Prophetic Medicine – Honey

Allah says in Surah Nahl verse 68 and 69:

وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلنَّحْلِ أَنِ ٱتَّخِذِى مِنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ ٱلشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ ﴿٦٨﴾ ثُمَّ كُلِى مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ فَٱسْلُكِى سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا ۚ يَخْرُجُ مِنۢ بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ فِيهِ شِفَآءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ ۗإِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“And your Lord inspired the bees, saying: “Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect.”

“Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you).” There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think”

Honey is surely a blessing from Allah. It has been said that bacteria cannot live in honey. It has a myriad of uses it promotes healing in cuts to major wounds, helps remove the scars of burn victims, cures stomach ailments, aids the body in healing sore throats and cures chest infections to name a few. It can be given orally, used as an ointment or drops.

We see the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas where the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said, “Healing is in three things: a gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterising).” But I forbid my followers to use (cauterisation) branding with fire.” {Sahih Bukhari 5680}

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) “A man came to the Prophet peace and blessings be upon himand said, My brother complains about his stomach.The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said to him “Let him drink honey. The man came for the second time and the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said to him, Let him drink honey.

He came for the third time and the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said Let him drink honey. He returned again and said I have done that. The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him then said Allah has said the truth, but your brother’s stomach has told a lie. Let him drink honey. So he made him drink honey and he was cured” {Sahih Bukhari Book of Medicine}

It flushes away toxins in the veins and intestines, removes excess moisture, helps rid the body of phlegm and can be used to strengthen eyesight. In addition to all these uses honey is also a food preservative. It preserves fresh meat for up to three months, as well as fruits and vegetables.

It has no side effects, except for those with gallstones who should take it with vinegar to neutralise its effects. The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him used to drink honey with warm water on an empty stomach (as a preventive measure) and Allah knows best.