Good News! Honey is The Best Thing for Cough
We have all heard and tried teas or warm lemon water mixed with honey as a cure for sore throat. But did you know that honey is also an effective cough suppressant? This article discusses the benefits of honey in treating cough. The natural and organic remedies for cough, cold and sore throat include honey as an essential ingredient.
The goodness of honey
The best thing about using honey is that it will not start off any adverse side effects and can relieve coughing to some degree. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and antibacterial compounds and is considered to soothe the throat along with relieving cough. It is endowed with the richness of flavonoids, minerals like calcium, B vitamins, Vitamin C and is very nutritious in nature. Honey has antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties which makes it very useful in the treatment and suppression of cough.
What do scientists say?
Research studies have revealed that honey is an effective and commonly used remedy for suppressing cough. In fact, studies have proven it to be as effective as dextromethorphan used as an over the counter cough suppressant. A clinical trial has shown that honey is effective in modestly reducing the severity and frequency of cough in individuals suffering from upper respiratory tract infections. Latest research published in August 2013 in Primary Care Respiratory Journal has brought forth the discovery that honey plus coffee is as effective as Prednisolone in treating post infectious cough.
Honey is good for children too
It has also been shown that children aged 2 years and above suffering with upper respiratory tract infections were cured with honey. 2 teaspoons of honey given at bedtime can reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep.
It has also been proven that darker varieties of honey have more antioxidants than the lighter varieties. The lighter honey can be used to treat or suppress cough in children. Honey Is a lesser expensive and safer alternative to treat cough when compared with other over the counter medications. Honey works by soothing the irritated mucous membranes and hence alleviates the irritation triggering the cough reflex. Honey acts as a demulcent coating the throat and hence relieving the irritation.
Home remedies for cough
Honey has been an essential ingredient in home remedies for cough. Some of the ways in which honey can be used at home are
1. 1 teaspoon of honey can be swallowed directly twice a day till the symptoms of cold or cough disappear.
2. Mix equal amounts of honey and lemon grass juice and drink to reduce cough.
3. Prepare syrup using ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoon water and drink them to relieve cough.
4. Boil 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of oregano in water, add 1 tablespoon of honey and drink to relieve cough.
5. Add a tablespoon of honey with lemon juice into a glass of water and drink at least twice a day regularly till the cough subsides.
So, don’t forget to keep this golden nectar on your kitchen shelf for its nutritional and medicinal value. Kick start your day with honey and lemon juice to prevent colds and cough and make a healthy start to your day.
Category: COLD, HERBAL REMEDIES
