Brief Answer: Role of Honey in Ayurveda Detailed Answer: Dear Thanks for contacting Ayurveda with your concern. 1. In Ayurveda apart from: Parad [mercury], visha [poison], Pipalli [piper longum], & Hirak [diamond] we consider XXXXXXX [honey] as "YOGVAHI" i.e. which when combined with the substance acquires properties of that substance, so I will like to describe it in different aspects. [ without changing its own properties, honey carries the effects of the drugs added to it. It means it enhances the properties and actions of the substances with which it combines] i. since it is obtained from 'MAKSHIKA' [BEES] which are themselves 'Ushna' [hot] in nature thus honey shouldn't be heated in any condition, otherwise will cause toxic effects ii. out of various XXXXXXX described in Ayurveda Makshika honey is Laghu (light) , Ruksha (dry), is the best and beneficial in asthma. [since there are vast number of honey described in Ayurveda just remember one thing: that fresh honey helps to increase body mass while old honey produces constipation and decreases body mass] thus it can be used for weight gain and also against obesity] iii. since honey as LEKHANA [scraping] properties it is used in Kapha [respiratory] disorders mainly in childrens PS. childhood is the age of KAPHA predominance and it is seen that children suffer mainly from respiratory problems in which time tested remedy 'honey with tankan [borax] is given iv. As it is Yogvahi thus it is also used as an 'ANUPAN' [vehicle] along with medicines to improve their efficacy or to mitigate the side effects of the other medicines it is mixed with. v. due to its antioxidant properties honey is also an important ingredient in moisturizer and conditioner. hope I have given due consideration in taking up your query, any suggestions are welcome Dr. Munish Sood Consultant & Physician Naimittika

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