional dressings—a potential lifesaver off-grid.

5. Sore Throat and Cough Remedy

[10:35 – 11:55]

• Honey soothes sore throats and suppresses coughing, even outperforming dextromethorphan in children (2007 Penn State study).
• Never give honey to infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.
• Can be mixed with lemon or garlic for extra benefits and unlimited shelf-stable supply.

“It coats the throat and it suppresses the cough as well as many of the OTC cough suppressors, for sure.” – Mark [10:51]

6. Energy Booster

[12:04 – 13:20]

• Athletes use honey as a quick, digestible source of carbs, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• 1 tbsp = ~64 calories, ideal for strenuous activity or situations with uncertain caloric intake.

7. Natural Preservative

[13:49 – 14:56]

• Honey’s low moisture prevents microorganism growth; has preserved fruits, herbs, and even meats for centuries.
• Dried fruit, nuts, garlic, and ginger can be stored in honey for medicine/food combos.

8. Allergy Relief (Local Honey)

[14:56 – 16:36]

• Consuming raw, local honey may help desensitize the body to local pollen through gradual, natural immunotherapy.
• Best started months before allergy season; effectiveness is mixed in studies but many find benefits.

9. Barter and Trade Currency

[16:36 – 18:13]

• Globally recognized and highly desirable in emergencies due to food and medicinal value.
• Can be portioned for barter (“I'll trade you five tablespoons of honey for that chicken...”).
• Store more than you need specifically for trade.

“One jar could be traded for ammo or antibiotics, tools or other critical supplies that you might need.” – Mark [17:44]

10. Fermentation for Mead or Spirits

[18:13 – 19:48]

• Makes mead (alcoholic beverage) with water and yeast; useful for morale, trade, disinfection, tinctures.
• Can be distilled for stronger spirits, supporting both medicinal and social needs.

11. Digestive Aid & Gut Health

[19:48 – 21:17]

• Contains prebiotics, supporting beneficial gut bacteria, helpful during stress or poor diet.
• May help combat H. pylori (ulcer-causing bacterium), soothes acid reflux and can be part of oral rehydration solution.

12. Skin Care and Moisturizer

[21:17 – 22:54]

• Honey is a humectant, drawing moisture into skin, supporting healing and integrity.
• Useful on cracked, chapped skin or lips and even as a face wash. Can be mixed with oils or fats for an antibacterial salve.

13. Sleep Aid

[22:54 – 24:13]

• Small dose before bed (1–2 tbsp) raises insulin, allowing tryptophan to reach the brain, which turns into melatonin for improved sleep.
• Helps prevent nocturnal blood sugar drops and cortisol spikes.

14. Fire Starting Aid

[24:13 – 25:58]

• Dried honey-coated cloth or cotton balls become viable tinder due to sugar content.
• Not the ultimate fire starter, but a versatile, multipurpose backup option.

15. Oral Health Maintenance

[25:58 – 27:08]

• Antibacterial properties reduce harmful oral bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis.
• Can be diluted for a mouth rinse or applied to sores/gums; not a substitute for brushing but valuable when supplies are limited.

“This is not a perfect replacement for brushing and flossing, but it is good for meaningful bacterial control.” – Mark [26:51]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s a fascinating product and it has been shelf stable for many, many years.” – Krista [04:56]
• “A quart of honey contains roughly 4,600 calories.” – Mark [06:10]
• “You want to change that dressing and reapply new honey at least once daily.” – Krista [08:36]
• “One jar could be traded for ammo or antibiotics, tools or other critical supplies that you might need.” – Mark [17:44]
• “Did not know that... you can use honey as a fire starting aid.” – Krista [24:23]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:27] Choosing & Evaluating Medical-Grade Honey (UMF/MGO)
• [04:39] Shelf Life & Food Use
• [07:03] Wound Treatment & Antiseptic
• [09:13] Burn Care
• [10:35] Cough & Sore Throat Remedy
• [12:04] Energy Booster
• [13:49] Natural Preservative
• [14:56] Allergy Relief with Local Honey
• [16:36] Barter/Trade Currency
• [18:13] Mead/Alcohol Fermentation
• [19:48] Digestive Health
• [21:17] Skin Care & Moisturizer
• [22:54] Sleep Aid
• [24:13] Fire Starting
• [25:58] Oral Health & Slow-Healing Wounds

Takeaway

Mark and Krista emphasize that honey is an essential, versatile tool for every prepper's supply—not because it’s mystical, but because its unique properties are validated by both ancient wisdom and modern science. From food preservation to trade, from wound care to allergy relief, honey’s place in your emergency stockpile is well-earned.

“Maybe you learned that you need to be stocking honey or in some way. Maybe you received value from the podcast. Maybe we educated you, made you think, made you laugh, made you groan.” – Mark [28:31]

Stuff happens. Stay prepared.