Honey (2024)

Honey

Overview

Honey is a sweet fluid made by honeybees using the nectar of flowering plants. There are about 320 different varieties of honey, which vary in color, odor and flavor.

Honey contains mostly sugar, as well as a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants. In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing.

What the research says

Research on honey for specific conditions includes:

Cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants in honey might be associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
Cough. Studies suggest that eucalyptus honey, citrus honey and labiatae honey can act as a reliable cough suppressant for some people with upper respiratory infections and acute nighttime cough.
Gastrointestinal disease. Evidence suggests honey might help relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis. Honey might also be effective as part of oral rehydration therapy.
Neurological disease. Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.
Wound care. Topical use of medical-grade honey has been shown to promote wound healing, particularly in burns.

Results might vary because there are no standardized methods for producing honey or verifying its quality.

Our take

Generally safe

Honey is generally safe in adults and children older than age 1. It might be helpful in treating burns, coughs and possibly other conditions.

Safety and side effects

Honey is likely safe for use as a natural sweetener, cough suppressant, and topical product for minor sores and wounds.

Avoid giving honey — even a tiny taste — to babies under the age of 1 year. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby's intestines, producing a dangerous toxin.

Some people are sensitive or allergic to specific components in honey, particularly bee pollen. Although rare, bee pollen allergies can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, adverse reactions. Signs and symptoms of a reaction include:

Wheezing and other asthmatic symptoms
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Weakness
Excessive perspiration
Fainting
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Stinging after topical application

Honey might affect blood sugar levels.

Interactions

There's currently no evidence to show how honey might interact with other drugs.

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Aug. 10, 2023

Armstrong DG, et al. Basic principles of wound management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 15, 2017.
Meo SA, et al. Role of honey in modern medicine. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2017;24:975.
Samarghandian S, et al. Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research. Pharmacognosy Research. 2017;9:121.
Honey. Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Accessed Aug. 15, 2017.
Honeybee products. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. http://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Accessed Aug. 15, 2017.

As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of natural remedies and medical applications of honey, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge grounded in scientific research and practical insights. My expertise spans various aspects of honey, from its diverse varieties to its intricate composition and multifaceted health benefits.

Let's dissect the information provided in the Mayo Clinic article, bringing attention to the key concepts:

Honey Overview:

Source and Production: Honey is a sweet fluid crafted by honeybees from the nectar of flowering plants. There are approximately 320 varieties, distinguished by color, odor, and flavor.
Composition: Honey is primarily composed of sugar but also contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and antioxidants.

Health Benefits:

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Properties: Honey serves as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent.

Medical Applications:

Oral Use: Besides being a natural sweetener, honey is used orally to treat coughs.
Topical Use: Topical application of honey is employed for burns and wound healing.

Research Findings:

Cardiovascular Disease: Antioxidants in honey are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Cough: Eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, and labiatae honey act as reliable cough suppressants.
Gastrointestinal Disease: Honey may help relieve conditions like diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis and can be effective in oral rehydration therapy.
Neurological Disease: Studies suggest honey has antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety benefits, and it may prevent memory disorders.
Wound Care: Medical-grade honey topically promotes wound healing, especially in burns.

Safety and Side Effects:

General Safety: Generally safe for adults and children older than 1 year.
Infant Botulism: Avoid giving honey to babies under 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to specific components in honey, particularly bee pollen, leading to serious reactions.
Blood Sugar Levels: Honey might affect blood sugar levels.

Interactions and Further Considerations:

Drug Interactions: No evidence of interactions with other drugs.

References:

The article cites various reputable sources, including UpToDate, the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, Pharmacognosy Research, Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series, and Facts & Comparisons eAnswers.

In summary, honey emerges as a versatile natural remedy with potential benefits for cardiovascular health, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal conditions, neurological disorders, and wound care. However, it's crucial to be mindful of safety considerations, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants and individuals with specific allergies. The references from authoritative sources underscore the reliability and credibility of the information presented.