Honey is one of the world's nutritious substances, and ayurvedic terms are known as the perfection of sweetness. Honey has so many beneficial properties that are good for health, and you can take honey with ginger juice and black pepper for the treatment of dry and wet cough. Moreover, honey is also good for improving digestion and managing weight. Therefore, one can consume honey with lukewarm water for improving digestion and managing weight. Furthermore, honey is the best alternative to sugar and is good for diabetic patients. Honey also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for the treatment of burns and wounds. However, consuming an excess amount of honey could cause diarrhea, and direct consumption of raw honey is harmful to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Properties of Honey:
Some of the beneficial properties of honey that helps in the treatment of various health problems are as follows:
● Antioxidant property
● Antibacterial property
● Antifungal property
● Ushna property
● Kapha balancing property
● Rasayana property
● Vata balancing property
So these are some of the properties of Honey. All these properties are beneficial for the overall health of a person.
Historical uses of Honey:
From ancient years, honey has been used for its medicinal properties that help in the treatment of various health issues. Earlier, honey was used as an agent for the treatment of wounds and burns. Some other uses of honey are as follows.
● Helps in the treatment of cough and cold
● Lowers the blood sugar levels
● Helps in the treatment of diarrhea
● Helps Lower high cholesterol levels.
● Helps in improving fertility in men and women.
● Helps in reducing the symptoms of hay fever
● Helps in treating burns and wounds.
So these were some of the health problems that can be treated by consuming and using honey. People for years have believed in the medicinal properties of honey that age back to ancient times.
Benefits of honey in Ayurvedic treatment:
Honey is one of the nutritious nectar that is beneficial for the overall health of a person. Here are some of the benefits of honey in Ayurvedic treatments.
1. Helps in the treatment of cough
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According to scientific studies, honey's mucolytic property is beneficial for loosening thick mucus and providing relief from chest congestion. Therefore, you can consume honey for treating coughs and colds.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has Kapha balancing properties that are beneficial for providing relief from chest congestion and balancing the body's kapha. Therefore, honey can balance the aggravated Vata and help you provide relief from cough.
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Tips for consuming honey for the treatment of cough
If you want to treat your cough, then you can consume honey by following these steps.
a. You could take about one tablespoon of honey in a bowl.
b. Then you can add 2-3 drops of fresh ginger juice and mix it well.
c. You can consume these two times a day to get relief from chest congestion and coughing.
2. Good for diabetic patients
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According to scientific studies, Honey is a natural sweetener and can be used as an alternative to sugar as it has a low glycemic index and is beneficial for diabetic patients. Honey does not increase the blood sugar levels in the body as compared to white sugar. Moreover, honey can improve the serum insulin level and also lower the insulin resistance in the body. Therefore, you can consume honey for managing your blood glucose levels.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has deepan and pachan properties that are beneficial for maintaining blood glucose levels and improving the metabolism of a person. Therefore, honey can be consumed for managing the blood sugar levels as it is good for a diabetic patient.
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Tips for using honey if you are diabetic
If you have diabetes, then you can follow this tip.
a. You could replace sugar with honey as honey will only act as a natural sweetener and will not raise the blood sugar levels.
b. However, if you have diabetes, you must consult your doctor if you consume any anti-diabetic drugs along with honey.
3. Helps in lowering high cholesterol levels
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According to scientific studies, Honey has antioxidant properties that are beneficial for lowering high cholesterol in the body. Moreover, honey has polyphenols content that is good for lowering the bad cholesterol levels and improving the body's good cholesterol levels. Therefore, you can consume honey to lower the cholesterol levels in the body.
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According to ayurvedic studies, Honey has deepan and pachan properties that are beneficial for lowering the cholesterol levels in the body as honey helps improve the body's metabolism. Therefore, for improving metabolism and lowering cholesterol levels, you can consume honey.
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Tips for consuming honey for lowering high cholesterol levels
If you want to lower high cholesterol levels, then you can consume honey by following these steps.
a. You could take about 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl.
b. Then you can add about 3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can then consume one tablespoon of this mixture two times a day after having your meals.
d. You can repeat this process for 1-2 months for better results.
4. Helps in the treatment of diarrhea
Honey has antibacterial properties that are beneficial for the treatment of diarrhea. According to scientific studies, honey can prevent the growth and activity of bacteria that cause diarrhea. Therefore, one can consume honey for the treatment of diarrhea.
