Does Honey Help a Cough?

Honey can help with a cough, whether taken by the spoonful or added to a soothing hot tea. Honey offers anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe a cough, coating the throat and easing related symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends honey for cough in both adults and children, but never for people younger than 12 months old.

Some studies suggest that honey may be more effective than over-the-counter products in treating children. A 2023 review of 10 studies found there is some evidence to support its use to suppress a cough and improve sleep in kids, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Why Honey May Help With Cough Symptoms

Honey contains a number of compounds that may offer health benefits when treating a cough due to a cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection. These include:

• Flavonoids, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• Polyphenols that offer immune system support
• Phenolic acids, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

Honey also contains vitamins and minerals to support nutrition and the immune system. They include zinc, which is often used to treat cold symptoms. Honey also contains small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as enzymes with antimicrobial benefits.

Keep in mind that the compounds found in honey will vary based on the region it's from, the bees responsible for pollination, and other factors. Manuka honey, for example, contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a strong antibacterial agent that's not as active in other honey types.

Who Can Use Honey?

Honey may be used along with other cough remedies or solo. It should never be given to babies younger than 12 months because of the risk of botulism, a type of poisoning caused by toxins that attack the nerves.

This is caused by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium found in soil that can be in honey products. Honey products should be sterilized to reduce the risk for other users as well.

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee recommended that children under the age of 6 should not take any cough or cold medicines because they have not been shown to effective and can have serious side effects. For children older than 12 months, honey may be a useful substitute.

Cautions When Using Honey

Some types of honey may be unsafe. For example, honey produced from rhododendron plants can be toxic and cause heart issues including low blood pressure and chest pain. It's also possible for heavy metals, pesticides, or even microplastic particles to find their way into honey.

Honey may interact with certain medications. These include Dilantin (phenytoin) used to treat seizures and anticoagulants used as blood thinners.

People diagnosed with diabetes may need to use caution because of the sugar content in honey. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to honey due to pollen, bee venom, or other elements.

How to Use Honey for a Cough

You can try 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey either on its own, spread on toast, or mixed into a cup of tea or warm water. While honey can be consumed as needed, it also adds sugar and calories to your diet.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to about 30 grams a day, so try to keep your daily honey intake to less than 6 teaspoons.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Honey may help to soothe a cough, but you may need to see a healthcare provider to treat the cause. Make an appointment to see your pediatrician or other professional if your cough doesn't get better within 10 days.

You also should see your provider if you have a fever, earache, or sore throat that doesn't get better. A condition such as bronchitis or croup in children may need additional treatment.

Summary

Honey is a home remedy that can be used to soothe a cough. It contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system while coating irritated throat tissues. While research results are mixed, there is some evidence that honey offers health benefits. It can be used alone or with other self-care options and OTC medications.

Honey isn't a good option for everyone, though. Children younger than 12 months should never use honey, and people living with diabetes need to consider the sugar content.