Honey
Honey is a sweet fluid made by honeybees from the nectar of flowering plants. There are many different types of honey, each with a different color, odor, and flavor.
Honey is mostly made up of sugar as well as various amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also used as a natural sweetener and to treat inflammation, infection, and other medical conditions. Honey may be taken orally or applied topically. Burning produces heat and helps to heal wounds.
Evidence
Some research on honey is specifically focused on treating specific conditions.
- Cardiovascular disease.Honey is a source of antioxidants, which might help reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Cough.Some studies suggest that eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, and labiatae honey can suppress coughs in some people with upper respiratory infections and acute nighttime cough.
- Gastrointestinal disease.Some people believe that honey might help relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea that are associated with gastroenteritis. It is also possible that honey can be helpful in treating oral rehydration therapy.
- Neurological disease.Some studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety benefits. In some cases, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.
- Wound care.Medical-grade honey is effective at promoting wound healing.
The quality of honey may vary because there are no standardized methods for producing or verifying it.
Our take
Generally safe
Honey is generally safe for adults and children older than one. It might be helpful in treating burns, coughs, and possibly other conditions.
Safety and side effects
Honey is likely safe to use as a natural sweetener, for treating coughs and wounds.
Do not give honey to babies under one year old. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. The bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby's intestines. The toxin is dangerous.
Some people are sensitive to specific components in honey, such as bee pollen. Although rare allergies to bee pollen can cause serious and sometimes fatal 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 is currently no evidence to suggest how honey may interact with other medications.