5 Benefits of Honey Water & How To Make

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Honey water can be an excellent option for those looking for a quick health boost. Not only is it easy to make and inexpensive, but it can also provide a wide range of unexpected health benefits.

What is Honey Water?

Honey water, as the name suggests, is a beverage made by combining honey with warm water. This health tonic is typically consumed first thing in the morning, before meals, or before you go to bed, but its benefits can be accessed at any time of day. Used in traditional medical applications for generations, this simple at-home tonic is becoming popular across the world as it is an inexpensive and effective strategy to improve your overall health. [1]

A glass of water, flat bowl of sliced citrus fruits, and a bowl of honey on a rustic background.

Honey makes your water flavorful and delicious. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Benefits of Honey Water

The most important health benefits of honey water include its ability to aid in weight loss, improve the body’s immunity, reduce the allergic response of the body, clear up respiratory issues, strengthen cardiovascular health, and help with digestion, among others.

Reduces Allergies

Honey is known to suppress the body’s allergic response by optimizing the immune system. This can reduce unnecessary inflammation around the body, particularly for people with sensitive systems that respond to minor stimuli. [2]

Weight Loss

Drinking water can help you feel full, which will reduce your likelihood of overeating or snacking between meals. Honey can also satisfy your sweet tooth, thus helping you avoid unhealthy, sugary snacks with far more carbohydrates. This beverage is also known to increase metabolism, which can increase passive fat-burning, further aiding weight loss efforts.

Boosts Immune System

Honey has powerful antibacterial qualities, aided by the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In addition to this, honey has good levels of vitamin C, which can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells and defend the body against foreign agents and infectious pathogens. [3]

Protects Respiratory Health

One of the most well-known uses for honey water is as a remedy for respiratory issues, such as a sore throat, coughing, or sinus congestion. This combination of warm water and honey can help clear out the sinuses, soothe inflammation in the respiratory tracts, and suppress coughs. [4]

Aids in Digestion

Honey in every form is known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body, particularly on the stomach. If you are suffering from nausea, indigestion, cramping, bloating, excess flatulence, or any other gastrointestinal problems, a daily dose of honey water can quickly soothe those irritating and uncomfortable symptoms. This can even help improve nutrient uptake efficiency! [5]

How to Make Honey Water?

Making honey water takes just a couple of minutes with this easy DIY recipe.

A glass of water, flat bowl of sliced citrus fruits, and a bowl of honey on a rustic background.

Healing Honey Water Recipe

Making your own honey water is one of the easiest health remedies, as all you need is hot water and honey. Some people do like to add other ingredients to boost the health impact, such as apple cider vinegar, cinnamon or lemon.
4 from 1 vote
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Course: DIY Recipe
Keyword: Honey Water
Appliance: Kettle
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Author: Paromita Datta

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cups water
  • 1-2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  • Boil 2-3 cups of water in a pot or saucepan.
  • Allow the water to sit for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey - depending on your sweet tooth - once the water is cool.
  • Stir in other ingredients and enjoy!
    Lemon water and straws in a jar and two lemons near it

Notes

Do not add the honey to boiling water, as this will cause denaturing of the proteins and compromise the nutritional quality of the beverage.

Side Effects

There are a few possible side effects of drinking honey with warm water, particularly if you consume an excessive amount, such as elevated blood sugar levels, possible tooth decay, and weight gain.

  • Blood Sugar: Honey does contain a moderate amount of sugar per serving, which can cause problems for diabetic patients who need to keep their blood sugar under control. [6]
  • Tooth Decay: As with any sugar-rich substance, honey and water can spread sugar across your teeth, which could increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities.
  • Weight Gain: With more than 60 calories per tablespoon, a single cup of honey water could represent more than 5% of your daily caloric intake, which could eventually lead to weight gain.
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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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