Tips for consuming honey for the treatment of diarrhea
If you want to treat diarrhea, then you can consume honey by following these steps.
a. You could take about one teaspoon of honey in the bowl.
b. Then you can add about one tablespoon of curd to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can consume these two times a day for better results.
5. Helps in the treatment of foot ulcers
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According to scientific studies, honey has antioxidant properties that may help lower the risk of cell damage and treat foot ulcers. Moreover, honey helps in reducing inflammation, which is beneficial for treating foot ulcers.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has rasayana properties that are beneficial for the treatment of foot ulcers.
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6. Helps in improving fertility
Honey is beneficial for improving fertility in both men and women. Therefore, if you want to improve your fertility, then you could consume honey.
Tip for consuming honey for improving fertility
For improving your fertility, you could take about 1-2 teaspoons of honey with one glass of milk. You can consume it regularly during night time.
7. Helps in the treatment of hay fever
Honey can be consumed for an immunotherapy process that is beneficial for reducing hay fever symptoms as honey has pollen grain contents, which can make you immune to pollen. Therefore, consuming honey regularly may be beneficial for reducing the symptoms of hay fever.
Tips for consuming honey for the treatment of hay fever
If you want to reduce hay fever symptoms, you could consume honey by following these tips.
a. You could take about 2-3 teaspoons of honey.
b. You also have the option of mixing honey with lukewarm water or having it along with your tea.
c. You can consume honey two times a day for improved results.
8. Helps in the treatment of burns
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According to scientific studies, Honey has antioxidant properties that help in the treatment of burns. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of honey help in preventing the risk of further wound infection. Therefore, using honey on burns is beneficial for fast healing.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has Kapha and pitta balancing properties that are beneficial for the treatment of burns. Moreover, honey has a sita property that gives a cooling effect on the burns.
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Tips for using honey for the treatment of burns
If you want to treat the burns, then you can use honey by following these tips.
a. You could use apple honey on the affected area, and you should not rub it.
b. Let the honey stay in the affected area for 1-2 hours.
c. After 1-2 hours, wash off the honey with cold water.
9. Helps in the treatment of sunburns
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According to scientific studies, Honey has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help treat sunburns and repair the skin.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has a sita property that provides a cooling effect on the skin and helps treat sunburns.
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Tips for using honey for the treatment of sunburns
If you want to treat the sunburns, then you can use honey by following these tips.
a. You could take the required amount of honey in a bowl.
b. Then you could add about 1-2 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to the bowl and mix it well with honey.
c. Start applying this paste on the affected area and let it stay for about 1-2 hours.
d. After 1-2 hours, you can wash off the paste with cold water.
e. You can repeat this process regularly for improved results.
10. Good for skin regeneration
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According to scientific studies, honey has antioxidant properties that help with skin regeneration. Moreover, honey has antibacterial properties that are beneficial for preventing the growth of the infection, causing bacteria.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has Kashaya property that helps with skin regeneration. Therefore, you can use honey for healing your skin.
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11. Helps in the treatment of piles
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According to scientific studies, honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are beneficial for the treatment of piles as the anti-inflammatory property may reduce the pain that is associated with piles, and the antibacterial property of honey helps in preventing the growth of bacteria, which is beneficial for reducing the risk of further infections. Therefore, one can use honey to manage the problem of piles.
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According to ayurvedic studies, honey has sita and healing properties that are beneficial for piles' treatment as the sita property has a cooling effect on the body, which reduces the pain associated with piles.
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Tips for using honey for the treatment of piles
If you are suffering from piles, then you can consume honey by following these steps.
a. You could take about 1 tablespoon of honey, olive oil, and beeswax to a bowl.
b. Mix all the ingredients well and apply the mixture to the affected area for getting relief from the pain.
12. Helps in the treatment of inflamed gums
The reason for inflamed gums is the increase of bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria occur in the form of a plague that leads to inflammation and swelling of gums. However, the antibacterial properties of honey are beneficial for controlling bacterial growth and preventing plaque build-up. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory property of honey is beneficial for reducing the inflammation of the gums.
Tips for using honey for inflamed gums
If you have inflamed gums, then you can use honey by following these steps.
a. You could take about one tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water.
b. Mix the honey well in the warm water.
c. Now start gargling with this mixture two times a day.
d. You can repeat this process two times a day for better results.
