The Dangers and Benefits of Raw Honey

Raw honey is much more than just a sweetener: It’s also prized for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and other health-supporting properties. But beyond these perks, are there any raw honey dangers to be aware of?

First things first: Raw honey is “honey as it exists in the beehive,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In other words, this is honey that hasn’t undergone additional processing to extend its shelf life or add sweetness.

But is this raw, unfiltered honey safe? Here, we explain whether you can consume raw honey, plus the risks and benefits of doing so.

Is Raw Honey Safe?

Short answer: Yes, it is safe to eat raw honey if you’re over age 1, according to Cleveland Clinic.

And not only is raw honey is safe to eat, but it’s also the least processed version of the sweetener, so it likely also contains the most antioxidants.

But any kind of honey — including raw honey — may be bad for your infant, notes Cleveland Clinic. Your baby can’t eat honey until they’re over age 1 to avoid potential raw honey dangers.

Despite honey’s high sugar content, research shows that more of its beneficial effects have been observed than negative effects (or none at all). This is especially the case when it’s used to replace other sweeteners.

Still, the high sugar content does mean it should be consumed in moderation. Researchers believe that more studies are needed in order to create specific recommendations.

Raw Honey Benefits

Unfiltered honey is generally safe and boasts many health-supporting qualities. Here’s why raw honey is good for you:

1. It Has Antibacterial Properties

Honey is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, according to Cleveland Clinic. That’s because most types of honey generate hydrogen peroxide, an antibacterial agent, according to a review published in ‌Food Chemistry in December 2020.‌ Other research demonstrates that this is because of honey’s hydrogen peroxide content.

As a result, you can use honey to kill certain bacteria that can lead to infection, notes a report published in the ‌Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences‌ in April 2021. These bacteria include:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Enterobacter erogen
• Salmonella typhimurium
• Staphylococcus aureus

2. It Can Support Wound Healing

Similarly, the antibacterial benefits of local, raw honey can also support wound healing, according to Mayo Clinic.

Research shows it can help disinfect a wound, promote tissue repair, and reduce scarring.

3. It’s a Rich Source of Antioxidants

Raw honey is a natural source of antioxidants, which are substances that can protect the body from harmful free radicals and oxidizing agents.

As a result, the antioxidant-related benefits of eating local honey are linked to reduced risk for problems like:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Immune system decline
• Cataracts
• Inflammation

There’s also evidence to suggest that dark varieties of honey — like buckwheat, chestnut, and manuka honey — contain more antioxidants than light honey, according to Cleveland Clinic.

4. It Can Soothe Cough Symptoms

Ever drink tea with honey when you have a cold? Well, there’s evidence to back up this natural cough remedy.

According to Mayo Clinic, honey can soothe an irritated throat and act as a cough suppressant when you’re sick.

5. It Might Relieve Digestive Discomfort

Another positive side effect of honey is that it can help ease digestive distress.

According to Mayo Clinic, honey can help treat diarrhea. It may also support rehydration as you recover.

6. It Could Support Brain Health

Honey isn’t just good for your body — it may also be good for your brain.

Indeed, there’s some evidence to suggest that honey has antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and antianxiety qualities, according to Mayo Clinic. It may also help prevent memory disorders, notes a review published in ‌Pharmacognosy Research‌ in April 2017. A study published in 2023 also found that honey contains qualities that make it an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that eventually works as a “brain booster.”

Raw Honey Dangers

Now that you know the benefits of this natural sweetener, are there any dangers of raw honey to consider? While it‘s generally a safe ingredient, there are a few particular circumstances where raw honey can make you sick.

Here‘s what happens if you eat bad honey:

1. It Can Lead to Infant Botulism

Raw and heat-treated honey may contain spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness that attacks the nerves, according to Cleveland Clinic.

These spores are harmless if ingested by most children and adults, but infants’ digestive systems are not mature enough to prevent this bacteria from forming toxins. As a result, no honey of any kind should be given to babies under age 1.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this contaminated honey can make your child sick and cause symptoms like:

• Constipation
• Poor feeding
• Ptosis
• Sluggish pupils
• Flattened facial expression
• Diminished suck and gag reflexes
• Weak and altered cry
• Trouble breathing

Organ transplant patients may also be at higher risk for this side effect of raw honey, according to American Family Physician. If you’re recovering from a transplant, ask your doctor if raw or local honey is good for you or if it’s best to avoid it.

2. It Can Lead to Digestive Discomfort

Honey is sometimes used to ease digestive issues like diarrhea. But what about the reverse — does honey cause diarrhea?

Cleveland Clinic names honey as a high-fructose food, which can give you diarrhea and other symptoms like a stomachache or gas if you are sensitive to sugar. This can trigger digestive issues for people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or fructose malabsorption.

If honey does give you diarrhea, it’s best to avoid it.

3. It Could Trigger Allergies

If you’re allergic to bee pollen, it’s possible that eating raw honey can trigger symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic.

This allergy is rare, but if you have it, it can cause symptoms like:

• Wheezing and trouble breathing
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Irregular heart rhythms

Some people can have an extreme allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, where your throat closes up and makes it difficult to breathe, notes Mayo Clinic. Seek medical care immediately if this happens to you.