Rare Therapeutic Benefits of Honey- An Ayurvedic Perspective

Honey is often referred to as the golden elixir, due to its splendid taste and wide range of health benefits. While honey is commonly used as a natural sweetener, it holds a wealth of lesser-known properties that outshine other sweeteners. Let us now discover the covert properties and rare therapeutic benefits of honey that might take you by surprise! Dive into the nutritional value, therapeutic properties, and lesser-known facets of honey integrating insights from modern science and ancient Ayurvedic wisdom. 

Ayurvedic Properties of Honey 

Honey contains vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants (pinocembrin) to mention a few. Ayurvedic texts use the word “madhu” to refer to honey. It is classified as a Yogavahi, meaning it enhances the potency and absorption of other herbs and medicines when combined with them. Honey exhibits ojas (immunity boosting), anupama (healing properties), agnideepanam (improves digestive fire), varnyam (improves complexion), and medohara (helps deal with obesity) properties. According to Sushrut Samhita, mature honey (Honey naturally collected by bees via plant nectar or secretions, etc., in combination with their own secretions to get a dehydrated & ripened form) may eliminate vitiated tridosha, whereas immature honey vitiates tridosha¹. 

Therapeutic Benefits of Honey

As an Anti-inflammatory Agent

Honey is considered amrita or nectar in Ayurvedic wisdom. This popularity of honey can be associated with its extraordinary healing potential. Honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that promote healing in different ways. Honey^2,3 is often used in multiple ways to promote healing, which include oral, topical, and infused herbal formulations. Thus, it can be used internally and externally for its potential healing properties. According to modern-day research and Ayurvedic wisdom, the healing potential of honey can be seen through its ability to: 

• Stimulate tissue regeneration
• Reduce pain and swelling
• Prevention of infections

For Eye Health

Honey is not just a natural sweetener, but an elixir for our eyes. In some Ayurvedic texts, honey is referred to as cakṣuṣya⁴, which signifies tonic for the eyes. Honey’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can be effective for the potential treatment of several eye conditions. Several modern-day research studies suggest that the therapeutic benefits of honey could be of great help when dealing with bullous keratopathy, the treatment for dry eye disease, postoperative corneal edema, etc. 

For Hyperacidity

Research suggests that the soothing effects of honey along with the presence of digestion-friendly enzymes^5,6 can help support overall digestive health. Moreover, it can calm the inflammation of stomach lining and esophagus, and promote better nutrient absorption. Therefore, using natural sweeteners like honey can help ease the discomfort associated with the symptoms of hyperacidity like heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. 

As a Laxative

According to Sushrut Samhita^7,8, fresh honey has laxative properties, which are also backed by modern-day research. Honey is known for its laxative properties and is often used as a gentle, flavorful, and natural solution to digestive issues. The nutritional and probiotic composition of honey along with the presence of other gut-friendly enzymes can help improve digestion and bowel movement.  

Beneficial for Respiratory Health

Honey is potentially very effective in treating respiratory disorders^9,10 when used internally with other herbal preparations. Honey has long been used to deal with asthma and cough as part of traditional medicine. According to Ayurvedic wisdom, maksika, a variety of honey that is reddish and resembles sesame oil, may play a role in dealing with respiratory illness. 

Urinary and Other Infections

As a very versatile ingredient, a rare therapeutic benefit of honey includes its potential ability to deal with urinary infections-^11,12. This use of honey as a traditional remedy for infections associated with bacteria dates back to ancient times. Several pieces of modern-day research have also supported this observation.  

Brain Health Protection

There are many benefits associated with the consumption of honey and for ages, it is part of our everyday life. However, there is growing evidence that highlights honey’s potential role in terms of brain health^13,14. Recent studies suggest that honey may potentially help boost memory, have a neuroprotective impact, and act as an anti-stress and anti-nociceptive agent. All these potential benefits associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of honey may play a role in improving brain health. 

In Weight Management

Another fact about honey that many of us might fail to appreciate is its possible ability to help in weight management¹⁵. When paired with lemon, honey supports weight loss, strengthens immunity, and improves digestive health.. Modern-day research has also highlighted that honey can help in weight management, reducing body fat, and lipid levels.  

Precautions to Keep in Mind While Using Honey 

In Ayurveda, improperly consumed honey can be a source of ama (toxins) in the body, which can cause various health issues. Although it is naturally sweet and there are several therapeutic benefits of honey, consuming it the wrong way may not always suit your body. When honey isn’t digested properly, it can produce ama, leading to imbalances.

As Sushruta mentions (Sutra 45:145), excessive honey intake can disrupt the body and cause health problems. To enjoy honey’s benefits safely, keep your daily intake to a maximum of 1 tablespoon.

• Consumption of honey should be in a moderate amount, and one must not overuse it (not more than 6 tsp per day). 
• Honey must not be heated, boiled, or mixed with hot foods as it may destroy its nutrients, and may lead to potentially harmful effects. 
• It is important to understand that honey contains the nectar of various flowers, therefore, there might be a slight chance of an allergic reaction. 
• Ayurveda specifies to avoid consuming honey during the summer season.
• Avoid mixing honey and ghee in equal proportions.
• Do not consume honey if experiencing indigestion.
• It is advised to avoid drinking hot water immediately after consuming honey.

Honey is regarded as a superfood and a medicinal ingredient in various Ayurvedic and traditional medicinal preparations. There are multiple types of honeys identified in Ayurvedic literature with each having medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Therefore, we must make the most of it to get our bodies and minds in the best shape in the most natural and flavorsome way possible.

Read More: Skin and Hair Benefits of Honey as per Ayurveda