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Is it okay to drink honey water when having a cold or chills?

Sep 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Whether individuals with a cold body constitution can consume honey water generally depends on several factors, including the temperature of the honey water, timing of consumption, selection of honey type, compatibility with body constitution, and control of consumption amount. Individuals with a cold body constitution should prepare honey water using warm water, keeping the water temperature below 40°C, and avoid using icy or excessively hot water. Preparing honey with warm water helps preserve its nutritional content and prevents cold stimulation that may exacerbate a cold body constitution.

Whether individuals with a cold body constitution can drink honey water generally depends on several factors, including the water temperature used, timing of consumption, selection of honey type, compatibility with body constitution, and control of consumption quantity. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Water Temperature Selection: Individuals with a cold body constitution should use warm water (below 40°C) to mix honey, avoiding ice water or overly hot water. Warm water preserves the nutritional components of honey without causing cold stimulation that might worsen cold body symptoms. Excessively hot water may destroy the active components in honey.

2. Timing of Consumption: It is recommended to drink honey water after breakfast or between meals, avoiding consumption on an empty stomach or in large quantities before bedtime. Drinking honey water on an empty stomach may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, especially for those with cold constitutions who often have weak spleen and stomach function, which can lead to discomfort. Drinking large amounts before bedtime may increase nighttime urination and affect sleep quality.

3. Selection of Honey Type: Prioritize honey types with a warm or neutral nature, such as枣花蜜 (jujube flower honey) or荔枝蜜 (lychee honey), which are gentle and nourishing, suitable for those with cold constitutions. Avoid honey types with cooling properties, such as槐花蜜 (acacia honey) or黄连蜜 (Coptis honey), as they may exacerbate internal coldness, leading to symptoms like cold hands and feet or diarrhea.

4. Body Constitution Consideration: For individuals with a simple cold constitution and no blood sugar issues, moderate consumption of warm honey water can provide energy. However, if the cold constitution is accompanied by phlegm-dampness, abdominal distension, or elevated blood sugar levels, honey intake should be limited or avoided. Honey has a high sugar content, which may intensify feelings of stickiness in individuals with a phlegm-dampness constitution, while those with abnormal blood sugar should strictly control their intake.

5. Control of Consumption Quantity: The daily intake should not be excessive, generally 1–2 tablespoons per serving, with a maximum of 3 tablespoons per day. Overconsumption of honey water may lead to excessive sugar intake, increasing the burden on the body and counteracting efforts to manage a cold constitution. Moderate consumption is necessary to achieve its nourishing benefits.

Individuals with a cold constitution should adjust honey water consumption according to their personal conditions. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or increased cold sensitivity occur after consumption, it should be stopped immediately.

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