Can Honey Stop You from Getting Sick? The Sweet Truth About Immunity

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Historically, honey has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years in cultures around the world. While it isn't a magical cure, the question of whether can honey stop you from getting sick is a complex one, involving its scientifically-backed antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Quick Summary

Honey possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties that support immune health and soothe symptoms like coughs and sore throats. However, it is not a cure-all and proper health practices are more effective for preventing illness.

Key Points

Not a Cure-All: Honey cannot completely prevent you from getting sick, but it can support your immune system and relieve symptoms.
Antimicrobial Properties: Honey's high sugar content, low pH, and presence of hydrogen peroxide create an environment hostile to bacteria.
Manuka Honey's Special Strength: Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), providing an extra layer of potent antibacterial activity.
Symptom Relief: Honey is clinically proven to be more effective than some over-the-counter medicines for soothing coughs and sore throats.
Processing Matters: Raw, unprocessed honey retains more beneficial enzymes and antioxidants than its pasteurized counterparts.
Infant Botulism Risk: Never give honey to a child under one year of age due to the risk of botulism poisoning.
Holistic Approach is Key: Relying solely on honey is ineffective; it should supplement a healthy diet, good hygiene, and proper medical care.

Can Honey Really Prevent Sickness?

While honey has long been celebrated for its medicinal qualities, it is important to distinguish between alleviating symptoms and outright preventing illness. No single food can completely stop you from getting sick, as immunity depends on a complex interplay of diet, lifestyle, and hygiene. However, research confirms that honey's natural properties can provide significant support for your immune system, especially in managing certain infections and symptoms.

The Science Behind Honey's Immune Support

Honey's high sugar content and low water create high osmotic pressure, dehydrating bacteria. Its acidity also inhibits pathogen growth. When diluted, an enzyme releases hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic. Manuka honey's methylglyoxal (MGO) provides additional antibacterial power. Honey also contains antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, protecting cells from damage. Raw honey's prebiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for immunity.

Honey for Symptom Relief: The Evidence

Honey is well-documented for managing symptoms, though it may not prevent viruses. A review found honey more effective than standard treatments for cough and sore throat symptoms from upper respiratory infections, reducing frequency and severity. Its thick texture coats and soothes the throat.

Honey has a long history in wound care. Medical-grade Manuka honey (Medihoney) is used in hospitals for wounds and burns, preventing infection and reducing inflammation. It also provides a healing environment.

Regular, moderate consumption of raw honey can support overall immune function due to its antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotic effects.

Raw vs. Processed Honey: Which is Better for Your Health?

Raw honey is unfiltered and unpasteurized, retaining beneficial enzymes, phytonutrients, and pollen. Processed honey is heated and filtered, extending shelf life but reducing many beneficial compounds.


Feature	Raw, Unfiltered Honey	Processed, Pasteurized Honey
Enzymes & Antioxidants	High, intact levels	Lowered or eliminated by heat
Pollen & Propolis	May contain traces with added benefits	Typically filtered out
Processing	Minimally processed, unheated	Heated, pasteurized, and filtered
Health Potential	High potency for topical and internal use	Reduced potency due to nutrient loss
Appearance	Often creamy, opaque, and prone to crystallization	Clear and liquid, but less nutrient-dense

Important Considerations and Safe Usage

Never give honey to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism from Clostridium botulinum spores. Honey can affect blood sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with diabetes. Those with pollen allergies should consult a doctor before using local, unprocessed honey. For better health benefits, choose raw or UMF-certified Manuka honey.

Beyond Honey: A Holistic Approach to Sickness Prevention

Honey is not a replacement for proper health habits and medical care. Preventing illness requires a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and consistent hygiene like hand washing. Consult a healthcare provider for persistent or worsening symptoms.

Conclusion

While honey doesn't guarantee sickness prevention, its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties provide valuable support, especially for soothing coughs and sore throats and aiding wound healing. Incorporating high-quality raw honey into a healthy lifestyle can enhance your body's natural defenses. For detailed health information, consult medical research and healthcare professionals. More on honey's benefits can be found on the Mayo Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, honey cannot completely prevent a viral illness like a cold or the flu. The best prevention methods include vaccination, practicing good hygiene like hand washing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Honey can, however, help soothe symptoms like a cough or sore throat.

Raw and unprocessed honey generally contains more beneficial nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants than pasteurized varieties. Manuka honey, in particular, is noted for its powerful non-peroxide antibacterial properties due to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content.

Infants under 12 months should not be given honey due to the risk of infant botulism. Honey can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in a baby's digestive tract and produce a dangerous toxin.

Honey has a thick, viscous consistency that coats and soothes an irritated throat, reducing irritation and the coughing reflex. Studies have shown it can be more effective at reducing nighttime coughs than some over-the-counter medications.

Yes, heating honey, especially to high temperatures, can destroy or significantly reduce its beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties. For maximum health benefits, raw honey is recommended.

No, honey is not a reliable alternative to prescribed antibiotics for serious bacterial infections. While some honey, particularly medical-grade Manuka, has potent antibacterial effects, it is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and treatment.

Some evidence suggests that honey has prebiotic properties that can support healthy gut bacteria, which is linked to a strong immune system. It has also been traditionally used to aid with mild digestive discomfort.