Cough is the reason for nearly 3 percent of all outpatient visits in the United States, more than any other symptom. Research in the U.S. and Israel shows that a spoonful of honey can be more effective than over-the-counter cough medications, without the often harmful side effects.
Buckwheat Honey
According to a Penn State College of Medicine research study, a teaspoon of buckwheat honey was more effective than the two main ingredients in most children's cough medications: dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine. Children given honey slept better and got more relief than children given honey-flavored cough medicine, according to the study.
Citrus, Eucalyptus and Mint Honey
Clalit pediatric clinics in Petah Tikva, Kfar Sava, Hod Hasharon, Tel Aviv and Rishon Letzion gave citrus, eucalyptus or mint honey to 300 patients and compared the results to those given date syrup. Results show that the source of the nectar has little to do with honey's effectiveness.
Honey and Lemongrass
You can mix 1 teaspoon each of honey and lemongrass juice to reduces spasms that accompany coughs. This provides slight pain relief and enhances honey's cough-relieving properties.
Honey and Infant Coughs
Although the news about honey's effects on coughs provides parents of older children with a proven treatment, many parents of infants under age 1 are unaware that honey use can be dangerous for infants. "Children under 1 year should not be given honey under any circumstances," says Carole Allen, M.D., pediatrician and vice president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is too great a risk that the infant may contract infantile botulism."
Some honey contains spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Infants' digestive systems are not efficient enough to move the botulism spores through their system, resulting in a variety of symptoms that used to be attributed to "failure to thrive" syndrome, according to Dr. Mary Gavin at the KidsHealth website.
References
- Medical News Today: Prescribing Honey For Childhood Cough
- Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough; 2007
- Haaretz.com: Grandma Was Right: Honey Is Good for Coughs
- Drugs.com: Complete Lemongrass Information
- Massachusetts Medical Society: Physicians Warn About Giving Honey to Infants Under Age 1
