Honey: The Golden Medicine
By: Dr Aftab jan
Honey is one of the most powerful natural gifts ever discovered, not just for taste but for healing, protection, and nourishment. It is not only praised in modern medicine but also honored in Islam as a cure sent by Allah.
In the Qur’an, Allah clearly says about the bee, “There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colors, in which there is healing for mankind” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:69). This beautiful verse shows us that honey is not just food; it is a healing drink created with divine wisdom. Scientists today have found over 200 useful substances inside honey, like antioxidants, vitamins, natural enzymes, and minerals that work together to heal the body.
Honey is known to kill harmful bacteria, reduce swelling, heal wounds, and boost the immune system. When you look deeply into its structure, you will find that it contains special elements like hydrogen peroxide and bee defensin-1 which make it deadly for germs but safe and healing for human cells. Its sweetness is natural and balanced, unlike sugar, which harms the body.
Honey even helps to control blood sugar levels in small amounts. It is a miracle of nature that has been given to us not only for food but for cure, and it remains one of the most respected natural medicines in both modern science and Islamic guidance.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strongly recommended honey for healing. He said, “Make use of the two cures: honey and the Qur’an” (Ibn Majah). This hadith shows that physical healing and spiritual healing go hand in hand. The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned that honey can help cure many illnesses. Modern science confirms this.
When applied to wounds or burns, honey speeds up healing, prevents infection, and reduces pain. Unlike chemical ointments, honey is gentle and safe even on delicate skin. Its thick texture protects the skin from dust and bacteria, and its antibacterial nature cleans the wound naturally. Even today, doctors use special medical-grade honey to treat ulcers, skin infections, and deep wounds that don’t heal easily. This shows that honey has survived thousands of years as a trusted medicine. It works better than many modern creams and doesn’t cause side effects. This proves how the wisdom of the Prophet ﷺ was far ahead of modern times, and how Islamic guidance leads to both spiritual and physical health when we follow it with trust.
Inside the body, honey works like a quiet doctor. It soothes the stomach and improves digestion. People suffering from acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or indigestion have found relief by taking a spoon of raw honey regularly. It helps balance the good bacteria in the gut, which are important for not just digestion but also for mental health and immunity.
New studies show that the gut and brain are deeply connected. A healthy stomach can make a person feel happier, calmer, and more energetic. Honey acts as a natural prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria and helping the body absorb nutrients better. It also strengthens the body’s immune system, helping to fight off infections, viruses, and tiredness.
When taken during a cold or cough, honey soothes the throat and acts like a natural syrup, often working better than chemical medicines. Even doctors recommend honey for children’s coughs as a safer, natural solution. The Prophet ﷺ once advised a man to take honey for stomach pain again and again until he was cured. This shows that honey may take time to work, but it heals from the root, not just the symptoms.
Honey is also a gift for the heart, the brain, and the soul. It contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols which fight the damage caused by stress, pollution, and aging. These compounds help prevent heart disease, protect the brain from memory loss, and even reduce the risk of cancer.
Scientists say that honey lowers bad cholesterol, improves blood flow, and supports healthy arteries. It gives the brain slow, steady energy which improves memory, focus, and clarity of thinking. Some studies show that honey helps protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and other diseases of old age. It also helps with sleep.
A spoon of honey with warm milk at night helps the brain release melatonin, the sleep hormone. This gives calm and deep sleep, especially for people who are stressed or anxious. Its minerals like magnesium and potassium help the nerves and muscles relax. Emotionally, honey brings comfort. It has a calming effect that reduces anxiety and sadness, making it a helpful part of mental wellness. This shows that honey does not only heal the body, it brings peace to the mind and heart — a complete healing system gifted to us by Allah.
The spiritual value of honey in Islam is just as important as its medical benefits. The bee, which makes honey, is mentioned in the Qur’an as an example of divine inspiration: “And your Lord inspired the bee…” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:68). Bees live in complete harmony, working with discipline and wisdom that is beyond human understanding. They fly from flower to flower, collecting nectar, and turn it into golden honey through a process that is nothing short of a miracle. This teaches us a deep spiritual lesson — that Allah has placed healing and purpose in the smallest creatures, and when we reflect on their work, we see signs of His wisdom.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a famous Islamic scholar, wrote that honey is one of the best medicines given by Allah. He said honey removes waste from the body, improves blood, strengthens the organs, and heals the mind. It is pure, clean, and part of the fitrah — the natural way of life that Islam teaches. This is why honey is not only medicine, but also a reminder of Allah’s mercy, care, and beauty in creation.
To fully benefit from honey, it should be used in its raw and unfiltered form, as heating and processing remove many of its healing properties. The best way to consume honey is on an empty stomach in the morning — take one tablespoon mixed in a glass of lukewarm water. This helps cleanse the stomach, improves bowel movement, and energizes the body for the day. For those with digestive issues, a spoon of honey before meals soothes the gut and improves digestion. If you’re having trouble sleeping, take one spoon of honey with warm milk at bedtime for peaceful rest.
During colds or sore throats, honey mixed with a little ginger juice or lemon can act as a strong natural remedy. It can also be added to herbal teas instead of sugar. For wounds and burns, apply a thin layer of honey directly on the area, cover it with clean gauze, and repeat daily. To boost immunity, a spoon of honey with a pinch of cinnamon daily is a well-known natural combination. Remember, honey should never be mixed in boiling water or tea, as heat destroys its enzymes. Always store it in a cool, dry place in a glass container. Also, children below one year of age should not be given honey due to risk of infant botulism.
In the end, honey is a powerful symbol of healing — both scientific and spiritual. It heals wounds, supports digestion, strengthens the heart and brain, calms the mind, and connects us to the divine message of Islam. It is food and medicine, remedy and reminder. It comes from a small insect, but it carries the weight of miracles. In a world full of artificial solutions, honey remains a timeless natural gift that proves that the answers to our deepest needs have already been created by Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ, with his perfect guidance, already told us of its value long ago. When we use honey with faith, gratitude, and understanding, it becomes more than medicine — it becomes a sacred experience. It is healing with sweetness, cure with purity, and nourishment with the remembrance of Allah.
(The author is a regular contributor to ‘Kashmir Vision’)
