What the texts say
These two words are one entry in Charaka's list of incompatible foods, and he gives no reason for the pair. The seed named is puṣkarabīja, pushkara seed. The verse does not name makhana (fox nut), and the two should not be assumed to be the same plant until the identification is checked.[1]
The modern view
We found no study of honey eaten with lotus seed. Our search was not fully screened, so a study may exist that we did not find.
Classical text only
Related
Heated honey (garam shahad)
Charaka says hot honey leads to death. Two rat studies of heated honey give mixed results, and no study we found has tested it in people.
FoodHoney and ghee in equal parts
Charaka and Sushruta say honey and ghee in equal amounts are incompatible. Two rat studies disagree, and neither tested people.
FoodKakamachi and honey
Charaka says kakamachi with honey leads to death. Which plant he meant needs checking, and no study we found tests the rule.
FoodMeat and honey
Charaka says not to eat the meat of domestic, marsh or water animals together with honey. No study we found tests the rule.
Sources
Awaiting review by The Good Vaidya Medical Board. Prepared from the sources below and checked against each one.
Published 4 November 2026 · Last updated 4 November 2026