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Is it possible and what is the best honey for colds?
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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A universal medicine and natural energy drink is honey. For colds, it is used at the first symptoms. Let's look at the most popular recipes based on it.
The medicinal properties of the beekeeping product have proven themselves not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology, nutritionists, and the benefits are recognized by official medicine. On its basis, drugs are made that are used for dozens of different diseases.
The natural remedy contains many microelements: vitamins, minerals, simple and complex carbohydrates. The complex composition has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, tonic and restorative effect on the body. In addition to colds, honey is effective for the following pathologies:
- Central nervous system disorders.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Dental diseases.
- Ophthalmic disorders.
- Gynecological diseases.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
The natural remedy eliminates constipation and cleanses the liver, destroys pathogenic microorganisms. When used in cosmetology, it strengthens hair and improves skin condition.
There are many types of bee products used for colds. All of them have a powerful healing effect. The most popular varieties are:
- Linden - has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and expectorant effects. Used for bronchitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis.
- Acacia – has a strengthening effect on the body.
- Mustard – helps remove toxic substances from the body, improves the functioning of the respiratory system and kidneys. Has diuretic properties.
- Maysky - effective against any signs of flu and colds.
Natural sweetness varies not only by time of collection and composition, but also by color: transparent, white, amber, dark brown, yellow. Daily use of 1-2 teaspoons helps to strengthen the body, cleanses the blood, restores strength and energy.
Can you use honey if you have a cold?
Honey and honey-based products are widely used for many diseases, including colds. The healing effect of the natural remedy is explained by its unique composition: phytoncides and flavonoids, retinol, free amino acids, cholines, organic acids, tocopherol and other components.
This composition is especially effective for colds, as it has a positive effect on the body:
- Bactericidal.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Enhances metabolism.
- Promotes the removal of harmful substances.
- Tones.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Diaphoretic effect.
- Envelops the mucous membrane of the throat, protecting it from mechanical damage.
- Normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Replenishes energy reserves.
Using honey for colds effectively stops inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs and prevents the development of pathogenic microorganisms. It can be used for both treatment and prevention of infectious pathologies.
Treating Colds with Honey
A unique remedy with a pleasant taste, aroma and a range of useful properties is honey. It is used for many diseases, but is especially popular for seasonal acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections. Treatment of colds with honey is explained by its healing properties:
- Destroys pathogenic microorganisms that cause the development of disease.
- Improves metabolic processes in the body.
- Promotes restoration of damaged tissues.
- Stops the inflammatory process.
- Causes profuse sweating to remove harmful substances from the body.
- Softens mucous membranes during coughing, reduces irritation and pain in the throat.
- Strengthens and increases the protective properties of the immune system.
The natural medicine tones and has a resolving effect. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. To enhance its therapeutic properties, it is combined with other healing products. Before carrying out therapy, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the beekeeping product.
Benefits of honey for colds
According to the conducted research, the benefits of honey for colds are based on its rich composition. It destroys pathogenic microorganisms and stops the development of the inflammatory process.
Medicinal properties:
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Protects the body from viruses and infections.
- Promotes faster recovery after serious illnesses and physical exertion.
But do not forget that in addition to the benefits, the natural remedy can cause harm. It cannot be heated above 40 ° C, since at this temperature all the medicinal properties come to naught. Long-term and excessive consumption of the delicacy is dangerous for excess weight, caries and even diabetes. The product is contraindicated for people with allergic reactions, since there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock, skin rashes and other unpleasant symptoms.
Which honey is best for colds?
All types of honey have medicinal properties, but the following varieties are considered the most effective for colds:
- Acacia - obtained from acacia flowers, has a unique composition with a reduced acid content. Antibacterial action effectively destroys pathogens. The main advantage is that it does not contain pollen, which is an allergen.
- Linden is the most aromatic and delicious beekeeping product. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diaphoretic effects. It strengthens and has a positive effect on all organs and tissues.
- Buckwheat - has a rich vitamin composition. Destroys bacteria and increases the protective properties of the immune system. Has a pronounced diuretic effect, which helps remove microbes from the body.
- Floral - can consist of nectar from one plant or several. During a cold, it fights headaches, saturates the body with useful substances and strengthens the immune system.
- With propolis – has antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, stimulating and immune-boosting properties.
- Raspberry is an easily digestible product with a pronounced therapeutic effect on the respiratory system. It is useful both in the treatment and prevention of colds.
Based on the above-described characteristics of honey products, you can choose the most suitable option for delicious treatment.
Hot honey for colds
Very often there is an opinion that honey should not be heated or poured with boiling water. Because of this, it loses its useful properties and releases a carcinogenic substance oxymethylfurfural, which is dangerous for the body. But despite this, many lovers of natural medicine do not stop using hot honey for colds.
