Imam ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) stated:
“It is a nourishment among nourishments, a cure among cures, a drink among drinks, a sweet among sweets, an ointment among ointments and a delight among delights. Nothing of its kind that is better has been created for us, nor anything equal to it, nor anything close to it.”
[Zaad al-Ma’ad fee Hadee Khayr Al-Ebaad, vol.4, pg.43, Dar ‘Aalim al-Fawaaid print, 2nd edition]
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim also said (may Allaah have mercy on him):
Honey contains great benefits, for it cleanses impurities from the veins and stomach etc, whether it is eaten or applied to the skin.
It is good for the elderly, the phlegmatic and those whose humours are cold and wet.
It is nourishing, aids digestion, energizes, makes unpleasant medicine palatable, is good for the liver and chest, is a diuretic and helps to ease coughs caused by phlegm.
If it is drunk warm mixed with rosewater it is beneficial for one who has been bitten by a scorpion or who has consumed opium.
If it is drunk on its own mixed with water, it is good for the one who has been bitten by a rabid dog or eaten poisonous mushrooms.
If fresh meat is placed in honey, it will stay fresh for three months, as will cucumbers, pumpkins and eggplants. Many fruits can be kept in it for six months.
It will also preserve a dead body, and it is known as the trustworthy preserver.
If the body of one who is afflicted with lice is painted with honey, it will kill the lice and their eggs.
It makes the hair long, beautiful and smooth.
If used on the eyes like kohl it clears the vision.
If the teeth are brushed with it, it whitens the teeth and makes them bright, and keeps the gums healthy.
It opens the veins and induces menstruation.
If taken on an empty stomach it takes away phlegm and cleanses the stomach, clearing away waste matter and restoring the correct temperature. It does likewise to the liver, kidneys and urethra.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to drink honey mixed with water on an empty stomach, and this is the secret of maintaining good health that no one can understand except one who is intelligent and blessed. – Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/33, 34.