Swap Out Cough Syrup for a Healing Superfood

Brrr. It’s the time of year where sniffles arrive, along with bothersome scratchy throats. When a cold comes with a cough, it can feel irritating and uncomfortable. Feeling better may start with soothing the cough. But before reaching for over-the-counter medications or lozenges, try this common healing superfood that's probably already in your pantry.

Honey May Help to Mitigate Cough Symptoms

Losing sleep to a hacking cough just plain sucks. If cough drops are not doing the trick, or if you want to choose a less-medicated option, honey may be just the thing. The medicinal powers of raw honey may calm irritated and inflamed mucous membranes. 

The direct contact of honey on the throat seems to generate a soothing effect. It's especially helpful when combined with hot tea or warm milk. Not because the tea or milk help anything in particular, but because they add extra flavor and allows the honey to disperse more readily throughout the mouth and throat. But the honey does more than just soothe.

Honey's Natural Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Honey’s healing effect may well go beyond soothing the membranes and easing the pain through coating the throat, research indicates it can also ward off cold symptoms. Medical News Today reports that honey has some antimicrobial properties. These may be effective at fighting off certain bacteria and viruses. 

Additionally, honey is acidic and has a high sugar content, preventing the growth of some microorganisms. It's a superfood containing small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a natural cleansing agent against bacteria. So yeah, it soothes, but honey may help clear up an illness before it's able to take hold, too. 

Honey Doesn’t Really Have Side Effects

Please note that honey should never be given to children younger than 2.

But for the rest of us, unlike some cough medicines and over-the-counter meds that treat the symptoms of upper respiratory ailments, honey naturally has few or no side effects (potential allergies excepted). Primarily this means there is no drowsiness or jittery feeling that may accompany certain other cough and cold medications. 

Raw, natural honey might be the best choice when treating sore throats or coughs. Choose honey produced locally, if possible to avoid the environmental impact of trucking and also to glean as much of your local nutrients (and pollen) as possible. The honey will likely contain allergens native to your area, and may help prevent any adverse reactions and boost your immune system simultaneously. Those who are allergic to honey must avoid it. 

Honey is Not For Small Children

Honey should not be given to children under the age of two. This is due to a greater risk of botulism. Infants and babies don't have a fully developed digestive system that's able to handle the bacterial spores found in raw honey. Honey might make them sick or even lead to death. If your child has a cough, speak with their pediatrician for the right recommendation. 

Raw honey may be the sweetest answer to a painful throat, but if you have a sore throat lasting more than a few days or other worrisome symptoms, such as a fever, contact your doctor right away.  

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