Useful facts:
- During heating, oxymethylfurfural is released, which is a carcinogen and is practically not excreted from the body. This substance has a negative effect on the central nervous system and increases the risk of malignant diseases.
- Oxymethylfurfural is a component of all confectionery and sweets that are heated during preparation. The highest levels of this substance are found in instant coffee and sweet carbonated water.
- The permissible daily intake of hydroxymethylfurfural is 2 mg/kg of body weight. When honey is heated, about 25 mg of the dangerous carcinogen is released per 1 kg of product.
- When heated to 45 °C, enzymes are destroyed and the product's beneficial properties are lost. If the heating temperature is higher than 60–80 °C, honey becomes carcinogenic. That is why it is not recommended to add it directly to tea, boiled milk, and other hot drinks.
- Long-term heat exposure deteriorates the properties of the product, so care should be taken when storing it. The ideal storage place would be a refrigerator or a dark, cool pantry with a temperature of no more than 20 °C. If the sweetness needs to be melted, it is better to do this using a water bath with a water temperature of no more than 40 °C.
There is an alternative opinion that when heated, the beekeeping product becomes even more useful. Some scientists believe that when exposed to heat, mobile metal ions are released, which activate biological catalysts in the body. Thanks to this, cells begin to function better and fight infectious agents. Whether to heat honey or not is up to you. But in any case, you should not refuse a natural medicine.
Linden honey for colds
One of the most popular and sought-after beekeeping products is linden honey. When you have a cold, it is valued not only for its taste, but also for its pronounced antibacterial effect. It is useful for coughs and viral infections, as it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Natural medicines are light varieties. When crystallized, it becomes almost white. It contains the following substances:
- B vitamins (B1-B6).
- Tocopherol.
- Ascorbic acid.
- Biotin.
- Glucose and fructose.
- Pollen (amino acids, protein).
- Organic and inorganic acids.
- More than 40 micro and macroelements.
It consists of 80% dry matter, the basis of which is fructose and glucose, the remaining 20% is water. This composition has a beneficial effect on the body and digestive system. Normalizes hormonal levels and metabolic processes, maintains the beauty and health of the skin.
The healing effect of linden honey for colds is based on the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Expectorant.
- Choleretic.
- Calming.
- Diuretic and laxative.
The natural remedy is effective for bronchitis, asthma, laryngitis and tonsillitis. It is used not only for colds, but also for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gall bladder, and cardiovascular system. It improves overall well-being, eliminates headaches, runny nose and fever, improves sleep and calms the nervous system.
Cold remedies:
- Dissolve two tablespoons of the linden product in a glass of warm milk and take before bed until you feel a persistent improvement in your health.
- Take equal parts freshly squeezed horseradish juice and honey. Mix thoroughly and take a tablespoon before bed.
- Mix equal parts of marshmallow root, oregano and coltsfoot leaves. Grind the plant material and pour 500 ml of boiling water over it. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 hours, then strain it and mix with 50 g of honey until it is completely dissolved. Take ½ cup of the drink 3-4 times a day.
- Mix equal amounts of raspberry berries and dried flowers. Pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. Strain, add a spoonful of honey and take a glass 3-4 times a day.
In addition to its beneficial properties, the linden bee product has certain contraindications. Since it contains pollen, it is prohibited for patients with allergic reactions to bee products. The ban applies to patients with diabetes. It is prescribed with special caution in cases of severe heart failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and for the treatment of pediatric patients.
Buckwheat honey for colds
A tasty and healthy product made from the flowers of common buckwheat is buckwheat honey. It is used quite often for colds, as it has beneficial properties and speeds up the recovery process. The natural medicine is made from the nectar of plant pollen, which is rich in vitamins, enzymes, proteins and amino acids necessary for the body. The finished raw material has a dark color, which distinguishes it from other varieties.
The natural product contains over 400 different components. The most famous ones are:
- Protein compounds.
- Sucrose, glucose, fructose.
- Amino acids.
- Various enzymes.
- Organic and inorganic acids.
- Vitamins: C, B1-B6, H, E, PP.
- Mineral substances.
Buckwheat remedy has a pleasant aroma and tart taste, which creates a sore throat and leaves an aftertaste.
Useful properties in the treatment of colds:
- Improves the functioning of the body.
- Stops inflammatory processes.
- Increases the protective properties of the immune system.
- Maintains energy balance.
- Treats diseases of the heart, stomach and eyes.
- Eliminates respiratory system damage.
- Otolaryngological diseases.
Honey saturates the body with vitamins and minerals, normalizes blood pressure, removes parasites and has an antidepressant effect.
