Why drinking warm water with honey is bad, as per Ayurveda

Hot water honey is everybody’s favorite today but in Ayurveda we are taught to honour the natural form of honey. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Honey and warm water is a popular morning drink among the health conscious for flushing out toxins and facilitating weight loss. But Ayurveda — India’s ancient health science — has a different prescription. This could be potentially harmful based on the classical concepts. Here’s what Dr. Radhika Sharma, an expert on Ayurveda, has to say about that.

Ayurveda, known as one of the world’s oldest holistic health systems, works by keeping your body in balance through monitoring food temperature combination and digestive strength. A lot of home remedies are based on Ayurveda, that due to the passage of time and subsequent use in more modern forms have the original meaning slightly altered. The latest health fad right now is starting your morning off with warm water and honey. Some people think that this combo helps you lose weight, boosts your metabolism and get the toxins out. This drink is often promoted as a potential daily habit on social media and health blogs.

But Ayurveda has a specific rule for honey: it never should be heated. And while hot water might not appear to be super-hot, according to Ayurveda, too much heat can change the natural properties of honey. Because honey can harden in hot drinks or when heated, it may become indigestible and cause the body harm.

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Ayurvedic doctor Dr Radhika Sharma lists reasons why this seemingly healthy drink might not to be as good for us as we believe it to be. She defines the Classical Ayurvedic approach and then shares options for creating your own safer versions in order to keep these great nutritional properties of honey without throwing off balance.

Why Ayurveda Discourages Heated Honey

According to ayurvedic literature, when heated honey turns into “ama-producing” product (i.e. bringing about toxicity). Heating honey denatures its natural enzymes and produces the sticky, gooey byproduct that is difficult for the digestive fire to digest. In the long run, this can result to accumulated toxins, slow digestion (agni), and clogged channels (srotas) in the body.

Why Can Warm Water Have An Effect On Honey’s Natural Qualities?

While warm water is less potent than boiling, Ayurveda tells us that heat of any sort changes honey’s guna (qualities). Honey is inherently recognized as being “light” and a source of “detoxification,” however it could take on the “heavy” qualities under heat, causing an after meal feeling of bloatedness, heaviness or acidity. Those with sensitive digestion or slow metabolism are more at risk.

Possible Long Term Health Effects

Dr Sharma explains that taking hot honey everyday might elevate body toxins and add to chronic imbalances in the body. According to Ayurveda, the accumulation of these toxins is related to fatigue, joint stiffness, weight gain and skin issues. Since honey is often suggested as a healing food, the idea that misuse might actually cause damage would be unthinkable.

The Right Way to Eat Honey

Honey can be taken with luke warm or cool water as per Ayurveda. To balance the weight, Dr. Sharma advises herbs such as cinnamon, ginger or lemon with warm water — and it should be without honey. Raw honey can be consumed or applied to food and drink only when it has cooled down and is safe enough to consume.

Also read: Milk tea vs black tea: Which one is healthier? Nutritionist reveals

Hot water honey is everybody’s favorite today but in Ayurveda we are taught to honour the natural form of honey. Honey can be delicious and medicinal, but not if you heat it up. There's an easy way to prevent them, though — with a minor adjustment in cooking, you can have your digestion humming and avoid the creation of toxins that compromise long-term health.

FAQs on drinking hot water with honey, as per Ayurveda:

1. What does Ayurveda say about drinking hot water with honey?

Ayurveda suggests warm (not boiling) water with honey can support digestion and overall wellness.

2. Is it good for weight loss?

Yes, this combination may help boost metabolism and reduce ama (toxins), supporting weight management.

3. Can honey be mixed with very hot water?

No. Ayurveda advises against adding honey to boiling water, as it may create harmful qualities; use warm water instead.

4. Does it help with digestion?

Yes, warm water with honey may ease digestion, reduce bloating, and improve gut function.

5. When is the best time to drink it?

Early morning on an empty stomach is commonly recommended in Ayurveda.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.