Honey, one of the most widely used home remedies for sore throats, may also help prevent coughing spells. A 2007 study published in the "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" found that honey worked better than dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicines, at easing sore throats and suppressing coughs. Honey works well simply combined with hot water or herbal tea, but several other cough remedies with honey may also provide relief.
Honey and Lemon
An old home remedy for coughs, the mixture of honey and lemon soothes the throat and helps suppress the coughing reflex. In her book, "Natural, Alternative and Complementary Health Care Practices," Roxana Huebscher recommends combining 1 tsp. pure honey with 9 tsp. lemon juice. Heat just long enough to blend and dissolve the honey, then transfer to a sterile glass bottle with a lid. Take 1 tsp. as needed to relieve coughs. If using for more than one day, make a fresh batch daily for the best results.
Herbal Cough Syrup
Syrup made with cough-suppressing herbs and honey helps soothe inflamed throat tissue and reduces the urge the cough. Rosemary Gladstar, author of "Herbal Healing for Women," suggests using slippery elm bark, wild cherry bark or licorice root. Other suitable herbs include thyme, parsley, red clover, horehound and borage. To make herbal cough syrup, add 2 oz. dried herbs to 1 qt. water and simmer over low heat until only 1 pt. of liquid remains. Strain the herbs from the liquid, pour the tea back into the pot and add 1 cup honey. Warm for about five minutes or until thoroughly mixed. Transfer the syrup to a sterilized glass jar with lid and store in the refrigerator. Take 1 tsp. at a time as needed.
Honey and Cherries
In her book "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," Jude C. Todd recommends making a cough remedy using honey and cherries, which works especially well for children. Cover 2 cups of cherries with water in a saucepan. Add 3 or 4 lemon slices and 2 cups of honey, and simmer until the cherries become soft. Remove from the heat, strain out the lemon slices and cherry pits. Transfer the resulting mixture to a glass bottle with lid and store in the refrigerator. Take 2 to 3 tbsp. at a time as needed to relieve coughing.
Honey and Oats
Whole grain oats contain polyunsaturated acids that may help sooth bronchial inflammation and soothe coughing spasms. Combined with honey, oats make an effective home remedy, according to Lydia Wilen's book "Healing Remedies." Prepare 1 cup of whole oats according to tine instructions on the package, but reduce the amount of water by 1/4 cup. Add 4 to 6 tbsp. honey to taste. Eat up to 4 cups a day as needed, but make sure the mixture is warm before consuming.
References
- PubMed: Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents
- "Natural, Alternative and Complementary Health Care Practices"; Roxana Huebscher, Pamela A. Shuler; 2004
- "Herbal Healing for Women"; Rosemary Gladstar; 1993
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
- "Healing Remedies"; Lydia Wilen, Joan Wilen; 2008
