Honey is a natural remedy useful for alleviating some flu symptoms, especially coughs. In general coughs, even the continuous ones that come at night, sore throats and colds are counteracted by honey. Let’s see in detail what recent scientific research says and which honey is best suited to combating coughs and flu
Honey is our precious ally against seasonal ailments! Better than other remedies and usual treatments when we are affected by an upper respiratory tract infection and a valid alternative to the abuse of medicines, such as antibiotics, especially if not prescribed by the doctor. This emerges from recent scientific research published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine by a team from the University of Oxford (Abuelgasim et al, BMJ Evidence Based Medicin, 2020).
Coughs, sore throats and colds, how to treat them and what to avoid
Coughs, colds, sinusitis, sneezing and sore throats, these symptoms can keep us company in these cold months. The problem is that too often, at the first symptoms, we resort to DIY with the antibiotic tablets we had in the cupboard. In this way we can take antibiotics that are not necessary for the problem to be treated, given that the majority of upper respiratory tract infections have viral and not bacterial origin, and furthermore the excessive use of antibiotics can make these same medicines ineffective, developing infections that are resistant to treatments. There are remedies that we can put into practice in everyday life and which have been shown to significantly improve flu symptoms, such as steam inhalations, staying warm and at home, rest, echinacea, syrups, but, above all, honey. Today’s research focuses in particular on the anti-flu properties of honey.
Honey helps against coughs and flu, what the study says
The study compares the results of previous research which analyzed the effects of honey in the case of upper respiratory tract infections in humans. By upper respiratory tract infections we mean infections that cause coughs, colds and flu symptoms, however ear infections, bronchitis and lower respiratory tract infections were not taken into consideration. What has emerged is that honey is able to significantly alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, especially cough, its frequency and severity. Honey proves useful for treating both adults and children. In this way, by avoiding taking antibiotics without a prescription, you can obtain important benefits, which antibiotics, unless indicated by your doctor, often do not provide, and slow down drug resistance.
Honey and flu, conclusions and warnings
The research is of considerable interest and shows that a teaspoon of honey can really make a difference when it comes to soothing and counteracting the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, especially coughs, including irritable and nocturnal coughs, but also sore throat and colds. It should be emphasized that if the doctor has prescribed antibiotic therapy this must be followed. Instead, deciding to take these medicines independently can even be harmful, as well as not bringing benefits since, often, upper respiratory tract infections originate from a virus. If we then add that honey also protects the brain, improves memory and is anti-stress, as proven by scientific research, well… we are even more encouraged to use it, always without exaggerating and in moderation, added to herbal teas that are not too hot so as not to inactivate it or spread it on a slice of wholemeal bread (Zamri et al, Front Aging Neurosci, 2022).
Which honey is best for combating coughs, sore throats and colds
Honey in general is a valid ally in protecting the respiratory tract. Studies have shown that wildflower honey is particularly powerful when it comes to calming coughs, but eucalyptus, citrus and thyme honeys are also excellent, to be taken in the amount of one – one and half teaspoons (Askin et al, J Fam Pract, 2013). Another very powerful honey against viral infections is certainly manuka honey, which however is rarer. Since honey may contain dormant botulinum endospores it is best to choose pasteurized honey, especially if we intend to offer the product to children. In a healthy adult the presence of these spores does not represent a problem (Askin et al, J Fam Pract, 2013).