Honey has long been recognized as a natural ingredient with many health benefits, including helping to relieve coughs. Its naturally sweet taste makes honey a popular choice for home remedies.

However, is consuming honey truly effective for easing coughs? Read on to find out in the article below.

Can Drinking Honey Really Relieve Coughs?

For centuries, honey has been used as a home remedy to ease coughs and sore throats. In many situations, especially in children, honey has been shown to help reduce cough symptoms.

Several studies indicate that honey is more effective than doing nothing for a cough. Honey can reduce cough frequency and severity, and it may improve sleep quality, particularly in sick children.

In adults, research on the effectiveness of honey is mixed. Some studies show a clear benefit, while others find that the effect is only slightly better than a placebo (a group that does not receive honey).

Even so, because honey is considered safe and easy to obtain, many doctors still recommend it as supportive therapy to help relieve coughs.

How Honey Works to Relieve Coughs

One way honey helps in relieving coughs is by coating the lining of the throat, which reduces stimuli that provoke the cough reflex. This action works like a natural moisturizer, soothing throat tissue irritated by upper respiratory infections.

In addition to serving as a natural sweetener, honey contains several bioactive compounds that support health, including:

• Flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm throat irritation.

• Polyphenols, which contribute to immune system support.

• Antimicrobial enzymes, which help combat minor infections.

• Zinc, vitamin C, and B vitamins, which, even in small amounts, can aid recovery.

How to Consume Honey to Relieve Coughs

You can consume honey in several simple ways. These are easy options you can try at home:

Drink It Straight

The simplest method is to take honey directly. Take 1–2 teaspoons of pure honey and swallow it slowly so the honey coats the throat and provides a soothing effect.

The best time to take honey is before bedtime, because it can help reduce nighttime coughing and support more restful sleep.

Mix Honey With Warm Tea and Lemon

Stir 1–2 teaspoons of honey into a cup of warm tea. You can add a little lemon juice for a refreshing taste and to help increase your vitamin C intake.

This honey-and-lemon combination can help soothe a dry throat and support a stronger immune response.

As a Topping

If you do not enjoy the taste of honey on its own, you can use it as a topping for bread, pancakes, or biscuits.

Mix Honey With Warm Ginger Water

Besides adding honey to tea or lemon, you can also combine it with warm ginger water. This pairing helps soothe the throat and provides a pleasant warming sensation.

Honey can be a simple, natural option to help relieve coughs and soothe the throat. However, if your cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor promptly.

You can also use the health consultation service on the Ai Care app by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.

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