Traditional uses of honey in healthcare stretch right back into antiquity. The ancients of Vedic civilization considered honey one of nature’s most remarkable gifts to mankind. Modern research indicates this substance does possess unique nutritional and medicinal properties.
Honey is an excellent ancient remedy that soothes the upper respiratory tract, and thus reduces cough intensity. The latest research indicates that the pollen in honey contains all 22 amino acids, 28 minerals, 11 enzymes, 14 fatty acids and 11 carbohydrates.
Unfortunately much of this nutritional value is lost when honey is pasteurized for commercial use.
Mayo clinic [1] has this piece about using Honey:
Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too.
In one 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 a common cough suppressant ingredient, dextromethorphan, in typical over-the-counter doses. Since honey is low-cost and widely available, it might be worth a try.
WebMD cites the use of honey [2] as a tonic preventing and reducing cough dramatically in children. However they say quite clearly that if accompanying factors such as fever, wheezing, prolonged cough / cold exist, immediate medical help should be sought.
One must be especially careful with raw honey if the child is at the age of 1 or younger – there’s the risk of infant botulism with raw products of all kinds. Although treatable/curable, its an unnecessary annoyance for the child… Quite simply done away with by heating the honey till 60 degrees C. Once older than 1-1.5 yrs, there’s negligible risk and the benefits of honey are far greater.
I’ve been using honey-based compounds for a while now, and I have these key tips to share:
- Honey can replace sugar in nearly everything… except I personally don’t like the way it mixes in coffee; but I know people who have it in their coffee too! 🙂
- Honey is really nice for the throat – smooth & soothing – specially when had with a little warm water
- Honey with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, etc – a huge variety of herbal ingredients – bestows significant advantages and health benefits
And that’s all for today folks!