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.
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I'm a knowledgeable enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic at hand. My expertise stems from a comprehensive study of various scientific sources, including research studies, clinical reviews, and reputable medical publications. I've dedicated time to exploring the multifaceted aspects of honey, examining its composition, medicinal properties, and practical applications. My aim is to share valuable insights and evidence-based information to enhance your understanding of honey and its role in health and well-being.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
-
Honey Composition:
- Honey is a sweet fluid produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowering plants.
- There are approximately 320 different varieties of honey, distinguished by variations in color, odor, and flavor.
- The primary components of honey include sugar, amino acids, vitamins, minerals (such as iron and zinc), and antioxidants.
-
Medical Uses of Honey:
- Honey serves various purposes beyond being a natural sweetener.
- It is employed as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent.
- Oral use of honey is common for treating coughs, while topical application is used for burn treatment and wound healing promotion.
-
Research Findings:
- Antioxidants in honey are associated with a potential reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Specific types of honey, such as eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, and labiatae honey, may act as reliable cough suppressants.
- Honey shows promise in relieving gastrointestinal conditions, including diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis.
- Studies suggest potential benefits of honey in neurological diseases, offering antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety effects.
-
Wound Care:
- The topical use of medical-grade honey has been demonstrated to promote wound healing, especially in burns.
-
Safety Considerations:
- Honey is generally safe for adults and children above the age of 1.
- It is considered safe for use as a natural sweetener, cough suppressant, and topical product for minor sores and wounds.
- However, honey should not be given to infants under 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.
-
Allergies and Side Effects:
- Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to specific components in honey, particularly bee pollen.
- Rare but serious reactions to bee pollen may include wheezing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, perspiration, fainting, and irregular heart rhythms.
-
Interactions:
- Currently, there is no evidence to indicate how honey might interact with other drugs.
This information is derived from reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic, scientific journals, and healthcare databases, ensuring a reliable and accurate portrayal of the topic. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
