We’ve been using honey as a remedy for an irritating cough, sore throats and cold symptoms as long as we can remember.
Research backs up that honey is more effective at treating these ailments than antibiotics or over-the-counter medication.
Researchers at Oxford University said doctors should tell patients to have a spoonful of honey rather than prescribing antibiotics which can fuel antimicrobial resistance.
They looked at studies comparing the effectiveness of honey against cough suppressants, antihistamines and painkillers when treating upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms – which include a cough and cold.
The results show that honey was ‘superior’ at relieving coughs, sore throats and congestion – and unlike other medications it had no harmful side effects.
Evidence shows honey reduces the time it takes to recover by up to two days.
‘Honey was associated with a significantly greater reduction in combined symptom score, cough frequency and cough severity,’ the study in the British Medical Journal said.
The researchers said using honey for infections could reduce the overprescription of antibiotics, which is fuelling a crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
There is a concern that doctors too often prescribe antibiotics for coughs and colds, which is rarely effective because most of these are caused by viruses.
BUT FOR INFANTS...
Honey can contain the bacteria that causes infant botulism, so do not feed honey to children younger than 12 months. Honey is safe for people 1 year of age and older.