For the treatment and prevention of infectious and inflammatory diseases, the following recipes are recommended:
- Mix 100 g of honey with 50 g of lemon juice. Eat 2 spoons of the mixture every two hours for 3-5 days.
- Pour 500 ml of boiling water over 100 g of rowan berries. Strain after two hours. Take the drink in equal portions 3-4 times a day, adding 1 spoon of honey to a glass.
- Grind the onion and apple until mushy. Add 2 tablespoons of sweetness and mix. Take 1 teaspoon after each meal.
- Mix two teaspoons of the product with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Take the mixture 20 minutes before meals with warm water.
- Take equal amounts of honey and fresh grated ginger. Add 3-4 drops of Echinacea tincture to the mixture and mix well. Take ½ teaspoon 20 minutes before meals throughout the day.
Buckwheat product is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to its components and tendency to allergic reactions. Not recommended for patients with diabetes and overweight. Not used to treat children under two years of age due to the inability of their digestive system to digest enzymes and harmful bacteria.
Indications honey for colds
The medicinal properties of bee products are very popular in both folk and traditional medicine. The wide indications for the use of natural medicine are based on its unique composition and beneficial properties for the body.
Pharmacological properties:
- Antibacterial.
- Antiseptic.
- Tonic.
- General tonic.
- Stimulating regeneration processes.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Antimicrobial.
The beekeeping product has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, regulates the intensity of gastric juice secretion, improves memory and vision. Increases the body's resistance to harmful compounds and toxins, has a rejuvenating effect.
Indications for the use of honey for colds and more serious respiratory system disorders allow you to quickly eliminate the disorder with minimal complications for the body. Its natural components relieve inflammation and activate the regeneration processes of damaged tissues, replenish the deficiency of biologically active substances in the body.
The natural delicacy is a high-calorie source of nutrition, therefore it is irreplaceable in diseases that occur with appetite disorders and in the treatment of children. The nutritional product is effective not only in the treatment, but also in the prevention of various disorders. In combination with other medicinal components, it gives good results in the treatment of bronchitis, tuberculosis, pleurisy and general weakening of the body.
Pharmacodynamics
Biochemical processes and physiological reactions that occur with a drug after it enters the body determine its effectiveness. The pharmacodynamics of honey is based on its composition: carbohydrates, fructose, glucose, a complex of vitamins and minerals.
The beekeeping product contains biogenic stimulants, i.e. substances that increase vitality. The natural delicacy is saturated with enzymes that activate metabolic processes in the body. Its medicinal properties increase significantly in combination with other natural and plant substances.
Pharmacokinetics
The processes of absorption, distribution and excretion of medicinal substances from the body are pharmacokinetics. Such features of the beekeeping product have not been sufficiently studied.
A pronounced therapeutic effect develops within a short period of time. This is due to the action of biologically active components of the natural medicine.
Dosing and administration
In order for the treatment to be effective, you should know how to take honey for a cold so that it speeds up recovery and does not cause side effects. The dosage and method of application depend entirely on what components were used together with natural sweetness. The optimal and healthy daily dose for the body is considered to be 100 g for adults and 50 g for children.
The product is best consumed before meals, washed down with warm tea, water or milk. The duration of treatment is from 3 to 7 days, and in particularly severe cases, several weeks. The medicine is best taken before bedtime, as it relaxes perfectly and helps you fall asleep.
The sweet panacea is especially effective against colds. The most effective recipes are:
- Warm a glass of warm milk slightly and add a spoonful of sweetness to it. Take before bed. This medicine helps to relax, improves sleep and minimizes the symptoms of a cold.
- Mix a couple of teaspoons of honey with ½ of a lemon cut into small cubes. Mix everything thoroughly and take a teaspoon 3-4 times a day with warm tea.
- Grate one small onion and squeeze it out. Mix the onion juice with 1-2 teaspoons of the bee product and stir. This recipe can only be used in the absence of toxicosis, gastrointestinal diseases and heartburn.
- Mix a couple of spoons of sweetness with the same amount of aloe juice. Take a spoon 2-3 times a day.
When carrying out folk treatment, you can consume no more than 100 g of honey per day. Exceeding the recommended dosage is dangerous due to the development of side effects and overdose symptoms. The bee product is prohibited to heat and add to hot drinks, as this reduces its medicinal properties. Sweetness is contraindicated in the presence of allergic reactions, acute gastrointestinal diseases and pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
Honey for colds in children
Very often, children's patients face colds. The tendency to viral and infectious pathologies is associated with the weak immune system of children. Honey for colds in children is the safest and at the same time the most effective remedy.