13. Helps in the treatment of herpes labialis
The antiviral property of honey is beneficial for the treatment of herpes labialis as it prevents the activity of herpes simplex virus during cold sores. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of honey reduce pain and swelling.
Tips for using honey for the treatment of herpes labialis
If you are suffering from cold sores, then you can use honey by following these steps.
a. You could take about one tablespoon of honey in a bowl.
b. Then add about a pinch of turmeric in the same bowl and mix well.
c. You could then apply this paste to the cold sore 1-2 times a day for better results.
Dosage of honey recommended by doctors:
The quantity of honey recommended by doctors is as follows:
● Honey gel- You could take about 2-4 teaspoons of honey gel, or you could take as required by you.
Usage of Honey for ayurvedic treatment:
Honey can be consumed and used for ayurvedic treatment; check out how you can consume and use honey for your treatments.
1. Honey with milk
You could consume honey with milk by following these steps.
a. You could take about one glass of warm milk.
b. You could then add about 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the glass of warm milk and mix well.
c. You can consume it at night before sleeping for improved health.
2. Honey with lukewarm water
You could consume honey with lukewarm water by following these steps.
a. You could take about one glass of lukewarm water.
b. You could then add about 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the glass of lukewarm water and mix well.
c. You can consume it on an empty stomach in the morning to improve your digestion.
3. Honey with ginger juice
You could consume honey with ginger juice by following these steps.
a. You could take about one teaspoon of ginger juice.
b. You could then add about 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the ginger juice.
c. You can consume it in the morning and once before going to bed for treating cough and sore throat.
4. Honey with lemon water
You could consume honey with lemon and water by following these steps.
a. You could take about one glass of lukewarm water and then take half a lemon slice and squeeze it into the glass.
b. You could then take about 1-2 teaspoons of honey and mix it well with lemon water.
c. You can consume it on an empty stomach as it will help boost your metabolism, manage your cholesterol levels, and manage weight.
5. Honey as a face pack
You can make a honey face pack for treating dry skin. You can follow these steps for preparation.
a. You could take about 1-2 teaspoons of honey in a bowl.
b. Then you could add about 1-2 teaspoons of milk to the bowl to make a thick paste.
c. Start applying this paste on your skin and let it stay for about 5-10 minutes before washing off.
d. After 5-10 minutes, you can wash off the paste with cold water.
e. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week for treating your dry skin.
6. Honey along with Multani mitti
You can use honey with multani mitti to make a paste for getting glowing and healthy skin. You can follow these steps for preparation.
a. You could take two teaspoons of multani mitti in a bowl.
b. You could then add about 2 teaspoons of honey and rose water to the bowl and mix well.
c. You will get a thick paste-like consistency.
d. Start applying this paste on your face, neck, and hands and let it stay for about 5-10 minutes.
e. After 5-10 minutes, you can wash off the paste with cold water.
f. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week for healthy and glowing skin.
7. Honey as a conditioner
You can make a honey conditioner by following these steps.
a. You could take about half a cup of curd in a bowl.
b. Then you could add about 3-4 teaspoons of honey to the bowl and mix well.
c. Now start applying this mixture to your scalp and hair.
d. Let the mixture stay on your hair for about 40-45 minutes.
e. After 40-45 minutes, you can rinse your hair under tap water.
f. You could repeat this process once a week for shiny and manageable hair.
8. Honey for healing wounds
You can use honey as an agent for healing wounds and burns. You can apply honey to the affected area as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that promote faster healing.
Precautionary guide for consuming Honey
Certain precautions must be considered before the consumption of honey.
● For heart disease patients
Some chances of consuming honey may increase blood pressure, which is harmful to a heart disease patient. Therefore, it is advised that you should monitor your blood pressure if you consume honey along with any hypertensive drugs.
● Expert advice
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- Honey has a high amount of fructose content that could lead to incomplete fructose absorption, which thereby causes diarrhea. Therefore, it is advised to consume honey in the recommended amount.
- Honey has acidic nature. Therefore, it must not be kept in the mouth for a prolonged period as it could damage the teeth enamel.
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- It is advised to consume honey in the recommended quantity as consuming honey is excess could lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as honey has a Guru nature.
- It is advised not to consume honey along with ghee as it could lead to an imbalance of Vata, pitta, and Kapha dosha in the body.
- It is not advised to boil honey or mix it in boiling water as it can cause harmful chemical changes.
