Honey water as morning drink: The expert-approved recipe and rules that make it work

In most Indian homes honey is a kitchen staple. Since the Indian culinary culture is traditionally inspired by the Ayurvedic way of life, natural foods like honey and ghee find a wide range of uses in the kitchen. Long before tea came to India, honey was added to kadhas whose ingredients changed with the changing season. Kadhas were comforting and soothing drinks like tea made with natural herbs and spices, which added taste to the drink, besides providing natural benefits. Honey was an essential part of these drinks. Today, honey is a morning essential in homes, as it is not just comforting when taken with warm water but also believed to provide certain benefits like providing instant energy and relieving constipation and even helping with immunity when consumed with vitamin C-rich lemon.Honey water recipeIngredients:1 glass of lukewarm water1 tsp pure forest honeyJuice of 1 lemon1 pinch sea salt or Celtic salt1 tsp soaked chia seedsMethod:In a tall glass, fill 250 ml water.The water should be lukewarm.Add all the ingredients and mix well.Consume immediately.Ayurveda expert Dr Chanchal Sharma shares some tips on the mistakes people commit while consuming this morning drink and how to avoid them. Rule 1: Never mix honey with boiling waterFor drinking this healthy honey warm water, you have to keep in mind to never mix honey in boiling water. Warm water carries excessive heat that might restrict the absorption of natural nutrients in honey. According to Ayurveda, when you add honey to hot water, it becomes difficult to digest. Correct practice:If you boil the water or it is too hot, then let it be warm and then add honey into it. Rule 2: Use pure honey onlyFor more benefits, you have to follow this second rule of making honey water. Always keep in mind that honey should be pure while purchasing. Artificial honey contains lots of added sugar that is harmful for your health. Correct practice:Use raw and organic honey instead of any artificial or processed one. If it's available nearby, then try to get the organic honey from there only. Always try to avoid refined or mixed honey. Rule 3: Follow the right quantityExcess of everything is bad, so always try to limit the quantity of honey water in your daily routine. Recommended amount:If you are looking for the right amount of honey, then you should be aware that adding 1 teaspoon in one glass of water makes it healthier. If you add too much honey, then it may result in an imbalance of blood sugar and weight gain for diabetes patients. Rule 4: Drink it on an empty stomach If you want to get the best results from drinking honey in warm water, then try to have it on an empty stomach. Always try to have it in the morning 20 minutes before breakfast. This drink will help in bowel movement, smoothing the digestive system, detoxifying your body, and improving metabolism. Rule 5: Do not combine honey with ghee or butter in equal amountsAccording to Ayurveda, if you combine honey with ghee or butter in equal amounts, then it may create some harmful mixture that your body cannot process, so avoid doing this for any purpose. If you are someone who consumes ghee on a regular basis, then keep it separate from the consumption of honey. Rule 6: Avoid drinking it at nightDrinking honey in warm water at night may affect your digestion and blood sugar level. Experts advise drinking honey in warm water in the morning for more benefits. If you have a sore throat or any other problem, then you can have honey at night but in a limited amount. You should not have it on a regular basis.