Using honey with hot water is a frequent recommendation for various health benefits in both Ayurveda and other traditional practices. However, there’s some nuance to consider—especially from a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective. When honey is heated to high temperatures, it can become “ama,” which is a toxic substance as per Ayurvedic principles. Ama can lead to various imbalances in the body. Ideally, honey should be mixed with water that is warm, not hot, to retain its beneficial properties.
For your cold, honey in lukewarm water can be soothing for the throat and may help with mucus clearance, supporting better digestion. The addition of lemon can further aid digestion and immunity but must be consumed within moderation if it leads to any discomfort, such as acidity or headache you’ve mentioned.
From a dosha perspective, honey is thought to aggravate the vata dosha if overly consumed, while lemon might aggravate the pitta dosha. However, consumption in reasonable amounts is generally considered safe, provided your individual constitution or prakriti is considered, which a skilled Siddha-Ayurvedic practitioner can better assess for you.
About weight loss—honey with warm water is said to aid in weight management by potentially boosting metabolism. Yet, benefits vary widely among individuals depending on their unique makeup, so regular adjustment and monitoring is advised.
In terms of your headaches, observe whether pairing honey with lemon exacerbates them. If so, reduce or eliminate the lemon.
The key here is moderation, and paying attention to your body’s signals. If discomfort continues or you experience worsening symptoms, seek further consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure any underlying issues are promptly addressed.
