The health benefits of honey have long been recognized by many, and some insist on consuming it daily. However, is honey suitable for everyone? How can one consume honey most effectively? Note! For certain people, the benefits of consuming honey outweigh the drawbacks.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), honey is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor. It nourishes the spleen and stomach, moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements, and can alleviate issues such as dry mouth, dry nose, dry skin, and constipation. It also has a calming effect. Honey can also nourish yin and moisten dryness, making it suitable for individuals with a deficiency of yin and excess of fire. For example, those who suffer from a dry, swollen, and irritated nose due to nasal sensitivity can find relief by consuming honey. However, for individuals with a cold and damp constitution, or those who often experience edema, consuming honey can worsen dampness, making the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Therefore, one should consider their personal constitution before consuming honey.
Furthermore, the choice of honey should also be based on individual constitution. Different honeys come from different plants. For instance, goji berry, longan, dangshen (Codonopsis root), and hawthorn honey are considered warming and have a tonic effect. On the other hand, ginkgo, coptis, loquat, chrysanthemum, winter honey, and multi-flower honey are considered cooling and have a heat-clearing effect.
A reasonable way to take honey is once a day, about one tablespoon at a time. The effects can also vary depending on when it is consumed. For example, consuming it before bed can help calm the mind and promote sleep. In spring and summer, when dampness is heavy, it is not advisable to consume honey in the morning, but it is fine in autumn and winter. Additionally, honey has a dual regulatory effect on stomach acid. Excessive consumption can inhibit stomach acid secretion, while a small amount can stimulate it. Therefore, those with excessive stomach acid or ulcerative inflammation can consume it half an hour before a meal, while those with insufficient stomach acid and a poor appetite should consume it before a meal. Honey can be swallowed directly or taken with water. Warm water can help stimulate intestinal peristalsis and aid bowel movements. For those prone to diarrhea, it is best to take it with warm water (water temperature not exceeding 60°C) to achieve a yin-nourishing and tonic effect.
In addition, applying pure honey topically can have an anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect. According to the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia," external application of honey has the effect of promoting tissue growth and healing wounds. In ancient times, people used honey to treat wounds to help the skin grow and heal. Modern medicine has also confirmed this effect. Applying honey to the face can also help replenish moisture in the stratum corneum and improve dull skin tone.