I really can’t remember a time when honey wasn’t in my life..it was ALWAYS the sweetener in our home growing up and it continues to be to this day. But aside from the usual uses of putting it in my tea, oatmeal, etc, it’s also my go-to for sore throats as well as coughs. It always does the trick. Now there is specific medical evidence behind it — honey is actually as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants! I can’t say I’m surprised, but it’s nice to confirm that the natural route is as effective PLUS there aren’t any negative side effects to using honey.
So if you have a cough (or sore throat) try taking a tablespoon of honey before bed. If you’re wondering which one to choose, I think they’re all great, but I really love the taste of Orange Blossom. Also, when it comes to allergies and the immune system, you’ll get the most benefit from local honey aka the sweet nectar produced by the busy bees in your hood!
The study: Children age 2 and older with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime. The honey seemed to reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep. In fact, in the study, honey appeared to be as effective as the cough suppressant dextromethorphan in typical over-the-counter doses. {full article}
Diana Mieczan
/ January 11, 2011When I was little my grandma used to give me a spoon of honey when I had a cough…It always worked:) That article is so interesting. Im going to pas it onto my friends:) Thanks,sweetie and Happy (belated) Birthday:)
Hugs and kisses
isabel
/ January 11, 2011my mom swears by whole cloves..stick one under your tongue and u r good to go. or so she says.
Alleen
/ January 11, 2011Your fellow honey lover!!! I just picked up another HUGE container of it! Last winter I picked up a really dark honey, Buckwheat Honey, which is to said to have wonderful medicinal uses as well! But of course, I love orange blossom!!! Ready for the snow??? Hoping for more than a dusting this time, would LOVE to have a snow day for the kids! xoxo
Valerie
/ January 11, 2011I was JUST talking about how cough syrup never works when I have a bad cough, so I’m definitely going to try this. My mom has a cold/cough right now and I’m going to call her and tell her too. Thanks for the info, Annie!
xo
Valerie
Nicole
/ January 11, 2011Annie, you are so right. Honey is a hidden treasure! My mom always gave us honey and lemon for our sore throats as kids and we have been using it ever since. Another thing (although kinda gross) for a cough is to mix honey with apple cider vinegar…it does wonders on a cough!
Krystal/Village
/ January 11, 2011I think I would do that even w/o a sore throat, I loooove honey!
Hannah
/ January 11, 2011I love honey! I always make hot tea with honey whenever I have a sore throat. I like it when something so good for you tastes to wonderfully good.
Hannah
/ January 11, 2011I think your blog has it out for me… my comment disappeared again! Anyway, I love drinking hot tea with honey when I have a sore throat. I like that it’s so healthy AND so delicious.
style'n
/ January 11, 2011yes we always did this but my dad would add some brandy to the mix! it worked…..
Mom
/ January 11, 2011great article… also bacteria or a germ can not live in honey…
but coughing itself is good for your lungs…. we usually cough for good reason… usually parents annoyed, frightened by coughing give suppressants.. not a good thing… love
All Natural Annie
/ January 12, 2011I love the apple cider vinegar, lemon and brandy suggestions! Those would definitely be my 3 picks for medicinal “mixers” :)
Alejandra
/ January 12, 2011I guess I need to learn to like honey. ;)
Dylan
/ January 13, 2011honey really is one of the greatest things EVERRRR
MY STYLE ADVICE
/ January 14, 2011Yes, i knew a girl who sold honey and she taught me all about it! I love our local honey- ROUND ROCK HONEY.
She taught me about the benefits, etc.
Rocio Lie
/ January 21, 2011I also can’t remember a time when honey wasn’t part of my life, I grew up with it. Love this post!
Jo at Jo's Health Corner
/ January 22, 2011I love raw honey. It’s great to see that studies confirm what our grandmothers knew all along.
Things we tried in the past for cough is:
mix warm pine apple juice with a couple of teaspoons honey.
lemon and honey
adding spices like ginger, clove, and cinnamon (especially if mucus is present) sometimes with honey and sometimes without.
Have a great weekend!