Coughs due to respiratory infections such as colds are common this time of year. An effective treatment for a disruptive cough might be sitting in your kitchen pantry.
Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician with Mayo Clinic Children’s Center, says honey can help soothe coughs for adults and children. But, she says, never give honey to a child under 1.
Adding honey to warm water or tea, or just a spoonful of honey itself can help with coughs.
“It has been shown to be more effective than over-the-counter cough medications,” Mattke says.
Honey helps by soothing the throat and coating cough receptors.
She recommends using a teaspoon every two hours. And this dosage applies equally to children older than 1 and adults.
“And if you do choose to give honey for cough suppression, we would recommend that you use pasteurized honey,” adds Dr. Mattke.
