When medications don’t provide relief, some people use natural remedies for their acid reflux symptoms. Limited research suggests that honey may help, so if you have acid reflux, you might want to give it a try.

If you’ve experienced a backflow of stomach acid into your esophagus after eating, you’ve likely experienced acid reflux. While over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help, alternative remedies are an option, too.

Honey has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. Some research and anecdotal evidence suggest that honey may soothe the throat and ease acid reflux symptoms.

Read on to learn more about using honey for acid reflux.

Honey has been used medicinally throughout the course of history. The exact benefits depend on the type of honey you use. Raw, unpasteurized honey provides the most health benefits, nutrients, and enzymes.

Some benefits of honey include:

  • Antioxidants: Honey is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect you from cell damage caused by free radicals. These can contribute to aging and long-term (chronic) conditions like heart disease.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: Honey contains a small amount of natural hydrogen peroxide, which means it may help wound healing.
  • Digestion: It may help with digestive issues like diarrhea and peptic ulcers.
  • Antibacterial and antiviral: It has a number of antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Medical-grade Manuka honey is considered the most effective honey for treating wounds. This honey may have other antibacterial properties along with its natural hydrogen peroxide.

Honey may work in several ways to help lower acid reflux symptoms. While there aren’t enough large-scale studies to determine whether you should use honey as a treatment option, some pilot studies have looked into its potential benefits and uses.

In a small 2024 study, Manuka honey was used to treat people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Results showed that this treatment was associated with:

  • a reduction in common symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation
  • improvement in esophagitis, which is inflammation in the esophagus
  • longer-lasting relief due to honey’s viscosity, or thickness, which allows it to coat the esophagus

As mentioned above, honey isn’t yet proven as a treatment option for acid reflux, so there’s no specific dosage that experts recommend.

Researchers in the previously mentioned 2024 study prescribed 5 grams of Manuka honey taken three times per day. You can use this as a starting point and use more or less honey, depending on how it affects your symptoms.

If you don’t want to take one teaspoon of honey by itself, you can mix it with a glass of warm water or tea. You can also stir it into warm milk or yogurt for a more soothing effect.

Most people can consume honey without having any adverse side effects.

However, it’s important to note that honey may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, low blood sugar, or take medications that affect blood sugar, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before trying it. You may also ask your doctor about taking honey if you’re on medications or are pregnant or nursing.

It’s also important to note that honey is not safe for infants and small children.

If you notice any unusual side effects, it’s best to stop taking honey and seek medical attention.

You can try OTC medications to treat occasional acid reflux. Some options include:

  • tums and other antacids
  • H2 blockers
  • proton pump inhibitors

Although research on honey and acid reflux is limited, it’s still considered to be a safe, effective way to treat acid reflux.

If you decide to try honey, remember:

  • A typical dose is about one teaspoon per day.
  • Honey can affect your blood sugar levels.
  • Most people can take honey without experiencing side effects.

OTC or alternative treatments often help with occasional bouts of acid reflux. If your symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor. The sooner you get help for your symptoms, the sooner you’ll be on your path to recovery and avoid further damage to your esophagus.