How to Use Honey for Curing Anxiety

How to Use Honey for Curing AnxietyFeeling anxious now and then during stressful times are pretty common. But when you experience persistent, overwhelming and uncontrollable anxiety then it can be devastating. Almost 18% of US population suffers from anxiety disorders.

The actual cause of anxiety disorder is a combination of different things that includes stress, genes, hormonal imbalance and thyroid problems. Few types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), social anxiety, specific phobias and panic attacks. If anxiety is left untreated then it can lead to clinical depression.

Most of the people often depend on medications for controlling anxiety. But they turn out to be considerably addictive and possess potential side effects. Fortunately, we have several options for treating anxiety safely with natural solutions like honey.

Can Honey Help With Anxiety?

  • Raw honey possesses a great number of antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anxiolytic properties (1).
  • Honey enables serotonin production through a certain amino acid called tryptophan. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is responsible for a good mood and a healthy sleeping pattern.
  • Glucose and fructose are the main components of honey which get absorbed into your bloodstream and balance your blood-sugar levels. This helps you to relax and relieve your stress.
  • The anti-inflammatory and immune response enhancing properties of honey make it a good tool for mood elevation.

How to Use Honey for Anxiety?              

Honey can be used in several ways to treat anxiety. For your convenience, we have provided them below with step-by-step instructions. All you have to do is choose one and try it regularly. You can also use Manuka honey for the following methods.

1. Honey

Consuming honey just before going to sleep prevents the release of two hormones – adrenaline and cortisol. This reduces stress levels and ensures a good night’s sleep.

  • Take 1 tablespoon of unadulterated, raw honey (preferably Manuka honey).
  • Add a small pinch of salt to it.
  • Consume it before sleeping at night.
  • Repeat this daily for a healthy sleeping pattern and improved mood.

2. Honey, Lemon and Ginger

Lemon is known to contain many negatively charged ions. When these ions enter the digestive tract, they react with the positive ions present inside and energize the entire body thereby elevating the mood.

Also, a simple lemon scent is known to be a brilliant mood enhancer. Ginger’s smell too has unique mood enhancing abilities. Ginger is also known to increase the serotonin and dopamine levels in the human body (2).

  • Combine 1/2 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons each of lemon juice, and ginger juice.
  • Consume this 3 times in a day.
  • Alternatively, you can add this mixture into a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.

3. Honey and Milk

Milk is rich in Vitamin-D, which is useful in the production of serotonin, a feel good chemical. Also, simply drinking milk is known to have relaxing effects on the brain.

  • Warm a mug of milk.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
  • Drink it every morning/night before sleeping.

4. Honey and Cinnamon

1 teaspoon of cinnamon consists of about 22% of the daily dosage of manganese. It is a critical element in the nerve and connective tissue functions of the central nervous system. Also, cinnamon balances the blood sugar levels and thus reduces anxiety.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to it.
  • Add this mixture to a glass of lukewarm milk.
  • Drink it daily at night before sleeping.

Note: Lactose intolerant people can directly skip milk and directly consume honey and cinnamon mixture.

5. Honey and Green Tea

Green tea consists of L-Theanine amino acids. Theanines simulate the production of Alpha waves which are usually produced when the brain is in relaxed state. Also, Theanines can alter the serotonin and dopamine levels of the brain and help elevate the mood (3).

  • Boil a cup of water.
  • Add green tea leaves (or dip a tea bag into it) after the stove has been put off.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea.
  • Drink 1-2 cups a day for a better mood.

6. Honey, Walnuts and Apple juice

Apples are known to repair any damage caused due to oxidation and reduce inflammation at cellular level. Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (reduces cortisol levels which are associated with stress), melatonin (regulates sleep) and vitamin E (protects your brain from mental decline).

  • Take a glass of milk.
  • Add an apple (cut into fine pieces) and a few walnuts to the milk.
  • Blend it until smooth.
  • Add one tablespoon of honey to the concoction.
  • Drink every other day for better results.

7. Honey and Almonds

Selenium deficiency has been linked to anxiety and the almonds are rich in them. Almonds also consist of Vitamin-E, Magnesium, zinc which are all excellent for mild anxiety and non-clinical depression.

  • Soak a handful of almonds overnight.
  • Peel the skin off in the morning and blend them to a fine paste.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the paste and consume it during breakfast.
  • You can also add the paste to milk and drink it.
  • Repeat this process every day.

8. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has shown a significant reduction in blood pressure associated with anxiety in a handful of tested cases.

  • Take a glass of water and add 2 tablespoons of ACV to it.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey into it.
  • Drink this mix every day.

Note: ACV is known to have inflammatory and high BP inducing side effects. Blood pressure and diabetic patients are advised to proceed with caution.

9. Honey, Oranges and Nutmeg

Oranges are known to lift your mood just by smelling their peels. Packed with vitamin C, oranges can help you control the adrenaline glands and calm your brain down in any stressful situations. Nutmegs are great as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. They improve the brain tissue and reduce the risk of Alzheimers.

