Short answer: Do not take honey during Paryushan.

Why

• Ahimsa: Honey collection destroys or harms countless tiny lives (anantkāy). Using or eating honey supports that himsā, which goes against the heightened restraint of Paryushan.
• Both traditions agree: Shvetāmbara Paryushan (8 days) and Digambara Daśalakṣaṇa (10 days) both prohibit honey. For monks it is absolutely forbidden; for laypeople it is avoided at all times, and strictly so in Paryushan.

What this means in practice

• Avoid honey in any form: raw honey, “honey powder,” “natural honey flavor,” honey-coated nuts/cereals, honey candies, honey-based syrups/lozenges, and products sweetened with honey.
• Read labels carefully: packaged foods, granola bars, sauces, salad dressings, flavored teas, and Ayurvedic tonics often contain honey.
• Prefer harmless alternatives: jaggery (gud), sugar, dates/date syrup, or other non‑honey sweeteners prepared freshly and used in moderation.
• Medicines: During Paryushan, seek non‑honey formulations. If a doctor-prescribed medicine seems unavoidable, take guidance (pachchakhān) from your guru/saṅgh and treat it strictly as auṣadhi, with inner repentance, but first look for an alternative.

Related simple guides

• Foods allowed/avoided in Paryushan
• What foods are allowed in Paryushan (includes “No honey”)
• What can’t we eat in Paryushan (lists honey)