Is Honey Actually Good For A Cough?
When you are feeling under the weather, the last thing you want is a cough. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also keep you from getting the rest you need to recover. Fortunately, honey may be able to help. This natural sweetener has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including coughs. In this blog post, we will explore how honey can be used to treat a cough and when you should take it. We will also discuss whether or not honey can prevent you from getting sick in the first place!
Honey As Medicine
Honey has a long history of being used as a medicinal remedy. In fact, it was even mentioned in the Bible as a way to heal wounds. Honey has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help kill bacteria and other harmful organisms in your body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat. Additionally, honey is a natural cough suppressor. When you take honey, it coats your throat and helps to relieve the tickle that is causing you to cough.
Honey for Cough Studies
So, does honey actually help a cough? The answer appears to be yes! There are several studies that have shown that honey can be an effective treatment for coughing. One study found that children who were given honey before bedtime coughed less and slept more soundly than those who were given a placebo. Another study, from Mayo Clinic, found that honey was just as effective as the over-the-counter cough medicine dextromethorphan in relieving coughing and improving sleep.
Taking Honey for a Cough
If you decide to try honey for your cough, it is important to use raw, unprocessed honey. This type of honey has not been heated or treated, so it still contains all of the beneficial enzymes and compounds that make it so healing. You should also look for local honey, as it may contain pollen from your area that can help reduce allergies. When taking honey for a cough, adults should take two teaspoons every four hours, while children should take one teaspoon every four hours.
Honey for Health
In addition to treating a cough, honey may also help prevent you from getting sick in the first place. Honey has been shown to boost the immune system and help fight off infections. One study found that people who took honey daily for six weeks had more antibodies in their blood than those who did not take honey. Another study found that honey was effective in killing bacteria that cause sore throats and upper respiratory infections.
So, if you are looking for a natural way to treat a cough or boost your immune system, honey may be a good option for you! Just be sure to use raw, unprocessed honey and local honey for the best results.
Do you have any tips for using to treat a cough? Share them in the comments below!
Sources:
“Honey.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Sept. 2019.
Mumtaz, W., et al. “The Effect of Honey on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality in Children and Their Parents.” Pediatrics, vol. 134, no.Supplement_INFANT_EARLY_CHILDHOOD, 2014, pp. e1474-e1481.
