Honey is a viscous substance rich in a number of nutrients. In Ayurveda, it is called as “Perfection of Sweet”.
Honey is one of the best known home remedies for dry and wet cough. It can be taken along with some ginger juice and black pepper to help relieve cough and throat irritation. Having Honey in lukewarm water every morning improves digestion and helps manage weight. It is a good alternative to sugar and can be taken by diabetics due to its low glycemic index.
Honey can be applied on burns and wounds to help prevent infection and promote healing. This is due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It can also nourish and soothe your skin in case of sunburn.
In some cases, consuming excessive Honey may lead to diarrhea. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking raw Honey as it may contain certain contaminants that harm the developing baby and the mother[1][2][8][9][12][14][19][26].

What are the synonyms of Honey?

Apis mellifera, Shehad, Madhu, Thenu, Jenu, Modhu, Mou, Tene, Shaath, Madh, Mohu, Tiga, Mee Peni

What is the source of Honey?

Animal Based

Benefits of Honey

What are the benefits of Honey for Diarrhea?

Modern Science View

Honey might be good in case of diarrhea due to its antibacterial property. A study states that Honey can inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria causing diarrhea such as S.aureus and C.albicans thus reducing the duration of bacterial diarrhea[25].
Tip:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Honey.
2. Add 1 tablespoon curd to it. Mix well.
3. Take it twice a day.

What are the benefits of Honey for Diabetic foot ulcers?

Modern Science View

The antioxidants present in Honey might lower the risk of cell damage such as foot ulcers in case of diabetes. Studies state that Honey might also reduce inflammation at the wound site and aid in the healing process[26].

Ayurvedic View

Honey helps in case of ulcer due to its healing property. It also prevents cell damage because of its Rasayana (Rejuvenating) nature.

What are the benefits of Honey for Infertility?

Modern Science View

Honey might help improve fertility in both men and women by promoting a feeling of rejuvenation and youthful virility[28].
Tip:
Take 1-2 teaspoons of Honey with 1 glass of milk daily at night before going to bed.

What are the benefits of Honey for Cough?

Modern Science View

Honey has mucolytic property. It might provide relief from chest congestion by loosening thick mucus and helping you to cough it out[27].
Tip:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Honey.
2. Add 2-3 drops of fresh ginger juice to it.
3. Have it twice a day for maximum relief.

Ayurvedic View

Honey helps in balancing aggravated Kapha. As a result of which, it gives relief from chest congestion and cough.

What are the benefits of Honey for Diabetes?

Modern Science View

Honey is good for diabetes because it is a natural sweetener and helps reduce blood glucose levels. Honey also has a low glycemic index, as a result of which it does not increase the blood sugar as rapidly as white sugar. Another study states that Honey helps in improving serum insulin levels as well as lowers the insulin resistance[22].
Tip:
1. Replace your regular sugar with Honey.
2. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Honey if you are diabetic or taking any anti-diabetic drugs.

Ayurvedic View

Honey helps to maintain normal blood sugar level as it improves the metabolism due to its Deepan (Appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.

What are the benefits of Honey for High cholesterol?

Modern Science View

Honey might lower high cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant property. The polyphenols present in Honey lowers the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) and improves HDL (good cholesterol). It can also prevent the oxidation of LDL thus reducing the level of LDL in the blood[24].
Tip:
1. Take 2 tablespoons of Honey and add 3 teaspoons of Cinnamon powder to it.
2. Mix well and take 1 teaspoon of the mixture twice a day after meals.
3. Repeat this for at least 1-2 months for better results.

Ayurvedic View

Honey helps to control high cholesterol level by improving metabolism due to its Deepan (Appetizer) Pachan (digestive) properties.

What are the benefits of Honey for Hay fever?

Modern Science View

Honey might reduce the symptoms of hay fever as a result of a process called immunotherapy. Studies state that local Honey contains traces of pollen grains and eating it regularly could make the person immune to pollen. This process of immunotherapy, in turn, would ease the symptoms of hay fever like runny and itchy nose, itchy eyes etc[23].
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of local Honey.
2. You can either swallow it alone or mix it with your tea or a glass of warm water.
3. Repeat this twice a day for effective results.

How effective is Honey?

