Safety and side effects

Honey is likely safe for use as a natural sweetener, cough suppressant, and topical product for minor sores and wounds.

Avoid giving honey — even a tiny taste — to babies under the age of 1 year. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby's intestines, producing a dangerous toxin.

Some people are sensitive or allergic to specific components in honey, particularly bee pollen. Although rare, bee pollen allergies can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, adverse reactions. Signs and symptoms of a reaction include:

• Wheezing and other asthmatic symptoms
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Excessive perspiration
• Fainting
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Stinging after topical application

Honey might affect blood sugar levels.