when to eat honey - #44837

You’re right in noting that honey can be quite beneficial, especially in dealing with sore throats and colds. Honey is known in Ayurveda as ‘Madhu’, and it holds a special place due to its medicinal properties. The timing of consuming honey can indeed impact its efficacy and benefits, so let’s delve into a few suggestions.

First, it’s perfectly fine to use honey in your tea when you have a sore throat – it can soothe irritation due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, make sure your tea isn’t piping hot, as heating honey above a certain temperature can diminish its beneficial enzymes.

Taking honey in the morning on an empty stomach with warm water is traditionally recommended in Ayurveda for boosting digestion and metabolism. If warm water with honey isn’t your thing, you might find it helpful to mix it with lemon, providing a refreshing start to the day. Remember though, everyone’s constitution is unique. So unless you have a strong Pitta dosha (fire element) where excessive heat is to be avoided, early morning is beneficial for most.

Adding honey in your smoothies is entirely acceptable. Mixing it alongside fruits or yogurt in a smoothie does not take away its benefits, unless again you are heating it or mixing it with very hot substances.

Before bed is another suitable time to consume honey, particularly if mixed with a calming herbal tea, like chamomile, to help induce a restful sleep by calming the mind owing to honey’s mild sedative properties.

The only caution is to avoid honey in large amounts or conjunction with excessively hot foods. In Ayurveda, honey is considered ‘Yogavahi’ – it enhances the properties of the substances it is taken with, so moderation is key. One teaspoon or so at a time is typically sufficient.

As far as your scratchy throat, you may also swish a honey mixture– of honey and pinch of turmeric– and let it coat your throat for extra relief. Remember, any persistent or worsening symptoms should warrant a professional evaluation to rule out other underlying conditions.