Likely effective

Diabetes

Insufficient evidence

Asthma, Athletic performance, Cough, Diabetic foot ulcers, Diarrhea, Fournier’s gangrene, Hay fever, High cholesterol, Infections, Infertility, Nutritional deficiencies, Stomach ulcers

Precautions when using Honey

Advice from Experts

Modern Science View

1. Honey contains an excess amount of fructose which may lead to incomplete fructose absorption leading to diarrhea[9].
2. Due to its acidic nature, Honey may erode the dental enamel if kept in the mouth for a prolonged period of time[9].

Ayurvedic View

1. Avoid taking a high dose of Honey as it can cause nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature.
2. Avoid Honey with Ghee as it imbalances the Vatta, Pitta and Kapha Doshas.
3. Honey, when boiled, causes harmful chemical changes. Do not boil or mix Honey with boiling hot water or milk.
4. Avoid Honey with Radish (mooli) as this combination can be toxic.

Allergy

Modern Science View

Avoid Honey if you are allergic or hypersensitive to Honey, its constituents, celery or other bee-related allergens[9].

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Honey may contain contaminants like C.botulinum and grayanotoxins that might be harmful to the baby. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Honey if you are breastfeeding[8][9].

Patients with diabetes

Modern Science View

Honey is known to lower blood glucose level. But it contains sugars like glucose and fructose that can increase the blood sugar levels if consumed in higher doses. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood glucose level or consult your doctor if you are diabetic or taking anti-diabetic drugs[9].

Patients with heart disease

Modern Science View

Honey may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood pressure regularly if you are taking Honey along with other antihypertensive drugs[9].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Honey may contain contaminants like C.botulinum and grayanotoxins that might be harmful to the pregnant woman and the growing fetus. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Honey during pregnancy[8][9].

Recommended Dosage of Honey

Honey Gel - 1-2 teaspoons once a day.

How to use Honey

1. Honey in Milk
a. Take one glass of lukewarm milk.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Honey.
c. Drink it preferably at night for good health.

2. Honey in Luke Warm Water
a. Take 1 glass of lukewarm water.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoon of Honey and mix well.
c. Drink it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning for better digestion.

3. Honey in Ginger Juice
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Ginger juice.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoon of Honey to it.
c. Take once in the morning and once before going to bed at night to get rid of a sore throat and cough[5].

4. Honey-Lemon Water
a. Take 1 glass of lukewarm water.
b. Squeeze ½ Lemon to it.
c. Now add 1-2 teaspoons of Honey and mix well.
d. Drink it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning to manage cholesterol level, speed up the metabolism and aid weight loss[12].

Frequently asked questions

Q. Which are the most popular brands of Honey available in India?

Modern Science View

The most popular brands of Honey available in India are:
1. Patanjali
2. Beez
3. Himalaya
4. Baidyanath
5. Hitkari
6. Zandu Pure
7. Dabur

Q. What are the benefits of drinking Lemon Honey water?

Modern Science View

Studies suggest that drinking a glass of warm water with Lemon juice and Honey helps to reduce the level of cholesterol and helps manage weight.
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C which is associated with improving the level of HDL or good cholesterol. Also, Honey is found to have LDL or bad cholesterol lowering property in normal and hyperlipidemic participants. Together it helps reduce the level of LDL and improve HDL.
Honey is also known to have antioxidant property which helps manage weight[12].

Tip:
1. Take 1 glass of lukewarm water.
2. Squeeze ½ Lemon to it.
3. Now add 1-2 teaspoons of Honey and mix well.
4. Drink it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning.

Q. What is Manuka Honey and what are its benefits?

Modern Science View

Manuka Honey is the purest form of Honey and it helps in:
1. Reducing high cholesterol
2. Reducing systemic inflammation
3. Managing diabetes
4. Managing eye, ear and sinus infections
5. Managing gastrointestinal problems
6. Treating minor wounds and burns

Q. What is the price of Honey in India?

Modern Science View

Since Honey is marketed by different brands and has its own values, the price usually depends on the quality and quantity. It ranges from (Rs 50-70) for a 100 gm pack.

Q. Organic Honey vs Raw Honey which is better?

Modern Science View

Organic Honey is said to be better than raw Honey as it meets the organic livestock standards:

1. Organic Honey: It is a type of Honey which is obtained from bees which collects nectar from the flowers on which no chemicals have been sprayed. Also, the beehives are located far away from any chemicals.

2. Raw Honey: A type of Honey collected directly from a beehive. The Honey undergoes a process of extraction, settling and straining.

Q. How many calories are present in 1 tablespoon of Honey?

Modern Science View

There are approximately 64 calories in 1 tablespoon of Honey.

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Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.