Key takeaways:
Studies show that a teaspoon of honey may be an effective remedy for a cough.
The thick texture of honey may help reduce the urge to cough by coating and soothing the throat.
Honey is safe for most people except children under age 1. People who have diabetes may want to limit how much honey they consume.
Ever have a cough that keeps you up at night? You may not always need medication to find relief. It turns out that honey — a household staple — may have some science-backed benefits. Below, we’ll take a look at how honey may help soothe a cough, how much to take, and what to know before trying it.
Can honey help a cough?
Research suggests that honey may help ease a cough. And in some cases, it may be more effective than cough medicine at reducing coughing.
One large review of studies in children ages 1 to 18 found that honey may help with both cough frequency and severity. And when the researchers compared honey to other treatment, they found that honey was:
Better than no treatment (or placebo)
Better than diphenhydramine, an antihistamine
Similar in effect to dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant
Similar in effect to salbutamol, a medicine used to treat asthma
It’s important to note that most of the research on honey and coughs has been done in children. So, while honey appears promising as a cough remedy, it’s less clear how well it works in adults.
And while honey may help ease a cough, it won’t necessarily treat the underlying cause. Most coughs from viral infections go away on their own, but some require medical treatment. Talk with a healthcare professional if your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks or is getting worse.
How does honey work to help a cough?
Honey may help coughs in a few different ways, including by:
Forming a protective coating over the throat, which reduces the urge to cough
Lowering inflammation in your throat, largely due to its antioxidants
Decreasing the amount of mucus the body produces
How much honey should you take for a cough?
There’s no specific dose of honey to take for a cough. In most studies, the dose has ranged from ½ tsp (2.5 mL) to 2 tsp (10 mL), often taken before bed.
You can take honey on its own or mix it into warm water or tea. Some people like to add a squeeze of lemon for flavor.
Since honey is high in sugar, it’s best not to take large amounts. A small spoonful may be enough to soothe your cough.
What type of honey is best to take when you’re sick?
So far, there’s no clear evidence that one particular type of honey is better than others for coughs. Studies have used several varieties, including:
Buckwheat
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Wildflower
Other natural honeys
Who should avoid honey?
While honey is safe for most people, some people need to limit or avoid it.
Babies younger than 1 year
Babies younger than 1 year should never consume honey because of the risk of botulism, a rare but life-threatening illness. Honey can contain spores from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. A baby’s digestive system is still developing, which makes it easier for these spores to grow and produce a dangerous toxin.
People with diabetes
People with diabetes can eat honey, but they may need to limit the amount they consume. Although honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, it still contains natural sugar. And any type of sugar raises blood glucose levels.
But the type of carbohydrates (fructose and glucose) in honey may be easier for the body to digest than table sugar. And the balance of fructose and glucose in honey means that it has less of an impact on blood glucose levels than table sugar.
People with irritable bowel syndrome
Honey can trigger digestive symptoms for some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Honey is high in fructose, a type of FODMAP. FODMAPs — fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols — are carbohydrates that may not be fully absorbed in the small intestine. When FODMAPs reach the large intestine, they can draw in water and get fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas. This can worsen IBS symptoms — from gas to bloating to abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Other natural cough suppressants
In addition to honey, there are other natural remedies that people use for cough. These include:
Peppermint: Peppermint contains menthol, a strong antioxidant. You can try it as a tea or in candy form.
Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root creates a soothing film over the throat. It’s available as a tea, capsule, powder, or syrup.
Thyme: Thyme tea is rich in antioxidants that may reduce that nagging tickle in your throat.
Turmeric: Turmeric may help reduce mucus and reduce respiratory infections. Try adding ¼ tsp of turmeric powder to warm water to make a soothing beverage.
Frequently asked questions
There isn’t one fastest cure for every cough. The best treatment will depend on what’s causing the cough. But certain remedies can help ease symptoms. One common at-home remedy is to run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes so you can inhale the steam. You can also apply a mentholated rub on your chest or run a humidifier in your home.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide additional relief. Different medications target different types of coughs. For example, a wet cough may need an expectorant. A dry cough may need a cough suppressant.
There are several reasons why coughs get worse at night. When you lie down, mucus is more likely to collect in the back of your throat, triggering your cough reflex. Your airways also naturally narrow at night, which can make coughing worse. It’s also possible for allergens in your bedroom — such as pet dander or dust mites — to trigger coughing. But there are steps you can take to reduce indoor allergens if you think they may be the culprit.
Yes, honey can help soothe a sore throat. The thick texture helps coat your throat and ease irritation. Honey also contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. One small study found that adding honey to conventional treatments helped people experience faster symptom relief.
There are a few different signs that your cough may be getting worse. These include coughing more frequently or intensely, developing a new or persistent fever, or coughing up more mucus than usual. It’s important to see a healthcare professional if your cough is getting worse, especially if you’re coughing up blood or feeling unusually tired or weak. Symptoms that require emergency care include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or pale or bluish skin around your lips.
There isn’t one fastest cure for every cough. The best treatment will depend on what’s causing the cough. But certain remedies can help ease symptoms. One common at-home remedy is to run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes so you can inhale the steam. You can also apply a mentholated rub on your chest or run a humidifier in your home.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide additional relief. Different medications target different types of coughs. For example, a wet cough may need an expectorant. A dry cough may need a cough suppressant.
There are several reasons why coughs get worse at night. When you lie down, mucus is more likely to collect in the back of your throat, triggering your cough reflex. Your airways also naturally narrow at night, which can make coughing worse. It’s also possible for allergens in your bedroom — such as pet dander or dust mites — to trigger coughing. But there are steps you can take to reduce indoor allergens if you think they may be the culprit.
Yes, honey can help soothe a sore throat. The thick texture helps coat your throat and ease irritation. Honey also contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. One small study found that adding honey to conventional treatments helped people experience faster symptom relief.
There are a few different signs that your cough may be getting worse. These include coughing more frequently or intensely, developing a new or persistent fever, or coughing up more mucus than usual. It’s important to see a healthcare professional if your cough is getting worse, especially if you’re coughing up blood or feeling unusually tired or weak. Symptoms that require emergency care include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or pale or bluish skin around your lips.
The bottom line
A teaspoon of honey is an inexpensive home remedy to treat a nagging cough. It coats the throat and limits irritation, lowering your urge to cough. Try it by the spoonful or in a cup of tea.
Babies younger than 1 year shouldn’t eat honey. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may choose to limit the amount of honey you eat. If you have questions about whether honey is a safe cough remedy for you, talk with a healthcare professional.
Why trust our experts?
References
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Halat, D. H., et al. (2022). A focused insight into thyme: Biological, chemical, and therapeutic properties of an indigenous mediterranean herb. Nutrients.
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Murgia, V., et al. (2020). Upper respiratory tract infection-associated acute cough and the urge to cough: New insights for clinical practice. Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology.
Nanda, M.S., et al. (2016). Role of honey as adjuvant therapy in patients with sore throat. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Prasad, S., et al. (2011). Turmeric, the golden spice. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. CRC Press.
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