Honey in water provides hydration and a little energy, and may soothe a sore throat. Evidence for other claimed benefits is limited.
Possible benefits
- Hydration and energy from sugar.
- May soothe a sore throat and cough. Honey is effective for children over 1.
- Antioxidants in raw honey.
Not proven
Weight loss, detox and “boost metabolism” claims.
Calories
One tablespoon has about 64 calories and 17 g of sugar.
Safety
Never give honey to babies under 12 months because of botulism risk.
What research shows
Honey is mostly sugars (fructose and glucose) and water, with small amounts of antioxidants, enzymes and trace minerals. Studies show some benefits in specific uses, but the benefits of adding honey to water are modest.
Cough relief
Honey has been shown to reduce cough in children over 1 year. A 2012 trial in Pediatrics found that honey was better than no treatment, and similar to dextromethorphan, for nighttime cough in children. The World Health Organization lists honey as a demulcent for cough.
Sore throat
A warm drink with honey can soothe a scratchy throat by coating it.
Antioxidants
Dark honeys, such as buckwheat, have more antioxidants than light ones. The amount in one teaspoon is small.
Wound care
Medical grade honey (manuka) is used on wounds and burns under medical supervision. This is different from drinking honey.
Digestion and weight claims
There is no good evidence that honey water speeds weight loss or detoxifies the body. A tablespoon has about 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 36 grams a day for men and 25 for women.
Allergy claims
Claims that local honey cures hay fever are not supported by controlled studies.
Safety
- Never give honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.
- People with diabetes need to count the carbohydrates.
- Use warm, not hot, water. Very hot water may degrade some compounds.
- Brush teeth after sweetened drinks to reduce cavity risk.
Lemon
Adding lemon provides vitamin C, though in small amounts.
Bottom line
It is a pleasant drink that counts toward fluids, but not a medical treatment.
Evidence for honey
One tablespoon of honey has about 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, so it is still added sugar. A Cochrane review found honey may reduce cough more than no treatment in children older than 1 year, and the World Health Organization lists honey as a soothing remedy for cough. Warm water with honey and lemon can soothe a sore throat. Do not give honey to infants under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. Medical grade honey is used in wound dressings, but table honey is not a substitute.
Claims that lack support
Evidence for weight loss, detox or curing allergies from drinking honey in water is weak, and local honey has not been shown to reduce seasonal allergies in controlled trials. Honey contains small amounts of antioxidants, but the amounts are small. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day for women and 9 for men, so count honey toward that. People with diabetes should monitor blood sugar. Use warm, not boiling, water to preserve flavor.
Based on data from the Cochrane Library and the American Heart Association
