Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Honey With Ghee Side Effects
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Nutrition
Question #5505
252 days ago
385

Honey With Ghee Side Effects - #5505

Aaliyah

I’ve recently been trying to incorporate more natural and traditional ingredients into my diet, and someone suggested using honey and ghee together for their health benefits. I’ve been adding small amounts of both to my morning tea and desserts, but then I came across some information about honey with ghee side effects that left me confused. Why are there warnings about honey with ghee side effects, especially when mixed in equal quantities? I’ve read that Ayurveda advises against combining honey and ghee because it can create harmful toxins in the body, but I’m not sure why this happens. Does it have to do with the heating process or the specific proportions? I also wonder if honey with ghee side effects are a concern even in small amounts or if this risk only applies when the two are consumed in larger quantities. For example, if I drizzle a little honey and ghee on my toast or mix them into my tea, am I still at risk of experiencing any negative effects? Another question I have is about the symptoms of honey with ghee side effects. Does it affect digestion, lead to toxin buildup, or cause other health issues? If this combination is truly harmful, what are some safer alternatives for enjoying the benefits of both honey and ghee without mixing them together? Should this combination be completely avoided, or are there specific guidelines for using it safely?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

In Ayurveda, honey and ghee are considered powerful but must be used carefully. The concern about honey with ghee side effects arises because mixing them in equal proportions can lead to the creation of ama (toxins) in the body, particularly when consumed in excess. This happens because honey is considered cooling and light, while ghee is heavy and warming, and when combined improperly, they may disrupt the body’s natural balance, especially digestion.

The negative effects are more likely when consumed in larger amounts or over long periods. In small quantities, such as drizzling a little honey and ghee on toast or in tea, the risk is minimal, but it’s important not to overdo it. If you experience digestive discomfort or feel sluggish, it might indicate an imbalance.

To safely enjoy both, you can consume them separately or in specific amounts throughout the day, not in equal proportions at once. Alternatively, you can use ghee with warm foods or honey with cool foods to maintain balance.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

I see where you’re coming from and Ayurveda can definitely kick up some curiosities! So here’s the scoop. According to traditional Ayurvedic texts, mixing equal amounts of honey and ghee is generally not recommended. The issue doesn’t necessarily come from small quantities or the fact that they’re mixed with something like tea, but rather from the equal proportional mix that’s thought to cause an imbalance. That potentially creates ama, what Ayurveda calls toxins. In an equal mix, these two ingredients are said to have opposing energies that might not align well.

It’s less about heated honey here and more about those proportions, though honey should definitely not be heated as it’s believed to become toxic. But if you’re using a dab of ghee with a dash of honey in your morning tea, you’re likely not consuming them in equal proportions anyway. Now if you’re wondering about symptoms – if your digestion suddenly becomes sluggish, or you feel heavy and lethargic, or notice unusual ailments, those might be signs of imbalance.

But no need to entirely ditch these goodies! Many people use them separate, so you can try drizzling ghee over roasted veggies or on top of your toast and use honey at a different time, maybe in teas or dressings. This way, you can enjoy the goodness of both without any worries.

