Honey has been widely acknowledged as food and therapy by all eras, traditions, and cultures, both old and modern. For at least 2700 years, humans have used it to treat disease through topical application, but only recently have it’s antiseptic and antimicrobial effects been discovered. 

Being a Muslim, in case of any suffering or difficulty, one should turn to Quran. So, look to their last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for assistance, and illness is no exception. The Quran and Sunnah are a whole code of life that have mentioned various foods as medicine in their healing properties. Hadeeth and Quran state one food repeatedly for its novel properties. The use of Honey as medicine is also a sunnah.

The miraculous beneficial properties , so beautifully expressed in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah 14 centuries ago, while science is discovering it today. 

It is narrated in the Holy Quran,

وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلنَّحْلِ أَنِ ٱتَّخِذِى مِنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ ٱلشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ

And your Lord inspired to the bee, “Take for yourself among the mountains, houses [i.e., hives], and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. (Al-Quran 16:68)

ثُمَّ كُلِى مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ فَٱسْلُكِى سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا ۚ يَخْرُجُ مِنۢ بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ فِيهِ شِفَآءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].” There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought. (Al-Quran 16:69)

What are the Benefits Of Honey? 

It has many beneficial effects, some are enlisted below: 

• It dissolves excess moisture and is beneficial as a drink.
• It acts as an excellent preserving agent. 
• It cleanses the diver and the chest.
• It whitens the teeth and preserves the health of teeth and gums.
• It has a cleansing effect on the kidney. 
• It washes away the harmful substances from the veins and intestines. 

• Helpful to clean the stomach  

How can Honey be beneficial for medicinal purposes?

Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

 “Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire.” But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire.”

• Healing Properties 

It is a major topic of research for scientists working on natural medicines. Although many benefits of this magical liquid are known, many are yet to find out.

It was one of the most favorite and recommended foods of Prophet Mohammad (SAWW). The following hadeeth can be sufficient to explain its importance:

“Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: I served the drink to Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) in this cup of mine: Honey, Nabidh, Water and Milk.”

At another place, a very beautiful hadeeth explains the significance of Honey:

‘Honey is a remedy for every illness, and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illness of the mind. therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and Honey.’

(Bukhari)

Uncontaminated it is a healthy, readily digestible, natural, and energy-rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes, and vitamins. One tablespoon of Honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0. mg of vitamin B, and 1mg of vitamin C. Along with its nutritional value, Honey exhibits antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, anti-diarrhea, wound-healing anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-tussive and expectorant properties. In the following text, we will explore some of the healing properties of Honey for humans.

• Used As Medicine For Digestive system:

It  contains enzymes that catalyze digestion, specifically decomposing carbohydrates and sugars. It helps get rid of diarrhea because of its slow passage than other regular sugars via the stomach and intestine.

” Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

A person came to Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) and told him that his brother’s bowels were loose.

After that, Allah’s Messenger(PBUH) said: 

Give him Honey. So he gave him that and then came and said: I gave him Honey, but it has only made his bowels looser. He said this three times, and then he came the fourth time, and he (the Holy Prophet) said: Give him Honey. He said: I did give him, but it has only made his bowels looser after that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: Allah has spoken the truth, and your brother’s bowels are in the wrong. So he made him drink (Honey), and he was recovered “

• Used as Medicine For Eyes:

It is an effective remedy for many eye diseases. An ancient Egyptian papyrus gives the recipe for a honey ointment and instructions on using it. Ibn-e-Sina recommended Honey mixed with onion juice, clover, or wheatgrass for the eyes. Especially for Conjunctivitis (pus in the eye), one can dissolve Honey in an equal quantity of warm water. When cooled, use it as a lotion or eye bath.

Benefits For Eyes

• Cures Eye Ailments
• Refreshes Fatigued Eyes
• Remedies Dry Eye
• Prevents Macular Degeneration
• Protects Your Eyes From Glaucoma
• Keeps Your Vision Intact
• Cures Conjunctivitis
• Reduces Eye Wrinkles
• Treats Irritated Eyes
• Heals Eye Infection
• Works As An Optic Nerve Tonic
• Enhances Eye Lens Protein Oxidation
• Can Help In Lightening Eye Color

• Anti Bacterial and Anti Fungal:

It has a potent antibacterial activity and is very useful in clearing injuries and protecting them from becoming infected. It has been beneficial in remedying infected surgical wounds, steam injuries, and decubitus ulcers (bedsores). It does not spoil. Its high sugar concentration; kills most bacteria by dehydrating them. Natural airborne yeasts cannot become active because the moisture content is too low. Natural raw Honey varies from 14% to 18% moisture content as long as the moisture content remains under 18%. Virtually no organism can successfully multiply to significant amounts in honey. Importantly, enough bacteria survive to make Honey dangerous for infants (especially Clostridium botulinum).

• Used As An Antioxidant:

One of the most significant characteristics of Honey is its potent antioxidant properties. It has many potential flavonoids and other vital components; they are unique chemical compounds bearing antioxidant and anti-cancerous. Found in many fruits and other natural things. Being an antioxidant also helps to stop the process of aging. Nowadays, extensive research is going on about the properties and benefits of flavonoids, a primary source of Honey.