Ghee And Honey Mix Is Poison

Question

I’ve been following some Ayurvedic practices for a while now, and I recently came across a claim that says ghee and honey mix is poison. This really confused me because I’ve seen so many recipes online where people recommend mixing ghee and honey together for energy, digestion, or even skin health. Is it true that ghee and honey mix is poison, or is this just a myth?

I have a habit of adding ghee and honey to my warm milk every night, and I never thought it could be harmful. I even read somewhere that ghee and honey have complementary health benefits when used together. So, if ghee and honey mix is poison, why is it included in so many Ayurvedic remedies and home practices?

Another thing I noticed is that some people say it becomes toxic only if the quantities of ghee and honey are equal. Does the ratio really make that much of a difference, and is there any scientific or Ayurvedic explanation behind it? I’ve never measured how much ghee or honey I use; I just mix them based on taste. Could this habit be harming me without me realizing it?

I’ve also been experiencing mild bloating and indigestion recently, and now I’m wondering if it could be related to this combination. Is there any truth to the idea that ghee and honey mix is poison if consumed over a long period of time? Should I stop using this combination altogether, or are there safe ways to use them both in my diet?

For anyone who knows more about this, can you clarify if the claim about ghee and honey mix is poison is rooted in actual Ayurvedic texts, or is it just a modern misconception? I want to make sure I’m not unknowingly causing harm to myself, but I also don’t want to give up on a remedy that might be perfectly safe when used correctly.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

The claim that ghee and honey together is toxic or "poisonous" is rooted in some Ayurvedic texts, but it’s not a straightforward rule, and there’s more nuance to it. According to certain Ayurvedic teachings, combining ghee and honey in equal amounts could be problematic because they have opposing qualities. Ghee is considered to be heating (or "ushna") and nourishing, while honey is cooling (or "sheeta") and drying. When combined in equal quantities, the two may disrupt digestion and lead to the formation of toxins (ama) in the body, especially in people with a Pitta dosha imbalance, which is already heat-heavy. This is why the combination is often considered harmful if consumed in large or equal proportions, as it could disturb the body’s natural balance and digestive process.

However, ghee and honey are both revered for their health benefits in Ayurveda when used in moderation and in proper balance. Ghee is said to promote longevity, boost immunity, and aid in digestion, while honey has antimicrobial and soothing properties. When used in smaller amounts and not in equal proportions, especially when mixed into warm drinks like milk, the combination may actually offer benefits like improved digestion, enhanced energy, and better skin health.

The ratio between ghee and honey is crucial. Using a smaller proportion of honey to ghee can make the combination more beneficial and prevent the potential toxic effects. For instance, Ayurvedic texts may suggest mixing 1 part honey to 3 or 4 parts ghee, which helps avoid the imbalance that could lead to digestive issues like bloating.

As for your habit of adding ghee and honey to warm milk, this is a common practice in Ayurveda and, when done properly, can be safe and even beneficial. If you are experiencing bloating and indigestion, it could be due to other factors like an imbalance in your digestive fire (Agni), or it could simply be the proportions you are using. You may want to adjust the amount of honey and ensure it's not equal to the ghee, and also monitor your body's response to the combination.

In short, the "ghee and honey mix is poison" claim is not an absolute truth but rather a guideline about balance. If used appropriately, in moderation, and with the right proportions, ghee and honey can be a powerful and nutritious combination in your diet. However, if you experience discomfort or digestive issues, it might be worth revisiting the ratios or considering other factors in your diet that could be contributing to the problem.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, you've stumbled onto an age-old Ayurvedic conundrum! In Ayurveda, there's indeed a principle that mixing honey and ghee in equal proportions can become toxic. This concept comes from classical texts, cautioning against their combination if used equally in weight. So, yeah, there's some basis to the warning, but it doesn't mean you need to panic or throw them out completely.

The deal here is the 'samyoga' or combination. It’s said the equal mix might cause some ama (toxins) due to the way the channels and tissues interact with these substances when they're precisely equal in weight. Modern chemistry doesn't really back this up with tons of evidence, but Ayurveda often focuses more on how substances interact energetically and holistically.

It's important to remember, both ghee and honey are actually very beneficial when used individually or when not mixed equally. Ghee soothes vata and pitta doshas, supports digestion, and nurtures ojas (vitality), while honey has medicinal properties and helps clear kapha. The problem, according to Ayurveda, only arises when they're combined in equal weights, which you probably aren’t doing anyway! You said you mix based on taste, which is great because it’s unlikely you’re hitting that 50:50 ratio.

Regarding the bloating and indigestion, it could be due to a variety of factors, not necessarily this mix. It might be helpful to observe how your body responds when you separate them or adjust the quantities more mindfully. Try using more ghee than honey or alternate their use on different days. Also, ensure your milk isn’t too hot when adding honey, as heated honey is considered toxic in Ayurveda.

If you want to be precautious about it, you could simply avoid using them together frequently. Enjoy them separately in ways that suit your constitution, lifestyle, and current dietary habits. Keep listening to your body — it tends to give you hints in subtle ways! And as always, for persistent digestive issues, reaching out to a professional in your area for personalized advice could provide more clarity.

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