In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about honey from the Ayurvedic perspective, including its relation to the 6 tastes, its impact on the doshas, how it affects agni, how to consume it and more.
The Ayurvedic Perspective On Honey
Ayurveda considers honey a powerful substance that can be both medicinal and nutritious when used correctly. In fact, in ancient times, it was seen as one of the most remarkable gifts to mankind. Unsurprisingly, modern research confirms what Ayurveda has been saying for millennia.
The Benefits
According to Ayurveda, honey can help in wound healing, reduce inflammation, support respiratory health and act as a natural preservative. Furthermore, its ability to penetrate deep tissues makes it an excellent medium for transporting other therapeutic substances into the body.
Honey & The 6 Tastes
Of the 6 tastes, honey embodies the sweet taste which has a cooling energy, is heavy, oily and soft in its nature and is responsible for building tissues and calming nerves.
How It Impacts The Doshas
Of the 3 doshas, honey decreases Vata and Kapha due to its drying quality and increases Pitta if consumed in excess due to its heating quality.
How It Affects Ojas, Ama & Agni
When consumed in moderation, honey can boost Ojas and helps in strengthening Agni, thus preventing the formation of Ama (toxins). However, heating it above 40°C can transform its beneficial qualities into toxic Ama-producing ones.
How To Consume Honey
According to Ayurveda, honey should be consumed in moderation and never in hot substances like boiling water or hot tea. Instead, it should be added to warm or room temperature drinks.
It’s also recommended not to mix it with equal amounts of ghee, as this combination is considered toxic.
Summary (TL;DR)
Ayurveda considers honey to be one of the most potent substances around. Benefits include healing wounds, reducing inflammation, supporting respiratory health and acting as a natural preservative.
It embodies the sweet taste and therefore decreases the Vata and Kapha doshas and increases the Pitta dosha. It boots Ojas, strengthens Agni and thus reduces toxins and wastes in the body.
The substance should be consumed in moderation and in either warm or room temperature liquids. It should never be used in hot substances and or mixed in equal amounts with ghee.
