9 Surprising Uses for Beer (Beyond Just Drinking)

One of the oldest beverages produced by humans, beer is still a universal favorite. Even George Washington, an accomplished brewmaster himself, thought it essential that each man in his troops receive a quart of beer a day. Whether it is made from wheat, barley, or even corn, beer is a synonymous with relaxation and pleasure. But beer goes beyond the glass thanks to these inventive uses for health, beauty, and your home.

Is your hair dull and lifeless? Try washing it in beer! The malt from the beer is rich in proteins that nourish your locks and smooth out unruly strands. Your brew's alcohol acts as a cleansing agent, the vitamin B adds shine, and the yeast improves your hair's overall health.

"Hair is at its shiniest when the cuticle, or outer layer of the hair, is closed and beer is perfect for the job," explains Amanda Sipenock, LUSH Brand and Product Trainer. It's best to use flat, warm beer when washing. Make sure to rinse throughly.

If you prefer not to let your good beer go down the drain, buy a shampoo or hair treatment that incorporates beer. LUSH Cosmetics Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo contains organic stout from Canadian brewery Crannóg Ales, and Dogfish Head's DFH Beer Shampoo Bar is made from the brewery's finest ales.

We don't recommend cleaning your most precious gems with your favorite brew, but beer can help clean jewelry, particularly gold. Soak your jewelry in a small amount of light or amber-colored beer, then buff with a small cloth.

Yes, you saved some money by buying the inexpensive cut of beef, but now you're worried it will be impossible to chew. You have to tenderize the meat, and beer can help. Beer's acidity will break down muscle strands when the meat is marinated for a long period (usually overnight).

Try out the technique with this recipe for Guinness-Marinated Bison Steak Sandwiches.

It may not top a doctor's list of ways to prevent kidney stones, but research shows that drinking beer (in moderation!) can help. That's because beer — particularly those with a high concentration of hops — can help prevent calcium deposits, a key component of kidney stones, from forming in the liver. Beer is also a natural diuretic, so it helps flush out the kidneys and bladder.

Stouts, porters, and other dark beers contain high amounts of iron — typically the same amount as a serving of spinach. Beer is also a rich source of silicon and boron (two minerals that help maintain healthy bones), magnesium, and potassium. We aren't recommending that you swap beer for all of your other sources of these important minerals, but it sure is nice to know the brew is doing more than just relaxing you, isn't it?

As beer slowly simmers, the intensity of its flavor increases, creating a rich base that marries well with hearty meats. Beer provides an earthy flavor and, depending on the type, can either dominate or compliment a dish.

Recipes to Try:
Guinness Beef Stew (pictured)
Beer-Braised Beer Stew
Beer-and-Cheddar Soup
Three-Chile Beef Chili

Frustrated because your copper pots look worn? Beer's carbonation and acidity can help clean those stubborn stains. Just let the pots sit in some light beer for an hour or two, then wipe clean. This method works great on copper table tops and utensils as well.

Beer-Steamed Clams (pictured) are perfection in a bowl. Beer adds a kick of rich flavor that shellfish eagerly absorb. Boil beer with any combination of ingredients (onions, tons of garlic, peppers, chorizo), toss in your choice of shellfish, and cook until done. Make sure you grab some hearty bread to sop up all of the delicious sauce!