can we add honey in milk - #25124

Adding honey to milk can actually be an interesting topic in Ayurveda. Your mom might be on to something with her remedy for your cold, as both honey and milk have their individual benefits. Honey is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe sore throats and allergy symptoms. On the other hand, milk is nourishing and can provide comfort. Combined together, they can be soothing and might help you to feel better.

However, there’s a bit more to consider. Ayurvedic texts mention that honey should not be heated or cooked, as heating inhibits its beneficial enzymes and, accoring to classical texts, may create toxic effects. So, when combining honey and milk, it’s best to avoid boiling the honey with the milk directly. A safe way to drink this concoction would be to first warm the milk to a comfortable drinking temperature, and then stir in the honey once the milk is no longer hot, but warm to touch. This will assure that honey retains its beneficial properties.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, both milk and honey have satvic (pure) qualities and can be compatible when prepared carefully. Though mixing them is not considered a perculiar combination that you’d find in tradtional Ayurvedic texts, many people think it as a comfort drink. Despite some modern anecdotes about honey canceling out the benefits of dairy, this isn’t rooted in Ayurvedic science.

It’s also important to consider individual health and digestion, like your dosha balance. If you are kapha-dominant, both milk and honey might be heavy together, so just pay attention how you feel after consuming. In general moderation is key, and if you enjoy the taste and it makes you feel better, it might be perfectly okay to enjoy warm milk with honey occasionally, especially as a home remedy.

Always listen to your body and observe how you feel after consuming it. If either ingredient upsets your stomach or causes discomfort, like bloating, it might be worth consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner to understand better what’s going on with your individual constitution.