Honey is known to relieve sore throats, however, to what extent is this true? This effect may be due to the good hydration of the upper respiratory tract from drinking warm tea/water with honey, not honey alone.

This post will answer the following question: Is it true that honey calms coughs? Since honey is a low-cost and widely available food product, it would be really interesting, specially if it could be used as a prevention method prior to antibiotics. Lets find out.

Studies have been conducted in both children and adults with common coughs and colds. The evidence is more robust in children, and suggests that giving a tablespoon of honey before bedtime diminishes cough and the discomfort experienced by children and their parents. This effect was also studied by the renowned Cochrane Group which concluded that:

“Honey probably reduces cough frequency better than no treatment or placebo”.

For adults, the evidence is less robust. Although, many studies reach the same conclusions as above, stating that the antioxidants in honey may be the reason of the cough-relieving effect seen when taking honey.

Most upper respiratory infections are caused by a virus and therefore, antibiotics are not suitable. Previous research also demonstrates that there is no great evidence for over-the-counter cough medicines working in adults, according to a 2014 Cochrane review.

The bottom line? Do not expect honey to work miracles, but don’t dismiss it, either. It will make the experience of getting over a nasty cold just a little less miserable.