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Raw Honey

Raw honey is most recognized for its soothing properties and potential antimicrobial effects.

Evidence · Grade D
Human trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research

Unpasteurized honey used for soothing coughs, sore throats, wound care, and skin.

Raw honey is a natural, unpasteurized sweetener produced by bees from flower nectar. It is commonly used as a food and a traditional remedy for ailments like coughs, sore throats, and topical wound care. People typically consume it orally, either by the spoonful or mixed into liquids, or apply it directly to the skin.

Quick answer

What it is: Raw honey is a natural, unpasteurized sweetener produced by bees from flower nectar.

May support:Viral Infections, Common Cold/Flu, Chronic Bronchitis, Allergic Rhinitis, Gastritis, Seasonal Allergies, Acid Reflux (GERD), H. pylori Infection, Chronic Sinusitis, Sinus Infections

Evidence:Evidence · Grade D

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade D

Evidence for raw honey's uses includes traditional observations, some in vitro and animal studies, and a limited number of human clinical trials, often with small sample sizes, leading to its current 'D' grade.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Commonly Combined With

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Why It Works

Raw honey appears to exert its effects through a combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties, potentially aiding in wound healing and soothing irritated tissues.

How it works in more detail

The antimicrobial activity of honey is attributed in part to hydrogen peroxide production, its low pH (approx. 3.2-4.5), and osmotic effect due to its high sugar content. In some varieties, such as Manuka honey, methylglyoxal (MGO) is a significant antibacterial compound. Its high viscosity and humectant action may help create a moist wound environment, support tissue regeneration, and soothe mucous membranes.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
1 tablespoon (15 ml), 1–3x/day; can be mixed in warm water or tea.
Commonly combined with
  • Coffee

    Honey and coffee combined were more effective in reducing post-infectious chronic cough compared to prednisolone.

    RCT
Research dosage range
No established human research dose
Typical onset
For acute complaints like a sore throat or cough, soothing effects may be experienced relatively quickly, often within minutes to hours. For other applications, consistent use over a period may be suggested by traditional practices.
Dosing citations
Typical forms
liquid, creamed
Quality markers
For consumers, opting for raw, unpasteurized honey free from additives is generally recommended. For specific uses, looking for honey with independently verified UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO (Methylglyoxal) ratings may be relevant for Manuka honey. Organic certification can indicate adherence to certain production standards.
Medication interactions
  • Anticoagulants (theoretical, due to potential antiplatelet effects of some honey components)
  • Diabetes medications (may affect blood sugar control)
Avoid if
  • Infants under 1 year of age
  • Known allergy to bee products or pollen
  • Diabetics (use with caution and monitor blood sugar)

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Suggested dosage

1 tablespoon (15 ml), 1–3x/day; can be mixed in warm water or tea.
Sources:[1]RCT

Active medicinal compounds

Glucose oxidase, methylglyoxal, polyphenols, trace enzymes.

Traditional use

One of the oldest documented medicines — wound and throat use dates to ancient Egypt.

Safety

Safety warnings

Never give to infants under 12 months (botulism risk).

Avoid if

  • Infants under 1 year of age
  • Known allergy to bee products or pollen
  • Diabetics (use with caution and monitor blood sugar)

Medication interactions

  • Anticoagulants (theoretical, due to potential antiplatelet effects of some honey components)
  • Diabetes medications (may affect blood sugar control)

Reported side effects

  • Allergic reactions (rare)
  • Increased blood sugar (for diabetics)
  • Infant botulism (in infants under 1 year)
Sources:[1]RCT

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (D)

Evidence for raw honey's uses includes traditional observations, some in vitro and animal studies, and a limited number of human clinical trials, often with small sample sizes, leading to its current 'D' grade.

Clinical Trial Registries(1)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality

  • Honey to Improve Sleep Quality: a Randomized, Double-blind Trial

    n=110 · NCT04207281 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

    Inadequate sleep quality and duration affects quality of life, and can cause adverse health outcomes, for many Canadians. Existing sleep therapies have limitations, such as inability to adhere to a cognitive behaviour modification or the risk of dependence on pharmaceutical therapies. Raw honey has a long history of anecdotal reports supporting its use to improve sleep quality. In an effort to develop an evidence base for honey as a sleep aid, we completed a preliminary proof-of-principle study to assess feasibility and potential effectiveness of honey to improve sleep quality. Results of our preliminary study demonstrate that honey is safe and effective for improving quality of sleep with no associated adverse effects, as compared to melatonin. The current study design builds off the experiences of the preliminary trial and will add more scientific rigor to the evidence base we have started to build.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Limitations: Current evidence is limited by a lack of large-scale, well-controlled human clinical trials. Studies often suffer from heterogeneity in honey type, quality, and application methods, making comparisons difficult. Many purported benefits still lack robust scientific corroboration.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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