Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Honey May WorkWho Can Use Honey?CautionsHow to Use HoneyWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Honey May Work
Who Can Use Honey?
Cautions
How to Use Honey
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Some studies suggest that honey may be more effective than over-the-counter products in treating children. A 2023 review of 10 studies found there is some evidence to support its use tosuppress a coughand improve sleep in kids, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
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Why Honey May Help With Cough Symptoms
Honey contains a number of compounds that may offer health benefits when treating a cough due to a cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection. These include:
Honey also contains vitamins and minerals to support nutrition and the immune system. They include zinc, which is often used to treat cold symptoms.Honey also contains small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as enzymes with antimicrobial benefits.
Keep in mind that the compounds found in honey will vary based on the region it’s from, the bees responsible for pollination, and other factors.Manuka honey, for example, containsmethylglyoxal(MGO), a strong antibacterial agent that’s not as active in other honey types.
Mixed Research Results on Honey and CoughSome studies suggest that using honey to treat a cough can relieve symptoms, especially in children, but research results are mixed.Other studies find it’s better than no treatment at all for kids, but not better than dextromethorphan (a common ingredient incough medicines). There’s also research that finds limited benefit at all for adults, so talk with your healthcare provider about honey.
Mixed Research Results on Honey and Cough
Some studies suggest that using honey to treat a cough can relieve symptoms, especially in children, but research results are mixed.Other studies find it’s better than no treatment at all for kids, but not better than dextromethorphan (a common ingredient incough medicines). There’s also research that finds limited benefit at all for adults, so talk with your healthcare provider about honey.
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee recommended that children under the age of 6 should not take anycough or cold medicinesbecause they have not been shown to effective and can have serious side effects.For children older than 12 months, honey may be a useful substitute.
Cautions When Using Honey
Some types of honey may be unsafe. For example, honey produced from rhododendron plants can be toxic and cause heart issues including low blood pressure and chest pain.It’s also possible for heavy metals, pesticides, or even microplastic particles to find their way into honey.
Honey may interact with certain medications. These include Dilantin (phenytoin) used totreat seizuresand anticoagulants used as blood thinners.
People diagnosed withdiabetesmay need to use caution because of the sugar content in honey. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to honey due to pollen, bee venom, or other elements.
Allergic Reaction to HoneySevere allergic reactions to honey are rare but they have been reported. Honey can contain the secretions of bees, which can cause symptoms such as hives (sudden skin rash) and swelling around the mouth (edema) in people with a bee allergy.Pollen proteins in honey also can cause allergic reaction. Seek medical care if your symptoms suggest an allergic reaction.
Allergic Reaction to Honey
Severe allergic reactions to honey are rare but they have been reported. Honey can contain the secretions of bees, which can cause symptoms such as hives (sudden skin rash) and swelling around the mouth (edema) in people with a bee allergy.Pollen proteins in honey also can cause allergic reaction. Seek medical care if your symptoms suggest an allergic reaction.
How to Use Honey for a Cough
You can try 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey either on its own, spread on toast, or mixed into a cup of tea or warm water. While honey can be consumed as needed, it also adds sugar and calories to your diet.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to about 30 grams a day, so try to keep your daily honey intake to less than 6 teaspoons.
Honey may help to soothe a cough, but you may need to see a healthcare provider to treat the cause. Make an appointment to see your pediatrician or other professional if your cough doesn’t get better within 10 days.
You also should see your provider if you have a fever, earache, or sore throat that doesn’t get better. A condition such as bronchitis orcroupin children may need additional treatment.
Summary
Honey is a home remedy that can be used to soothe a cough. It contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system while coating irritated throat tissues. While research results are mixed, there is some evidence that honey offers health benefits. It can be used alone or with other self-care options and OTC medications.
Honey isn’t a good option for everyone, though. Children younger than 12 months should never use honey, and people living with diabetes need to consider the sugar content.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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