Does Honey Help Reduce Anxiety?

Honey has long been celebrated for its healing properties. It is frequently used to control digestive, cardiac, and infectious ailments. As such, many people wonder if it can also help calm anxiety. What does the research have to say? 

While honey may support brain health, reduce inflammation, and help regulate stress responses, it’s not a standalone treatment. Here’s a clear breakdown of what honey can and cannot do when it comes to easing anxious feelings.

Key Insights About Honey

Here’s what recent research has to say about the properties of honey, its composition, and its impact. 

• Honey offers the following 4 main brain health benefits: memory booster, neuroprotective effect, anti-stress, and anti-nociceptive potentials. 

• Animal studies have found that honey may help shield dopamine-producing neurons by offering antioxidant protection against damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a factor closely linked to anxiety and depression. 

• Studies found that honey lowered basal cortisol levels in rats exposed to chronic stress, suggesting its potential to ease stress-related depression. Tualang honey appeared more effective in managing stress-linked weight changes, while Acacia honey showed stronger benefits for reducing depressive symptoms.

How Honey May Influence Anxiety

While there are linked benefits, it's important to note that honey cannot be a standalone treatment option for anxiety. Here’s how honey may impact anxiety levels: 

1. Antioxidant Support

Oxidative stress is a result of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance; either an excess of oxidants or a depletion of antioxidants. Since the brain consumes a high amount of oxygen, it is at higher risk of oxidative damage. 

Honey, especially raw or darker varieties, contains high levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as natural antioxidants. They help neutralize free radicals, which can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. 

Both of these issues are linked to heightened anxiety, mood imbalance, and cognitive strain. By reducing this internal “stress” on the brain, honey may help create a more stable environment for emotional regulation.

2. Possible Neuroprotective Effects

Hippocampus plays an important role in memory and emotional regulation by forming and retrieving emotional memories, particularly those related to anxiety and fear. Some small animal studies suggest certain compounds in honey may support the hippocampus. Specifically, honey was found to have improved neuron growth in the hippocampus and lower oxidative stress levels. While these findings aren’t definitive, they hint at honey’s potential long-term benefits for mood stability.

3. Blood Sugar Regulation

Sharp spikes or drops in your blood sugar levels can lead to irritability and a jittery feeling. Honey has a low glycemic index, meaning it provides stable energy to your body without crashing. This stability in energy may create a steadier and calmer baseline for some people. 

4. Sleep Quality Boost

Sleep and anxiety share a significant connection, whereby anxiety can impact the quality of sleep, and lack of sleep can make you more prone to feeling anxious during the day. 

In fact, an article on Comorbid Insomnia and Psychiatric Disorders reveals that insomnia is the most common sleep disturbance associated with anxiety disorders. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, and experience restless or poor-quality sleep.

Consuming honey before bed is a popular home remedy for restoring sleep as it encourages the release of melatonin, a sleep hormone. The glucose in honey can prompt the brain to reduce orexin activity, a chemical responsible for keeping us alert. This may help people fall asleep more easily and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.

5. Gut–Brain Connection

Honey has prebiotic properties that support healthy gut bacteria. Since gut health is tied closely to mood and anxiety, this may offer mild emotional benefits over time.

What Honey Cannot Do

Although honey offers significant benefits, directly and indirectly, there are some things you must remember at all times.

• Honey will NOT cure anxiety.

• It cannot replace therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication when needed.

• It will not stop panic attacks or chronic anxiety disorders by itself.

Honey is not a primary solution; instead, it is a small supportive tool. Explore Geohoney’s range of wild and monofloral honey sourced from across 500 locations globally. 

FAQ

1. Can honey calm anxiety immediately?

No, it cannot calm anxiety like anxiety medications. Honey can help you stabilize energy levels and feel calmer when added to teas. 

2. Is honey scientifically proven to reduce anxiety?

Research is limited. Animal studies show promising results, but there is not enough evidence from human studies yet. That being said, honey does support brain health in ways that may reduce anxiety over time.

3. How much honey should I take?

A teaspoon to a tablespoon per day is common for general wellness. 

4. Can honey help with sleep problems?

Yes, honey before bedtime can encourage melatonin release, stabilize sugar levels, and regulate your mood for better sleep.

5. Should I replace honey with sugar?

It is a healthier swap in many cases. Consult with your doctor before switching.