Honey for Constipation: Folk Remedy, Fructose and the Evidence
Honey for constipation is a folk remedy found in many cultures, often as a spoon of honey in warm water. There is a plausible reason it might help some people a little, related to honey's fructose. But research in people is very limited, and other approaches have much stronger support. This article explains the idea behind honey for constipation, what studies show, who should be cautious, and the steps doctors usually recommend first. For broader gut topics, see honey for digestion.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What constipation is
Constipation usually means having fewer than three bowel movements a week, or stools that are hard, dry or difficult to pass. It is very common and often linked to low fiber, not enough fluids, inactivity, travel, some medicines or changes in routine.
Most short-term constipation improves with simple changes. Long-lasting or severe constipation should be checked by a doctor.
Why honey for constipation might help
Honey usually contains a little more fructose than glucose. In some people, the small intestine does not absorb all of that excess fructose. Unabsorbed fructose travels to the large intestine, where it draws in water and is fermented by gut bacteria. That can soften stools.
This is the same reason honey is considered a high FODMAP food. Our article on whether honey is low FODMAP explains the connection. Healthline's overview of honey and IBS discusses it too.
What research shows
A 2020 study in mice, Gut microbiota is involved in the alleviation of loperamide-induced constipation by honey supplementation, found that honey eased constipation in the animals and changed their gut bacteria. That is interesting, but mice are not people.
Human studies on honey for constipation are few and small. So while the fructose theory is reasonable, no one can say reliably how much honey helps or for whom.
- Theory: excess fructose may draw water into the bowel.
- Animal research: honey eased constipation in mice.
- Human research: limited.
- Effect, if any, is likely mild and varies by person.
Steps with stronger evidence
Doctors usually recommend these first:
| Step | Practical tip |
|---|---|
| More fiber | Fruit, vegetables, beans, oats and whole grains |
| More fluids | Water throughout the day, especially with more fiber |
| Regular activity | A daily walk can help keep things moving |
| Routine | Do not ignore the urge to go; allow time after meals |
| Prunes or kiwi | Both have research support for constipation |
Combining honey with fiber
If you like honey, use it to make high-fiber foods more appealing. A drizzle over oatmeal with chia seeds and berries, or on plain yogurt with sliced kiwi, pairs honey with foods that support regularity.
Our articles on honey and oats and honey and chia seeds have simple ideas.
Who should be careful
Never give honey to babies under 12 months for constipation or any other reason. The CDC warns that honey can cause infant botulism, and constipation can actually be an early sign of that illness. Talk to a pediatrician about constipation in babies.
People with diabetes should count honey as carbohydrate. People with fructose malabsorption may find honey causes bloating or loose stools.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor if constipation lasts more than a few weeks, comes with blood in the stool, severe pain, unexplained weight loss, or a sudden change in bowel habits, especially after age 45. These signs need proper evaluation.
How people take honey for constipation
Traditional approaches often use a spoon of honey in warm water first thing in the morning. If you want to try it and your doctor agrees, keep the amount modest, such as a teaspoon or two, and drink plenty of water during the day.
Our article on honey on an empty stomach discusses the morning ritual more broadly.
Honey's limits
Honey is a sugar. Eating large amounts to try to relieve constipation is not a good idea, and it adds calories without fiber. Fiber and fluids remain the foundation.
Honey for constipation in traditional practice
Honey for constipation appears in traditional medicine from many regions. Some traditions mix honey with warm water, others with figs, prunes or olive oil. Interestingly, prunes and figs bring fiber and natural sorbitol, which may explain much of the effect in those mixtures.
If you like the idea, a bowl of yogurt with chopped prunes, a little honey and a sprinkle of seeds is a tasty, fiber-rich option.
Honey for constipation in older adults
Constipation becomes more common with age, often because of medicines, lower activity and lower fluid intake. Older adults should talk to a doctor before relying on home remedies, since constipation can sometimes signal another problem or a side effect that needs attention.
Small changes like a morning walk, a glass of water with each meal and a fiber-rich breakfast often help more than any single food.
Enjoy honey as food
Our raw honeys are made for breakfast bowls, tea and baking. They are never heated above hive temperature and are food, not medicine.
Browse them in our shop.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Gut microbiota is involved in the alleviation of loperamide-induced constipation by honey supplementation in mice · National Library of Medicine (PMC)
- Is Honey Good or Bad for IBS? · Healthline
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit (infants and toddlers) · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently asked questions
- Does honey help constipation?
- It may have a mild effect for some people because of its fructose, but human evidence is limited.
- How much honey for constipation?
- If your doctor agrees, a teaspoon or two in warm water is a typical traditional amount. Fiber and fluids matter more.
- Can I give honey to my baby for constipation?
- No. Never give honey to babies under 12 months. Talk to a pediatrician about constipation in infants.
- Why can honey cause loose stools?
- Excess fructose that is not absorbed can draw water into the bowel, especially in people with fructose malabsorption.
- Is honey and warm water good for constipation?
- It is a traditional remedy. It may help a little for some people, and the warm fluid helps too.
- What works best for constipation?
- More fiber, more fluids, regular activity and a regular routine have the strongest support.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.