  • Extract a glass of juice from fresh oranges.
  • Add 1 tablespoon each of honey and nutmeg powder to it.
  • Drink it during breakfast every morning.

10. Honey and Rosemary

Rosemary is known to decrease the cortisol levels which are associated to increase in stress levels (4). A simple application of rosemary oil on your wrist and massaging has shown to relieve stress greatly (5). Apart from that, you can also try the below process…

  • Boil a cup of water and add 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary leaves.
  • Let the tea steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the tea of the leaves and pour it into a cup.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir well.
  • Drink it every evening.

11. Chamomile and Honey

Apigenin and Luteolin are chemicals present in Chamomile which aid in relaxation.  Various studies conducted, have proved that chamomile tea is known to reduce the Hamilton Anxiety Ratings (HAM) significantly (6). It has been proven to be a mood enhancer and relieve anxiety in patients suffering from General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

  • Add 2 teaspoons of chamomile tea leaves or powder to a bowl of water.
  • Boil it and let it steep for 5 minutes.
  • Strain it into a cup and add a tablespoon of honey to it.
  • Drink it every day for a relaxed mind.

12. Honey and Ginseng

Ginseng, usually found in the North East Asian regions, is known to improve the concentration, thinking and memory prowess of the mind. Its Ginsenosides concentration is known to help fight anxiety and depression.

  • Add a teaspoon of dried ginseng leaves to a cup of boiling water.
  • Let it steep for 10 – 15 minutes.
  • Strain it and add a tablespoon of honey to it.
  • Mix and drink it.
  • Repeat this process daily.

Note: Too much of ginseng is harmful to your body. Please refrain from using it multiple times a day.

13. Honey and Bananas

Bananas are rich in tryptophan, a certain protein which increases the serotonin levels in your brain. It is also rich in vitamins B which are nervous system calming agents.

Banana’s rich potassium content acts as a beta-blocker which reduces the adrenaline build up that is associated with anxiety.

  • Mash 2 ripe bananas in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey and mix well.
  • Eat this every 4-5 hours or at regular intervals between meals.

14. Honey, pear and oats juice

Just like apples, pears are known to repair the damage caused due to oxidation and reduce inflammation at cellular level. Oats balance the blood sugar levels and also simulate the serotonin production in brain which helps soothe anxiety.

  • Extract juice of 1 pear.
  • Prepare some warm mint tea and blend it with the pear and 2 tablespoons of oats.
  • Pour out the mixture into a cup and add 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
  • Drink this juice once in a while for a good mood and relieved anxiety.

15. Honey and Turmeric Tea

Turmeric consists of a component called curcumin. Curcumin helps in the synthesis of DHA, a prominent component whose decreased levels indicate several cognitive disorders like anxiety. Adding turmeric to your daily diet not just helps you ease anxiety, but also helps you gain an overall healthy body (7).

  • Boil 4 cups of water.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to it.
  • Let it simmer until the quantity reduces to 1 cup.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it and mix well.
  • Repeat every other day.

Tips and Precautions

  • Avoid giving honey to children below 1 year as it can lead to botulism.
  • Though honey is a brilliant medicine, too much of honey can be congestive and heavy. People who are trying to lose weight must try to be cautious with their honey intake.
  • Always use raw, organic honey, processed loses its medicinal value when heated above 40 degrees.
  • It is advised to use Manuka honey for your general consumption due to its high nutritional value.
  • Avoid fast foods, oily and fatty foods.
  • Get a massage once in a while. It helps you relax and alleviate anxiety and bust through that anxiety disorder.
  • Avoid smoking and consumption of caffeinated beverages.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Have healthy and regular sleeping patterns.
  • Try to create a pacifying work environment.
  • Take a stroll amidst greenery or talk to someone you love. It reduces stress levels and elevates your mood.
  • Take small breaks during work hours to calm your mind and prevent anxiety.

Was the information provided in this article helpful for you? Do you know any other methods that are helpful in treating anxiety? Do you know of any top blogs discussing anxiety that you religiously follow? Share your experience and suggestions in the comment section below.

6 comments
  1. I’ve been on antidepressants for 5 months and my anxiety & depression(I have both because they’re linked) successly subsided. Unfortunately, antidepressants made me emotionless, I felt unmotivated to do things. Today, I tried eating a spoon of honey and guess what?!? It worked like antidepressants except that it doesn’t make me emotionless and unmotivated. Like you’ve mentioned in your article, medications has potential side effects(my vision is getting blurry). Honey is a great natural remedy from God. Couldn’t be happier!

  2. Can you confirm that you recommend one tablespoon – most other articles on Manuka honey are talking about teaspoons rather than tablespoons. You help is appreciated 🙂

  3. The doctor wants me to go on anxiety meds for my anxiety but im not okay with it i want something natural so im reaching ou

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