As the saying goes, ten out of ten people have hemorrhoids, and many people are troubled by this condition. One belief is that drinking honey water can treat hemorrhoids. Is this true?
Can Drinking Honey Water Cure Hemorrhoids?
Honey water does not have any significant therapeutic effect on hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disease that can be classified into internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, and mixed hemorrhoids. Traditional Chinese medicine divides hemorrhoids into three types: wind-damaged intestines and collaterals, damp-heat descending, and spleen deficiency with sinking qi. Honey water is a commonly consumed tonic that contains nutrients such as protein, amino acids, vitamins, and various enzymes. It has multiple benefits such as beauty enhancement, nourishing yin and moisturizing dryness, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and immune system enhancement. However, honey water does not have the ability to clear heat and dampness, tonify the spleen, and invigorate qi. Therefore, honey water does not have the ability to treat hemorrhoids.
Can People with Hemorrhoids Drink Honey?
Yes, they can.
Although honey water does not have a significant therapeutic effect on hemorrhoids, it does not worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid patients need to maintain regular bowel movements to prevent bleeding. Honey water has a lubricating effect on the intestines. Drinking honey water can help prevent or alleviate constipation symptoms in hemorrhoid patients, which is beneficial for their care.
What to Consider When Brewing Honey Water
Avoid High Temperatures
Do not use boiling water to brew honey. High temperatures can destroy the nutritional components of honey, reducing its effectiveness. It can also make the honey water acidic, affecting its taste. It is generally recommended to use water at around 40-60 degrees Celsius.
Avoid Metal Containers
Avoid using metal containers when brewing honey water because the active ingredients in honey may react with the metal, causing the honey to darken and reducing its nutritional value. It is recommended to use glass or ceramic cups instead.
Who Should Avoid Drinking Honey Water
Infants
Due to the risk of botulism contamination during honey production and transportation, infants, whose organs are delicate and have weak resistance, may experience symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, and decreased appetite due to honey poisoning.
People with Dampness Accumulation
Honey water has a sticky quality, which is not suitable for people with dampness accumulation. Consuming honey water may worsen symptoms such as limb soreness, heaviness in the head and body, and sticky stools.
Diabetic Patients
Honey water contains a large amount of sugar. Consuming excessive amounts of honey water may directly raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, which is not conducive to controlling their blood sugar.
Daily Tips for Hemorrhoid Patients
1. Avoid Spicy Foods
Such as chili, Sichuan pepper, garlic, and ginger. These spicy foods can stimulate the blood vessels in the rectal and anal area, leading to congestion or dilation of the blood vessels, exacerbating constipation or bleeding, and worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Hemorrhoid patients should ensure an adequate intake of water every day, which helps increase gastrointestinal motility, facilitate bowel movements, alleviate constipation symptoms to a certain extent, and prevent further aggravation of hemorrhoids.
3. Avoid Alcohol
In traditional Chinese medicine, hemorrhoids are often associated with damp-heat. Drinking alcohol can worsen damp-heat conditions. Moreover, alcohol can cause congestion and dilation of hemorrhoidal veins, leading to swelling of hemorrhoids and discomfort such as bleeding.
4. Change Body Positions Regularly
Hemorrhoid patients should frequently change their body positions and avoid prolonged sitting, squatting, or standing. Prolonged maintenance of a single posture is not conducive to blood circulation, and it can hinder the return of blood flow in the anal veins, thereby worsening the condition.
