honey with hot water is good or bad - #37266
I am really confused about something I’ve been hearing a lot these days. Lately, I had this bad cold that just wouldn't go away, and my friend suggested I try honey with hot water because she swears by it for everything! I mean, she says honey with hot water is good for digestion and even helps with weight loss, but I’ve also seen some posts saying it could be bad for me if consumed in the wrong way. I've been drinking it every morning for about a week now, and while I do feel a bit better, I can't shake this nagging feeling. Like, is honey with hot water really good or bad? I read somewhere that hot water can ruin some of the beneficial properties of honey, making it less effective. But then doesn’t it also help in mixing it or something? Last night, I had a slight headache and drank some with lemon – now I wonder if I should keep doing that or if it’s doing more harm! Someone pls help clarify this for me? Can honey with hot water be a dependable home remedy, or should I be cautious of how much and how I’m taking it? Like, really, what's the deal?
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Doctors’ responses
It’s great you’re exploring different home remedies, but let’s delve into this with caution. Honey is indeed praised in Ayurveda for its healing properties; it’s thought to balance the kapha dosha and is used in many preparations. When you mix honey with water, it is believed to benefit digestion, soothe colds, even aid in weight loss. However, there’s a catch – the temperature of water is key.
In Ayurveda, adding honey to hot water or any beverage is generally discouraged. Honey, when heated, can become toxic. According to the texts, honey should not be exposed to temperatures above 40°C (about 104°F), as this may alter its beneficial enzymes and produce toxic compounds. Consume honey with lukewarm water instead – this way, it can retain its medicinal qualities without potential adverse effects.
If you’re drinking honey with lemon and warm (not hot) water, that’s generally acceptable and often used for soothing colds, boosting digestion, and a gentle wake-up drink for agni (digestive fire). Just be cautious that “warm” doesn’t mean hot; keep it pleasant to touch, like a comfortable bath.
For frequent issues like colds or headaches, consider more than just honey. Strengthening immunity through consuming herbs like tulsi, ginger, and turmeric, which you can add to your diet, might be more beneficial. Try boiled ginger tea or add turmeric to your food for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Remember, balance is always crucial. Anything in excess, even a good thing, may not work as intended. If symptoms persist, consider consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for more personalized guidance.
Be mindful of your body’s feedback. If something feels off after consuming honey and warm water, it’s a signal to reassess. And should any unexpected reactions occur, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safety.

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