Methods to Use Honey for Sore Throat

Drinking tea or warm lemon water with honey is a long-established method of relieving a sore throat. But honey itself may also be an effective cough suppressant. Children aged 1 to 5 years who had upper respiratory infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of honey at bedtime in one study. Honey seemed to improve sleep and lessen nighttime coughing.

In fact, in this study, honey appeared to be as effective as the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan at typical over-the-counter doses. Honey is worth a try because it is inexpensive and widely available.

This article explains the benefits of honey for sore throats as well as when and how to use it.

Read more: How Does Salt Water Help a Sore Throat: Is It Possible? – Elder VIP

The Medicinal Value of Honey

Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times. Honey is used as an alternative medicine and in traditional medicine, in addition to being used as a nutritional supplement, to treat a variety of clinical conditions, from cancer to wound healing.

Traditionally, honey is used in the treatment of eye diseases, bronchial asthma, throat infections, tuberculosis, thirst, hiccups, fatigue, dizziness, hepatitis, constipation, worm infestation, piles, eczema, healing of ulcers, and wounds and used as a nutritious supplement. According to reports, the components of honey have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, and antimetastatic properties. Numerous studies support the use of honey for the prevention and treatment of wounds, diabetes, cancer, asthma, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as for the management of cancer and other serious diseases.

Due to its phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, honey has a potential therapeutic role in the treatment of disease. Two major bioactive molecules found in honey are flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which function as antioxidants.

Because honey contains a variety of antioxidants, it may be helpful and protective for the treatment of many disease conditions, including diabetes mellitus, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system disorders. It may even be helpful in the treatment of cancer. In summary, honey is a natural therapeutic agent that can be used for a variety of medical conditions.

Sufficient evidence exists recommending the use of honey in the management of disease conditions.

Can Honey Treat a Sore Throat?

Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one treatment is to ease coughs and soothe sore throats.

“According to research, honey has a few antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “According to a different study, honey may lessen mucus secretion. So, whether you have a wet or dry cough, honey can be used to treat the symptoms.”

Those who are unable to take conventional cold remedies, such as children under the age of six or those who suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, may find that honey is a useful alternative.

Overall, honey can be a good way to relieve your cough and sore throat. Some of the side effects of over-the-counter medications, such as drowsiness, are not present with this medication.

Do you have the option of purchasing any honey you see on the grocery store shelf? Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. Additionally, it lengthens the shelf life of honey while enhancing its texture and color.

How to Use Honey for Sore Throat?

Adults can take a spoonful of honey (about 1 teaspoon) for a cough and sore throat during this time. Most sore throats typically go away within a week. A half-teaspoon to a teaspoon of honey can also be diluted in tea or warm water. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.

So, how frequently can you apply this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.

The fact that honey does contain sugar is one of the arguments for this. “If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”

Other Sore Throat Remedies

A variety of other home remedies can help relieve your sore throat, including:

• A saltwater gargle can be used to kill bacteria, reduce pain, and loosen mucus. Use 8 ounces of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt as a gargle.
• Gargling with salt water and baking soda can help kill bacteria and stop the growth of yeast and fungi. Saltwater gargling is more typical. The National Cancer Institute recommends gargling a combination of 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
• Lemon juice. Lemons can provide pain relief and break up mucus, plus they’re high in vitamin C. Consider drinking 8 ounces of warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice mixed in.
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce. High levels of capsaicin in cayenne pepper have been shown to have pain-relieving effects. Consider gargling with 8 ounces of warm water mixed with honey, a dash of cayenne, or a few drops of hot sauce.
• Humidifier. Particularly during winter, dry air can cause a sore throat. The water used in the humidifier might benefit from one or two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide or vapor rub.

Summary

In fact, this study found that honey appeared to be just as effective as the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan when taken in typical over-the-counter doses. Honey is worth a try because it is affordable and widely accessible. Feeding honey to young children is not advised due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning.

FAQs