Homemade Uses of the Honey Locust Tree

Below are practical, simple ways to use the Honey Locust at home — all based on traditional knowledge.

1. Honey Locust Natural Shampoo / Body Wash

Ingredients:
– 3–5 dried seedpods
– 2 cups of water

Steps:

1. Break the pods into smaller pieces.
2. Boil them in water for 10–15 minutes.
3. Let cool, strain, and use as a natural wash.

Why it works:
The saponins in the pods create a gentle, cleansing effect.

2. Honey Locust Cleaning Liquid

Great for cleaning wooden surfaces or as a mild dishwashing alternative.

Steps:

1. Boil several pods in water until it becomes slightly foamy.
2. Let cool and store in a jar.
3. Use for light cleaning tasks.

3. Traditional Honey Locust Digestive Tonic

(Used historically for seasonal digestive support)
Ingredients:
– 1 small piece of bark or a few cleaned pod fragments
– 2 cups hot water

Steps:

1. Simmer the bark or pod pieces for 10–15 minutes.
2. Strain and drink in small amounts.

Note:
This is meant as a mild herbal drink, not an everyday tonic.

4. Honey Locust Seed Flour Thickener

The seeds are extremely hard, but once boiled and dried they can be ground into powder.

Steps:

1. Boil seeds for 20–30 minutes.
2. Dry them completely.
3. Grind into a fine powder.

Use:
Add small amounts to soups or sauces to thicken naturally.

5. Sweet Pod Snack (Traditional Use)

You can chew the sweet inner pulp for a quick energy boost.

How:
Open the pod and simply chew the pulp — but avoid swallowing the hard seeds.

6. Honey Locust Thorn Crafts

The long, fierce thorns can be dried and used for:
– natural sewing needles
– decorative items
– fishing tools (traditional use)

7. Honey Locust Wood for Tools

Known as one of the hardest woods, it’s excellent for:
– tool handles
– walking sticks
– garden stakes
– long-lasting fence posts

8. Homemade Animal Feed Supplement

If you keep animals, dried and crushed pods can be mixed into feed as a natural sweetener.
Make sure animals do not choke on whole seeds.

9. Honey Locust Bark Skin Wash (Traditional)

Used historically as a mild wash for irritated skin.

Steps:

1. Boil a small piece of bark in water.
2. Cool and strain.
3. Use the liquid to gently cleanse the area.

Safety Notes

• The thorns are extremely sharp – handle carefully.
• Seeds are not edible whole due to hardness.
• Bark should only be used in small amounts.
• Always test a small area before applying homemade products to the skin.

The Honey Locust tree is far more than a thorny giant. It is a powerful, multi-purpose plant that has supported communities for centuries through its cleaning power, natural sugars, durable wood, and gentle medicinal qualities. Whether used as a natural shampoo, a household cleaner, a mild herbal drink, or simple energy food, this tree remains one of the most underrated natural allies growing across North America.

Bringing these traditional uses back into daily life helps us reconnect with nature’s forgotten wisdom — and the Honey Locust is one of the most remarkable examples of what a simple, common tree can offer.