What the texts say
Charaka's word is uṣṇārta, a person afflicted by heat, and he gives no reason. Sushruta (Sutra 20.14) warns against honey "with hot things, or in heat". His commentator Dalhana explains "in heat" as the hot season, that is, summer and autumn. Neither text gives a reason or a temperature.[1][2]
The modern view
We found no study that tests honey in hot weather, or honey in people suffering from heat. Our search was not fully screened, so a study may exist that we missed.
Classical text only
Questions people ask
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 hot water (shahad aur garam pani)
Charaka lists hot water after honey as incompatible, and Sushruta agrees. No study we found has tested the rule.
FoodCurd in summer (garmi mein dahi)
The Ashtanga Hridaya says not to eat curd in spring, summer or autumn. No study we found has tested the seasonal rule.
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.
Sources
- Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 26.84 (Atreyabhadrakapyiya Adhyaya).
- Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 20.14, with Dalhana's commentary, NIIMH e-text.
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