Honey is a natural remedy that has been used as a natural remedy for coughs and other ailments for centuries.  My Caribbean roots and family health traditions have made me a big believer and advocate for “food is medicine.”  While my family values all that modern medicine has to offer, there is often a local, inexpensive remedy in our kitchens or gardens that can be used for coughs and minor ailments. 

However, before I talk about the benefits of honey for a cough, I want to talk briefly about why we cough.

Why We Cough

Coughing is a reflex action that clears your throat of irritants and mucus.  A cough can be acute, subacute, or chronic.  First, an acute cough lasts 3 weeks or less.  And, the good news is that an acute cough will improve significantly within two weeks.

Second, a subacute cough lasts 3 to 8 weeks, and it improves significantly at the end of that time.  Lastly, a chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts more than 8 weeks. 

Now, this is important.  Regardless of the length of time that you have the cough, contact your health care provider if you cough up blood or have a “barking” cough. 

Call your healthcare provider if you cough up blood or have a “barking” cough

Common causes of a cough include:

• Allergies
• Bacteria
• Viruses (e.g. Cold and flu)
• Asthma
• Smoking
• Gastric reflux
• Certain medications

Why Honey is Good For a Cough

Lately, honey has received more attention in the health community as a remedy for coughs. And, why is that?  Well, research studies consistently  show that honey is just as effective for soothing a cough as over-the-counter cough syrups. 

For example, a systematic review of six randomized control clinical trials found that giving honey for up to three days to children was just as effective, or more effective, in relieving cough symptoms than over-the-counter cough syrups.

In another study, researchers conducted a double blind, randomized, placebo control study in children ages 1 to 5 years with an upper respiratory infection.  In that study, children who received honey had reduced nighttime coughing and improved sleep.

Well, I already knew that honey worked, but I am glad to see that it has some scientific evidence.

So, how does honey work to soothe a cough? Well, it appears that the thick, gooey goodness coats the throat and temporarily suppresses a cough. Additionally, honey has antibacterial properties, which can stop the growth of certain bacteria.

How To Use Honey for Coughs

The great thing about using honey as a home remedy for coughs is that most homes probably have a bottle or jar in the pantry. So, it’s worth a try. 

Caution: Do not give honey to children under 1 year. Honey may cause infant botulism since infants have immature immune and digestive systems.

Now, let’s get this out of the way.  There is no cure for the common cold.  Colds are caused by viruses, and no amount of honey will “cure” a cold.   However, honey can relieve the cough associated with a cold.

There is no cure for the common cold or flu because they are caused by viruses.

Drinking warm water or herbal tea with honey is great for coughs and sore throats.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using honey with warm liquids or by itself to relieve coughs in adults and children over age 1.

I drink hot lemon water and ginger tea throughout the day when I have a cough or symptoms of the cold.  However, I do not add honey or any other sweeteners to my teas.

So, how do I use honey?  I use it straight up.  I use a clean spoon and swallow 1 to 2 teaspoons.  I also have a separate jar where I add cinnamon powder to the honey and use that for my coughs.

Try Local Honey

The bees in your local area make honey from the local plants in your community.  And, why is this a good thing?  Well, since seasonal allergies are caused by many of these local plants, eating honey that has local pollen may reduce the symptoms of your seasonal allergies.  

And, that is great news for me and other allergy sufferers!  So, visit your local farmers’ market for local honey.   

Now, It’s Your Turn

So, I hope that you enjoyed this article on how honey will help your cough.  Furthermore, I hope you will consider keeping a jar in your pantry for medicinal purposes.  I think you will really enjoy these blog posts on using Caribbean ginger tea for colds, drinking hot lemon water daily, and using apple cider vinegar.

1. Have you ever used honey as a natural remedy? 
2. What natural remedies do you usually use for a cold?  Please share your remedies and tips in the comments.

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Keep It Tight Sisters.

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