Can honey be beneficial for treating an upset stomach and diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Honey may help ease upset stomachs and diarrhea thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, which can fight harmful gut bacteria. However, honey contains fructose and can act as a mild laxative in some people, potentially worsening diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. Because stomach issues can stem from many causes—ranging from mild infections to food intolerances—it's important to identify the root cause before self-treating. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if honey causes your diarrhea Discover why your upset stomach persists See if your symptoms need care Find OTC relief for diarrhea symptoms Find a doctor for digestive issues Understand home remedies for upset stomach Check possible causes of honey-related diarrhea

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Explanation

Honey has been studied for its effects on stomach issues like diarrhea. One study found that honey has antibacterial properties, which might help treat gastroenteritis, a stomach issue that often causes diarrhea. Another study showed that honey could help treat infantile gastroenteritis, which is diarrhea in babies. However, another study noted that honey might act like a laxative in normal people, meaning it could make you go to the bathroom more.

Key Points:

Antibacterial Action: Honey has properties that can fight bacteria, which might help with stomach problems like gastroenteritis.
Infantile Gastroenteritis: Honey has been helpful in treating diarrhea in babies. However honey should not be used in infants under 1 year of age.
Laxative Effect: Be cautious, as honey might cause more bathroom trips in some people.

In summary, while honey can be helpful for some stomach issues, it might cause more frequent trips to the bathroom for others. If you're experiencing persistent stomach problems or diarrhea, take this free symptom checker test to better understand what might be causing your symptoms. Always consider these effects when using honey for stomach problems.

(References)

(1985). its antibacterial action in the treatment of gastroenteritis. Glimpse (Dhaka, Bangladesh), 12314387.
Ladas SD, Haritos DN, & Raptis SA. (1995). Honey may have a laxative effect on normal subjects .... The American journal of clinical nutrition, 7491882.
Haffejee IE, & Moosa A. (1985). Honey in the treatment of infantile gastroenteritis. British medical journal (Clinical research ed.), 3924286.

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