Popular medicinal recipes:
- Combine 200 g of any honey with 10 g of vanilla sugar and 100 g of butter. Mix everything thoroughly and take 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day before meals. The medicine can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Beat a teaspoon of honey with a raw egg and drink before bed. The treatment should be repeated until you feel better.
- Mix a teaspoon of the natural product with 3-5 drops of fir or sea buckthorn oil. Take the remedy until the condition is relieved.
- Warm a glass of fresh milk slightly. Add 1 chicken egg and a spoon of honey. Mix everything well and take ½ glass before going to bed.
Before carrying out honey therapy, it is necessary to make sure that the child is not allergic to bee products. The above mentioned remedies are prohibited for children under 3 years of age.
Use honey for colds during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the female body is especially susceptible to various diseases. For treatment, the safest drugs with a mild effect are used. Most medications are contraindicated for expectant mothers. But honey is a natural remedy with a lot of useful properties.
Medicinal effect of beekeeping products during pregnancy:
- Safe treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, sore throats and coughing fits.
- Decreased smooth muscle tension and decreased uterine tone.
- Improving blood circulation.
- Honey injections during labor stimulate labor and restore the strength of the mother in labor.
- In the early stages, the product minimizes the symptoms of toxicosis.
- Prevents the development of anemia and supplies the body with useful substances.
- Improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Antipyretic and diaphoretic action.
Contraindications
Honey is not only a food product, but also a fairly effective medicine. Like any medicine, it has contraindications for use:
- Hypersensitivity to bee products.
- Intolerance to plant pollen.
- Patients under 3 years of age.
- Progressive diseases of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract.
- Exudative diathesis and other dermatological pathologies.
- Severe cardiovascular diseases.
Natural sweetness should be taken with special caution during pregnancy, metabolic disorders, diabetes, infectious lesions of the skin, mucous membranes and lymph nodes.
Side effects honey for colds
In most cases, honey is well tolerated by the body. Side effects of the natural remedy occur when the rules for its use are not followed. Patients experience the following reactions:
- Severe itching of the skin.
- Allergic rashes on the body.
- Anaphylactic reactions.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- A sharp increase in pressure.
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Stool disorders.
To eliminate the above reactions, you should stop taking the drug and carry out symptomatic therapy.
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Overdose
Failure to comply with the dosage of honey can cause symptoms of intoxication and allergic reactions. Most often, an overdose is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Elevated body temperature.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- General weakness and fainting.
- Noticeable dilation of the pupils.
In most cases, overdose symptoms persist for several days, causing digestive disorders and general weakness. Symptomatic therapy helps normalize the painful condition.
To improve your health, you should undergo emergency treatment. You need to wash out your stomach, take laxatives and adsorbents. To stop allergic reactions, you should take antihistamines. After the painful condition has normalized, it is recommended to eat salty or sour foods.
Interactions with other drugs
The uniqueness of honey is that it interacts well with other herbal preparations. The natural remedy is quickly absorbed by the body and enhances the activity of other medicinal components.
At the same time, it is undesirable to combine the beekeeping product with pharmaceutical medications. This is due to the high risk of developing side effects. Also, it is strictly contraindicated to drink alcohol during treatment.
Storage conditions
To ensure that honey does not lose its medicinal properties, it is necessary to observe the storage conditions.
- The product should be kept in a clean glass or aluminum container with a tightly closing lid. It should not be stored in a metal container, as it reacts with such material and can cause serious poisoning.
- The ideal place for storage is a dark, dry and cool room. The optimal temperature is from 0 to 20 °C. Storage at sub-zero temperatures leads to the destruction of useful substances, a change in color and aroma. If you keep the sweet in a room with increased humidity, the fermentation process begins.
- The natural product should be kept away from odorous substances, as it quickly absorbs odors.
In addition to the above recommendations, candied honey can only be melted in a water bath at a water temperature of no more than 40 °C. Higher temperatures lead to the loss of all useful properties. If all storage conditions are met, the sweetness can be used for 1-3 years.
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Shelf life
The beneficial properties of the bee product depend not only on its composition, but also on compliance with storage rules and shelf life. If you keep the sweet at home in a tightly sealed container, it will be useful for 2-3 years.
There are factors that affect the shelf life: temperature above 20 °C and humidity over 75%, exposure to direct sunlight and storage in open containers. The shelf life is also affected by the chemical composition. The more sweet substance in honey, the less suitable it is.
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Reviews
Honey for colds, according to patients' reviews, is considered one of the most effective and at the same time delicious remedies. The beekeeping product effectively fights inflammatory processes in the body, supplying it with useful substances, vitamins and minerals. In order for the treatment to be not only effective, but also safe, you should strictly follow the therapy recipes.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Is it possible and what is the best honey for colds?" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.