Honey As Medicine

When it comes to helping a child fight off a cough, the centuries-old remedy of honey is still the best, researchers say. The natural sweetener is a traditional soother and remains better than costly over-the-counter medicines. In a study, a dose before bedtime easily outperformed a cough suppressant widely used in commercial treatments.

Honey was better at cutting the severity, frequency and disturbance from night time coughs of those suffering upper respiratory infection. It also helped their sleep, suggesting that parents may be wasting their money on expensive alternatives sold in chemists and supermarkets.

The researchers said that honey offered a “safe and legitimate alternative” to DM, which can occasionally cause severe side effects in children, including muscle contractions and spasms. Honey’s ability to help coughs may be due to the way it soothes on contact and stimulates saliva.