SECRETS OF BEER

Forget about the old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What about drinking a glass of beer a day? According to historians, beer was purported to treat over 100 illnesses in Egypt around 1600 BC, and even more amazing is that next to tea, beer has been heralded as one of the most popular beverages enjoyed by the masses in all its forms.

If you really want to give those taste buds a kick the next time you order a pint ask for it to be poured with a more generous head on, and sip through it. Experts validate that the bitterness of the hops, and consequently the true beer flavour, is most concentrated in the foam of the head.

However, this isn't an article harkening the delights of drinking beer, rather one to extol its various other inherent virtues, many of which may be unfamiliar to most. For example, can you imagine bathing in a bath of beer, or washing your hair with it? What about soaking those tired feet in a bowl after a busy day at work, or using a half empty can to buff up some tired looking furniture! Who said beer was only for drinking?


SOAK IN THE SUDS

Soaking in a tub full of warm beer might sound strange to you, but studies have found that beer baths are not only totally relaxing due to the concentration of vitamins and yeast, a soak in some suds is ideal for exfoliating and softening the skin. There are many spas popping up offering beer-related therapy, but why pay for the privilege when you can pamper yourself at home for half the cost. Empty several cans into warm water, lie back and relax.

The darker beers are supposedly the best to use, and don't forget a quick shower to finish off.


HAIR CARE

Back in the day, hairdressers would often apply stale beer as a setting lotion to give hairstyles a nice crisp hold that would last several days. But you don't have to wait until beer has gone flat to use in your hair routine. It actually makes a perfect shampoo, leaving the hair glistening with more body and bounce.

The secret ingredients, which coat the hair and help repair any damage, are found in the proteins from the malt and hops in the beer.

To try, boil one cup of beer (any brand will do) until it reduces down to a quarter cup. Once it has cooled sufficiently add it to one cup of shampoo and presto! You have an inexpensive homemade shampoo.


POLISH WITH PINTS

Flat beer is ideal for bringing a shine back to wood furniture. Dampen a cloth and rub it over the wood furniture. Afterwards wipe over with a clean cloth.


FLOWER POWER

Keep flowers fresh by adding a teaspoon of sugar together with a few drops of beer to the water - just make sure you change it frequently.


A TREAT FOR YOUR FEET

Give aching feet a new lease on life by soaking them in a bowl of beer for 20 minutes.


SHINE ON

If your gold jewellery has lost its shine, pop them into a dish of beer, remove and polish up with a dry cloth (but don't try this on rings with stones in them.)


COOKING WITH BEER

If you really want to enjoy beer, why not try cooking with it?

Added to soup, meat dishes or even cakes, beer can revolutionize your cooking. It's great as a meat tenderizer and won't alter the flavour as much as wine; it gives fish batter a new fluffiness and pancakes have never tasted so good. But don't stop there - you can use beer as an ingredient in starters, desserts, pies, even dessert. Click here for Beer Recipes & Cooking with Beer.