In terms of safer guidelines, just don’t mix them in equal amounts – slight imbalances are less likely to have issues. And, if in doubt, stick with separate use. Lastly, if it concerns persists or you notice any unusual symptoms after consuming them, do consider reaching out to a professional who can take a look at your specific constitution and suggest what’s best for you.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Isha Bhardwaj
I am someone who kinda learned early that medicine isn’t just about protocols or pills—like, it’s more about people, right? I did my BAMS with proper grounding in both classical Ayurveda and also the basics of modern med, which honestly helped me see both sides better. During internship, I got to work 6 months at Civil Hospital Sonipat—very clinical, very fast paced—and the other 6 at our own Ayurvedic hospital in the college. That mix showed me how blending traditional and integrative care isn't just theory, it actually works with real patients. After that I joined Kbir Wellness, an Ayurvedic aushdhalaya setup, where I dived into Naadi Pariksha—like really deep. It’s weird how much you can tell from pulse if you just listen right?? Doing regular consultations there sharpened my sense of prakriti, vikriti and how doshas show up subtle first. I used classical Ayurvedic texts to shape treatment plans, but always kept the patient’s routine, mental space and capacity in mind. Also I was part of some health camps around Karnal and Panipat—especially in govt schools and remote areas. That part really stays with me. You get to help ppl who dont usually have access to consistent care, and you start valuing simple awareness more than anything. I kinda think prevention should be a bigger focus in Ayurveda, like we keep talking about root cause but don’t always reach people before it gets worse. My whole method is pretty much built around that—root-cause treatment, yes, but also guiding patients on how to live with their body instead of fighting symptoms all the time. I rely a lot on traditional diagnostics like Naadi, but I mix that with practical therapies they can actually follow. No point in giving hard-to-do regimens if someone’s already overwhelmed. I keep it flexible. Most of my plans include dietary changes, natural formulations, lifestyle corrections and sometimes breathwork, daily rhythms and all that. I’m not here to just “treat illness”—what I really aim for is helping someone feel like they’ve got a handle on their own health again. That shift from just surviving to kinda thriving... that’s what I look for in every case.
5
270 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Karthika
I am currently a PG second-year student in the Shalakya Tantra department at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research (2024 batch). I completed my UG and immediately joined PG in a regular batch. I secured the university second rank in Pondicherry University (CCRAS syllabus) at Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch). With exposure to both modern and Ayurvedic knowledge of all eye diseases, I am also skilled in cornea and cataract surgeries. During my deputation in the second year of PG, I was trained to handle 200+ patients in 1-2 hours. I secured a distinction in my first-year PG with 82%, achieving department first and university first at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Vadodara, Gujarat.
5
132 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
42 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I have been practicing as a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician since 1990, with over three decades of clinical experience in treating a wide range of chronic and lifestyle-related health conditions. My core areas of focus include hair disorders, skin diseases, and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, and stress-related imbalances. Over the years, I have developed a patient-centric approach that emphasizes deep-rooted healing through authentic Ayurvedic principles. My treatment philosophy is based on understanding the unique constitution (prakriti) and imbalance (vikriti) of each patient, allowing me to craft individualized care plans using classical formulations, diet corrections, detox therapies (shodhana), and lifestyle modifications. Whether it’s persistent hair fall, recurring skin allergies, or long-term metabolic disorders, I aim to address the root cause rather than just suppress symptoms. In the management of lifestyle disorders like diabetes and arthritis, I integrate Ayurvedic medicines with structured dinacharya (daily routines) and ahar (dietary guidance), focusing on sustainable results and long-term wellness. I also work extensively with stress-related concerns, offering holistic strategies that incorporate mind-body practices, including meditation, herbal support, and counseling rooted in Ayurveda. With a strong foundation in traditional Ayurvedic texts and decades of hands-on experience, I remain committed to providing safe, natural, and effective healthcare solutions. My goal is to guide patients toward a balanced life, free from chronic ailments, through personalized treatment protocols that restore harmony to both body and mind.
5
359 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
173 reviews
Dr. Hemanshu Mehta
I am Dr. Hemanshu—right now a 2nd year MD scholar in Shalya Tantra, which basically means I’m training deep into the surgical side of Ayurveda. Not just cutting and stitching, btw, but the whole spectrum of para-surgical tools like Agnikarma, Viddhakarma, and Kshara Karma... these aren’t just traditional, they’re super precise when done right. I’m not saying I know everything yet (still learning every day honestly), but I do have solid exposure in handling chronic pain issues, muscle-joint disorders, and anorectal conditions like piles, fissures, fistulas—especially where modern treatments fall short or the patient’s tired of going through loops. During clinical rounds, I’ve seen how even simple Kshara application or well-timed Agnikarma can ease stuff like tennis elbow or planter fasciatis, fast. But more than the technique, I feel the key is figuring what matches the patient’s constitution n lifestyle... like one-size-never-fits-all here. I try to go beyond the complaint—looking into their ahar, sleep, stress levels, digestion, and just how they feel in general. That part gets missed often. I honestly believe healing isn’t just a “procedure done” kind of thing. I try not to rush—spend time on pre-procedure prep, post-care advice, what diet might help the tissue rebuild faster, whether they’re mentally up for it too. And no, I don’t ignore pathology reports either—modern diagnostic tools help me stay grounded while applying ancient methods. It’s not this vs that, it’s both, when needed. My aim, tbh, is to become the kind of Ayurvedic surgeon who doesn't just do the work but understands why that karma or technique is needed at that point in time. Every case teaches me something new, and that curiosity keeps me moving.
5
115 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
25 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
267 reviews
Dr. Chaitrali Rajendra Tambe
I am someone who really believes that Ayurveda isn’t just about giving herbs and oils—it's more like a whole way of looking at the body, the habits, the food, and how everything connects together. I got solid training in Ayurvedic clinical practice and feel most confident when I'm using therapies like Panchakarma or planning proper Shodhana for someone who's stuck in a cycle of chronic illness or stress-related issues. There’s just something powerful about seeing how classical cleansing can bring that shift in energy and clarity for ppl who've tried everything else. I work a lot on dosha assessment—sometimes it takes a bit of digging cause symptoms don’t always line up in a textbook way. But once I figure out what’s really going off-balance, I try to make treatment super personalized. It’s not just about giving a kashayam or lepa... I spend time explaining diet changes, routines, sleep timing, and even emotional triggers when needed. Many people don’t realise how big a role lifestyle play in their conditions. Right now, I’m mostly focused on lifestyle disorders and detox-based therapies. Things like PCOS, fatty liver, skin allergies, joint stiffness, IBS, anxiety-linked issues… those come up a lot. I try not to rush. I’d rather go slow n consistent, combining classical concepts with modern diagnostics if needed. Blood tests, reports, scans—they help me track things while still keeping the treatment Ayurvedic in core. I’m also pretty organized about documenting my cases—not just for reference but to understand patterns better. I guess every case teaches you something new, even after hundreds of patients. And I do keep learning, whether it’s updating protocols or trying to refine a virechana schedule that didn’t go as planned. In the end, for me it’s really about finding that balance for each person... not just patching the symptom. I think that’s where Ayurveda really shines.
5
7 reviews

Latest reviews

Paisley
5 hours ago
Really appreciated the detailed response. It gave me hope that with the right steps, I can actually feel better. Thanks a lot!
Really appreciated the detailed response. It gave me hope that with the right steps, I can actually feel better. Thanks a lot!
Isabella
7 hours ago
Really appreciated the detailed advice! Answer was clear and practical, gave me some reassurance on managing my symptoms. Thanks a lot!
Really appreciated the detailed advice! Answer was clear and practical, gave me some reassurance on managing my symptoms. Thanks a lot!
Sebastian
11 hours ago
Thanks a lot for the helpful advice! You really cleared up my doubts and gave me some greta options. Feeling much more confident about managing my mom's symptoms.
Thanks a lot for the helpful advice! You really cleared up my doubts and gave me some greta options. Feeling much more confident about managing my mom's symptoms.
Isaac
15 hours ago
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!