Do Not Heat 

Honey has been valued for thousands of years as a natural remedy – praised for its antibacterial effects, nourishing qualities, and delicious taste. But again and again, we hear the advice: “Don’t heat honey!”

Is that really true? Is it actually harmful to cook or bake with honey? And what do Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and modern science have to say about it?In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to use honey properly – so you can enjoy its sweetness and its healing potential.

Honey – More Than Just Sweetness

Real, raw honey is so much more than sugar:

It contains enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidant plant compounds. Thanks to this delicate, living composition, honey has been used in natural healing for centuries – for wound healing, colds, or soothing the digestive system.But these precious components are heat-sensitive – and react easily to high temperatures.

What Happens When Honey Is Heated?

Even at temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F), the enzymes and many health-giving substances in honey begin to degrade. So if you stir honey into hot tea or use it in baking, you’ll lose its natural healing power – and you’re left with a sugary syrup with aroma, but not much else.In addition, high heat can lead to the formation of a compound called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In small amounts, it’s not a major concern, but regular use of overheated honey – especially for children or sensitive individuals – should be approached with caution.

Ayurveda: Heated Honey May Create “Ama”

In Ayurveda, honey is considered sacred and medicinal – as long as it is not heated. When honey is exposed to high temperatures, it is believed to form “Ama” – a kind of toxic residue that clogs the digestive fire (Agni) and weakens the body’s natural ability to detoxify and digest.That’s why Ayurveda strongly recommends using honey raw – in room-temperature water, smoothies, or foods that have already cooled down.

TCM: Honey Nourishes Qi – But Not When Heated

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), honey is seen as a tonic. It nourishes the Spleen Qi, moistens internal dryness, and can calm the Shen (the spirit).

But when honey is overheated, it loses this gentle, balancing effect. Instead, it may generate Dampness and Internal Heat – which can be particularly unhelpful for people prone to restlessness, phlegm, or inflammatory conditions.

So, Should We Never Heat Honey?

Don’t worry – baking with honey every now and then is not dangerous. But:

If you want to use honey therapeutically – for healing, immunity, digestion, or general vitality – it’s best to use it only raw or gently warmed.

How to Use Honey the Right Way

• Never add honey to boiling hot liquids – wait until your tea or porridge cools below 40 °C (104 °F).
• Don’t cook or fry with honey if you’re using it for its medicinal benefits.
• Use it raw and unprocessed: as a topping, in dressings, smoothies, or simply straight from the spoon.
• Choose high-quality honey: ideally raw, cold-extracted, organic, and local – directly from a beekeeper if possible.

Honey Loves Gentleness – Just Like Your Body

Honey is a gift from nature – but also a sensitive one. Treat it with care, and it will share its healing properties with you.

Ayurveda and TCM both remind us of what modern science confirms:

Warm is the new hot. 

So go ahead and enjoy your golden spoonful – just not straight into the fire.

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