- It is not recommended to consume honey along with radish as the combination can be toxic for the body.
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● For allergic patients
You must not consume honey if you are allergic or are hypersensitive towards the consumption of honey. You must also avoid applying honey on the skin if your skin becomes red or develops any rashes. You can do patch testing before applying honey to the skin.
● For pregnant women
Honey has C.botulinum and grayanotoxins contents that are harmful to pregnant women. Therefore, it is advised that you must consult your doctor before consuming honey if you are pregnant as there are chances that honey may have negative effects on the body.
● For breastfeeding women
Honey has C.botulinum and grayanotoxins contents that are harmful to the babies. Therefore, it is advised that you must consult your doctor before consuming honey if you are breastfeeding as there are chances that honey may be harmful to your child.
● For diabetic patients
Honey is usually used as an alternative to sugar as it helps in lowering the blood glucose levels. However, honey contains glucose and fructose that are harmful when consumed in high quantities and could increase blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is advised that you monitor your blood glucose levels if you consume honey along with any anti-diabetic drugs. You can also consult your doctor before the consumption of honey.
FAQ about Honey:
What are the names of some of the best brands of honey in India?
Some of the best brands when it comes to honey in India are as follows:
● Patanjali
● Himalaya
● Beez
● Hitkari
● Baidyanath
● Dabur
● Zandu pure
Are there any benefits of consuming honey with lemon water?
There are many benefits of consuming honey with lemon water as honey mixed with warm lemon water reduces cholesterol levels and manages your weight. This is because lemon is rich in vitamin C that is beneficial for increasing good cholesterol levels in the body. Moreover, honey is beneficial for lowering bad cholesterol levels and thus improving overall health.
Tips for consuming honey with lemon water
You could consume honey with lemon and water by following these steps.
a. You could take about one glass of lukewarm water and then take a half lemon slice and squeeze it into the glass.
b. You could then take about 1-2 teaspoons of honey and mix it well with lemon water.
c. You can consume this on an empty stomach at the time you wake up in the morning.
What are the benefits of Manuka honey?
Manuka honey is known to be the purest honey, and it has many health benefits like:
● Manuka honey helps reduce high cholesterol levels.
● It helps reduce systemic inflammation.
● It helps in managing diabetes.
● Manuka honey can be used for the treatment of wounds and burns.
● It can be used for ear, eye, and sinus infections.
● Manuka honey is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems.
What is the price range of different types of honey in India?
Every brand of honey offers a different price range of honey as the price is highly dependent upon the quantity and quality of the honey being sold. However, for a 100 gm pack, the price of honey may range from Rs. 50-70.
What are the differences between raw honey and organic honey?
There is a huge difference between organic honey and raw honey as organic honey is derived from the bees that collect the nectar from organic flowers that are the flowers that are not chemically grown. On the other hand, raw honey is derived from a beehive, and the honey undergoes a whole process of extraction, settling, and straining. Therefore, organic honey is said to be better than raw honey as it is not processed.
What are the exact calories present in about one tablespoon of honey?
One tablespoon of honey may contain about 64 calories.
Can we consume honey for managing weight?
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According to scientific studies, there is not enough evidence to support whether honey helps in weight loss or not. However, consuming honey is beneficial for managing weight as it helps in lowering the serum lipid levels in the body.
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According to ayurvedic studies, the reason for weight gain is an increase in the Kapha and the accumulation of Ama, which is the toxic waste in the body. However, consuming honey helps balance the Kapha and reduces the toxic waste in the body, which thereby improves the metabolism and managing weight.
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Tips for consuming honey for managing weight
You could consume honey with lemon and water for managing weight. You can follow these steps.
a. You could take about one glass of lukewarm water and then take half a lemon slice and squeeze it into the glass.
b. You could then take about 1-2 teaspoons of honey and mix it well with lemon water.
c. You can consume this on an empty stomach at the time you wake up in the morning.
Does consuming honey lead to allergies?
Consuming honey may lead to allergies only when you are allergic to pollen. This happens because, at the time of collecting honey, some pollen grain may remain in the honey, which may later lead to allergies. Therefore, you must avoid honey if you are allergic to pollen.
What is the recommended amount of honey for consumption?
It is recommended to consume honey in small quantities as honey has fructose and glucose contents that may be harmful to the body if consumed in high amounts. High consumption of honey is also harmful to diabetic patients. Therefore, you can consult your doctor before consuming honey.