Can I Drink Honey During Chicken Pox? Your Guide to Safe Consumption

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, honey has shown in vitro antiviral activity against the varicella-zoster virus. This makes many people wonder, can I drink honey during chicken pox for relief?

Quick Summary

Honey can soothe a sore throat and potentially offer antiviral benefits for older children and adults with chickenpox, but is strictly unsafe for infants under 12 months due to botulism risk. Safe consumption methods and topical uses are reviewed.

Key Points

Infant Botulism Risk: Never give honey to infants under 12 months due to the severe risk of infant botulism from bacterial spores.
Sore Throat Relief: Older children and adults can drink honey mixed with warm water or herbal tea to soothe a sore throat caused by chicken pox.
Topical Use for Sores: Raw honey can be applied topically to chicken pox sores to leverage its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antiviral Properties: Studies show honey has in vitro antiviral activity against the varicella-zoster virus, suggesting it may aid recovery.
Medical Consultation is Key: Honey is a complementary remedy; always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance.
Avoid All Honey Forms for Infants: The botulism risk applies to all forms of honey, including processed honey and honey in baked goods, for babies under one.

Can You Drink Honey During Chicken Pox?

For older children and adults, consuming honey during a chicken pox infection is generally considered safe and can be beneficial. Honey's natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can be soothing, especially for a sore throat that may accompany the illness. Mixing honey with warm water or a mild herbal tea, such as chamomile or ginger, is a common practice to alleviate throat irritation. The key is to understand the age-specific risks, particularly concerning infants, which is a critical safety consideration for this home remedy.

The Critical Botulism Warning for Infants

One of the most important considerations when asking, "can I drink honey during chicken pox?" is the age of the patient. Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months old. This is because honey can contain spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can cause infant botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness. An infant's immature digestive system cannot neutralize these spores, while older children and adults can. Even small amounts, or honey in baked goods, are unsafe for this age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines on this risk.

Potential Benefits for Older Children and Adults

For those over one year old, incorporating honey can offer several benefits beyond just soothing a sore throat. Research has indicated honey's ability to fight the varicella-zoster virus (in vitro), which is the virus responsible for chicken pox. While this research was not conducted on humans, it suggests honey may offer some supportive antiviral properties. In addition, honey's natural antioxidants can support the immune system.

Topical Application for Skin Sores

Beyond drinking, honey can also be used topically on the chicken pox sores for potential relief and faster healing. Applying raw honey directly to the lesions for about 20 minutes before rinsing can utilize its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and may prevent secondary infections caused by scratching. It is important to note that this is a complementary remedy and not a substitute for medical treatment. Ensure you use a gentle, pure honey to avoid irritation.

Other Supportive Remedies for Chicken Pox

Oatmeal Baths: Soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath can provide significant relief from the relentless itching of the rash.
Calamine Lotion: Applying calamine lotion to the itchy spots offers a cooling effect and forms a protective barrier over blisters.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for recovery. Plenty of fluids, including water and herbal teas, are recommended.
Soft, Bland Diet: If mouth sores are present, a soft diet that avoids salty, acidic, or spicy foods can prevent further irritation.

Honey Consumption & Application Comparison


Aspect	Infants (Under 12 Months)	Older Children & Adults
Oral Consumption	NEVER. High risk of infant botulism.	YES. Can soothe sore throats and provide natural antiviral support.
Topical Application	Generally not recommended. Best to consult a pediatrician due to sensitive skin.	YES. Can be applied to sores to leverage antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Primary Goal	Avoid all forms of honey.	Soothe symptoms, aid recovery, and manage skin irritation.
Potential Risks	Infant botulism, a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition.	Allergic reactions (though rare), high sugar intake.

Conclusion

While honey offers potential soothing and antiviral benefits for older children and adults with chicken pox, the most critical takeaway is the severe risk of infant botulism for babies under one year old. For safe use, ensure the patient is older than 12 months, and consider using honey as part of a warm drink to alleviate a sore throat or topically for skin relief. Always prioritize professional medical advice, especially concerning infants, and treat honey as a supportive measure rather than a primary cure. For further details on infant botulism, consult official health guidelines like those from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/infant-botulism.html.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey is dangerous for infants under 12 months old, regardless of illness, because it can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can lead to infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning.

Adults can add a teaspoon of honey to warm herbal tea or water to soothe a sore throat. For skin relief, you can apply raw honey directly to the sores for about 20 minutes before rinsing to use its antibacterial properties.

While honey's anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated skin, other remedies are often more effective for general itching. Calamine lotion or a colloidal oatmeal bath are commonly recommended for itch relief.

Applying honey correctly is not known to cause scarring. In fact, its antibacterial properties may help prevent secondary infections that could increase scarring risk. Avoiding scratching is the most critical factor in preventing scars.

Some studies have specifically investigated Manuka honey's antiviral properties against the varicella-zoster virus and found it to be effective in vitro. However, the general benefits of all honey types can be helpful, and more research is needed on human efficacy.

If an infant under 12 months accidentally consumes honey, stay calm and monitor for symptoms of botulism, such as constipation, a weak cry, or floppy muscles. While the risk is low, contact your pediatrician immediately for guidance.

Yes, many other natural remedies can help manage chicken pox symptoms. These include oatmeal baths, applying calamine lotion, staying hydrated, and a bland diet for mouth sores.

Yes, for a child over one year old, applying raw honey to the sores can be beneficial. Its antibacterial properties may help with healing and prevent infection, provided the child does not have an allergy.