Honey, a traditional home remedy for a sore throat, may also suppress and relieve coughs, providing a safe and effective alternative to cough syrup and other cough medicines. Cough medicines cause the deaths of about three children per year, often because of overdosing, according to NPR. Parents looking for a new remedy can turn to honey.
Research
A 2007 study published in the "Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" and conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine found that a single night-time dose of buckwheat honey relieved cough symptoms in children with upper respiratory tract infections. A 2010 study in the "Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews" and conducted by the Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention in Nigeria found that honey reduced the frequency of children’s coughs and improved their sleep quality but did not reduce cough severity.
Honey vs. Dextromethorphan
In a 2007 study published in the "Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine," parents rated the effectiveness of honey treatment more highly than that of treatment with honey-flavored dextromethorphan. Other studies have found that honey does not treat coughs more effectively than dextromethorphan, however. A 2010 study in the "Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews" found that honey’s effect did not differ significantly from that of dextromethorphan.
Honey Type
Dr. Ian Paul of Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine recommends using darker honeys, because they contain more antioxidants than lighter varieties. Buckwheat honey is a commonly available type of dark honey.
Warning
In rare cases, honey and corn syrup can cause infant botulism, a type of food poisoning. Do not give honey to children younger than age 1. Signs of infant botulism include constipation, floppy movements and weak crying, according to Mayo Clinic. Penn State’s Dr. Paul warns that honey may cause hyperactivity in some children.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Honey: An Effective Cough Remedy?; James M. Steckelberg, M.D.; March 2010
- "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine"; Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents; IM Paul, et al.; December 2007
- "Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews"; Honey for Acute Cough in Children; O Oduwole, et al.; January 2010
- NPR.org: Honey May Be Good Cough Remedy After All
- Mayo Clinic: How Can I Protect My Baby From Infant Botulism?; Jay L. Hoecker; May 2010
- ABC News; Honey Treats Coughs Better Than Drugs; Katherine Stoel Gammon; December 2007
