Honey
Important Disclaimer
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any remedy, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or managing a health condition.
Overview
Honey is one of the oldest known medicinal substances, used by humans for over 8,000 years. Produced by bees from flower nectar, raw honey contains over 200 bioactive compounds including hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal (in Manuka honey), defensin-1, polyphenols, and enzymes. It has well-documented antimicrobial, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Manuka honey from New Zealand has the highest concentration of methylglyoxal and is used clinically for wound care.
Traditional Use
Honey has been used medicinally since prehistoric times. Ancient Egyptian medical texts (Ebers Papyrus, 1550 BC) describe honey as a wound dressing and treatment for eye infections. Ancient Greeks used honey for wounds, burns, and digestive complaints. Hippocrates prescribed honey for fever, pain, and wound healing. In Ayurvedic medicine, honey is considered a sacred food and medicine used for eye diseases, coughs, and as a vehicle for other medicines. Islamic medicine (Hadith) describes honey as a cure for every disease. Traditional Chinese medicine uses honey to harmonize the liver, neutralize toxins, and relieve pain.
Key Active Compounds
Hydrogen Peroxide
Produced by glucose oxidase enzyme in honey; provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Methylglyoxal (MGO)
Found in high concentrations in Manuka honey; provides non-peroxide antimicrobial activity effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria including MRSA.
Defensin-1 (Royalisin)
An antimicrobial peptide from bee royal jelly that contributes to honey's antibacterial properties.
Polyphenols (Flavonoids, Phenolic Acids)
Antioxidant compounds that reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and may have anticancer properties. Content varies by floral source.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Wound healing and antimicrobial
Strong evidenceMedical-grade honey (particularly Manuka) is clinically proven to accelerate wound healing, reduce infection, and is effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria including MRSA. Used in licensed wound dressings.
Cough suppression
Strong evidenceMultiple RCTs show honey is as effective as or superior to dextromethorphan (OTC cough medicine) for reducing cough frequency and severity in children. WHO recommends honey for cough in children over 1 year.
Sore throat relief
Moderate evidenceHoney coats and soothes irritated throat mucosa, reduces inflammation, and its antimicrobial properties help combat throat infections. Effective combined with lemon and ginger.
Antioxidant protection
Moderate evidenceRegular consumption of raw honey increases blood antioxidant levels, reduces oxidative stress markers, and may protect against chronic disease.
Common Preparation Methods
Direct Consumption
Take 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey directly or dissolved in warm (not hot) water or tea. For cough, take 1-2 teaspoons before bed.
Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons, 1-3 times dailyUse raw, unprocessed honey for maximum medicinal benefit. Heating above 40°C destroys enzymes.
Honey and Lemon Drink
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey and juice of half a lemon in warm water. Drink for sore throat, cough, or immune support.
Dosage: 1-3 cups daily during illnessAdd fresh ginger for enhanced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Topical Wound Application
Apply medical-grade Manuka honey (UMF 10+ or MGO 250+) directly to clean wounds, burns, or skin infections. Cover with a sterile dressing.
Dosage: Change dressing every 1-3 daysUse medical-grade honey for wound care. Regular honey may contain contaminants.
Honey Gargle
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey in 8 oz of warm water with a pinch of salt. Gargle for 30 seconds and spit out.
Dosage: 3-4 times daily for sore throatEffective for sore throat and oral infections.
Safety & Cautions
Please read carefully before use
Contraindications
- Infants under 12 months: NEVER give honey (risk of infant botulism)
- Bee product allergy: avoid entirely
- Diabetes: monitor blood sugar (honey raises blood glucose)
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants: may have mild antiplatelet effects
- Diabetes medications: may affect blood sugar control
Possible Side Effects
- Blood sugar elevation in diabetics
- Dental caries with excessive consumption
- Rare allergic reactions in bee-allergic individuals
Special Populations
- Infants under 12 months: STRICTLY AVOID — risk of botulism
- Diabetics: use in moderation and monitor blood sugar
- Bee allergy: avoid all bee products
Sources & References
Central Asian Journal of Global Health
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Scientific Reports
Quick Reference
Animal product (bee-derived)
Raw honey, Honeycomb, Propolis
Sweet, floral, complex; varies by floral source
Safety First
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new remedy, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.