Ibn al-Qayyim said about the way the Prophet ﷺ drank: "As for his manner of drinking, it is among the best ways to preserve health. He drank honey mixed with cold water, which is of a benefit in preserving health that only the great physicians know."
As is well known, honey has been used for centuries for its health benefits; however, many people are not aware of the curative properties of honey when it is mixed with water.
For this mixture, the honey must be well diluted in water, so that the density becomes similar to that of blood plasma. The body will take time to assimilate this mixture, which will bring it tremendous medical benefits.
Among these benefits is the fact that it eliminates the mucus found in the lungs, eliminates parasites and bleeding from the digestive tract, fights bronchitis, and strengthens the immune system. It is also antibacterial, antifungal, detoxifying, and useful for people suffering from uncontrolled urination at night, and finally it will make the skin younger, brighter, and softer.
What the science says: detox and drainage, honey
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Detox and drainage
The body "detoxifies" itself through the liver, kidneys, intestine, skin, and lungs: supporting them comes down to fiber (Am J Clin Nutr, 2022), hydration, fasting (BMJ, 2025), liver-supporting plants like milk thistle (World J Gastroenterol, 2017), and physical activity. Aggressive "cleanses" have no demonstrated benefit and carry risks (Am J Gastroenterol, 2009). Precaution: no purges or enemas without medical advice, and no detox course during pregnancy; heavy-metal "chelators" should only be used under prescription.
Honey
"There is a healing for people in honey": research confirms several of its uses. The Cochrane review concludes that honey relieves acute cough in children better than no treatment, and at least as well as certain syrups (Cochrane, 2018) (Eur J Pediatr, 2023). On the skin, honey dressings speed up healing and reduce wound infections (Nutrients, 2024), including burns (N Z Med J, 2009). Precaution: never give honey before age one (risk of infant botulism); choose raw, unheated honey from a reliable source.
