Honey Cough Syrup vs. Commercial Cough Medications: Which is Better?

Do you ever find yourself struggling with a cough that disturbs you while you sleep? Sometimes, you may not need medication, but having something to ease your cough can be very helpful. Interestingly, honey, a common household item, is the best option for a situation like this.

The origin traces back to ancient times, possibly around 150 million years. An ancient Spanish painting, over 8000 years old, shows humans collecting honey from wild bees, while beekeeping dates back to around 2400 BC in Egypt.

Honey has had significant cultural and religious importance throughout history, being widely used by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans in various ceremonies. It served as a primary sweetener until sugar gained popularity in the 1600s. Revered for its purported medicinal properties, honey has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

In modern times, honey is incorporated into numerous over-the-counter cough medications. Yet, in 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics raised concerns about the safety of such medications for children and taking a more cautious approach, decided against the use of over-the-counter cough syrups for children under six years old.

Issues identified in children under 12, lead to various problems like:

• Tachycardia: This refers to an abnormally rapid heart rate.
• Somnolence: It involves excessive sleepiness.
• Hallucinations: Children may experience perceptions that are not grounded in reality.
• Ataxia: This term describes impaired balance or coordination.
• Mydriasis: In this context, it signifies drug-induced pupil dilation.
• Agitation: Children may display restlessness or nervousness.

Do Cough Syrups Really Work?

When it's cold and flu time, you might think you need that cherry cough syrup in your medicine collection, like a must-have. But does that syrup actually work? Will it help your cough? Well, here's the simple answer: No, it won't!

According to many professionals, over-the-counter cold medicines often perform no better than a placebo effect, which is in easier words, just like a fake medicine.

A review from 2020 and 2021 looked at studies involving kids and found that dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in cough syrup, didn't really make coughs or sleep quality any better. But taking too much can make you feel strange or even cause hallucinations or seizures. Moreover, studies found that cough syrup might seem to work only because people feel better because they think the syrup will help. This is called the placebo effect.

Is Honey Effective for Cough Relief?

For most people, except babies, honey can be a helpful remedy for a cough . However, its effectiveness may depend on the cause of your cough and how long your symptoms have been there.

According to reports from parents, honey seems to:

• Reduce how strong the cough feels.
• Decrease how often children cough.
• Improve the quality of sleep.

Honey Recommended by WHO for Cough Treatment

The World Health Organization says it's okay to give honey to kids who are over 12 months old. They say honey has stuff in it like hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids, and phenolic acids that help fight germs, heal wounds, and act like antioxidants.

But can honey, something so simple, really be as good as medicines like dextromethorphan, levodropropizine , and diphenhydramine?

Well, sometimes it can help as much as these medicines, especially for coughs in kids. But for serious symptoms or conditions, doctors might still recommend medicine.

Research Shows Honey Outperforms OTC Cough Meds

Dr. Mohamed Toorani looked at all the studies about honey for coughs. He published his research in the Journal of Pediatric and Neonatal Individualized Medicine. Even though some studies had limits, Dr. Toorani combined results from six studies with 934 patients who used honey.

The results showed that honey worked really well. It helped make coughs less severe, and less frequent, and improved sleep. Most of the time, it worked better than medicines like dextromethorphan , saline nose drops, and nebulizers. People usually take honey before bedtime.

Honey Versus Cough Medications: A Comparison

Honey could be more helpful for coughs than other treatments, as some studies suggest. One research indicates honey might be better than medicines like diphenhydramine. Another study didn't see much change between using dextromethorphan and honey for cough relief.

At home, you can try things to help with both dry and wet coughs, such as making mucus treatment drops and something to soothe your throat. Also, during cold and flu season, it's good for moms looking after kids to avoid getting sick themselves.

Regarding Honey Cough Syrup ’s effectiveness in treating coughs, several mechanisms may contribute to its efficacy:

1. Honey contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the throat, providing soothing relief.
2. It may help limit the production of mucus in the body.
3. The thick texture of honey coats irritated receptors in the throat, reducing the urge to cough.

Tupelo Honey for Cough

Tupelo honey is a type of honey produced by bees collecting nectar from the blossoms of white tupelo ( Nyssa ogeche ) and black tupelo ( Nyssa sylvatica ) trees. It is highly valued for its special qualities.

It has a unique flavor, and a mild floral taste with notes of cinnamon and vanilla, along with its light golden color and slow crystallization rate. These properties make Tupelo Honey the favorite among honey enthusiasts. Regarded as one of the finest and most sought-after varieties of honey , Tupelo honey is prized for its delicious flavor and limited availability.

It also has properties that might help soothe chronic coughs by calming throat irritation, fighting off germs, and reducing throat swelling. However, it's essential to consult a doctor before trying new remedies, especially if you have allergies or health concerns, to ensure they are safe and suitable for you.

How Much Honey to Use for Cough Treatment?

When it comes to how much honey to use for cough relief, there isn't anything clearly mentioned. Some studies used about half a teaspoon (2.5 mL), while others used closer to 2 teaspoons (10 g) before bedtime. It's important to know that there isn't much research on whether honey is safe and effective for coughs beyond 3 days. So, if you're worried about how much honey to use for yourself or your child, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider or pediatrician.

You can have honey by itself or mix it into warm water or tea. Some people like to add a squeeze of lemon for taste.

What Actually Helps? Effective Remedies

Although cough syrup may not always live up to its promises, there are other treatments you can try if you have a cough:

• Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your throat moist and loosen mucus.
• Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower to help loosen mucus and ease congestion.
• Consider taking Tylenol , Aleve, or Advil to help reduce low fever, aches, and pains associated with conditions that cause coughing.

Soothing Throat Irritation with Cough Drops

You can try honey remedy yourself, which studies indicate works better than the antihistamines found in cough syrup. While honey won't completely stop your cough, it can ease your throat and make you feel more comfortable. Plus, honey goes well with hot beverages like tea, providing extra soothing relief. However, it's crucial not to give honey to children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.

Another option is to use cough syrup along with other remedies. Cough syrups can provide comforting relief and also help you feel drowsy, which can be beneficial when you're sick. However, remember that cough syrup isn't recommended for children under 4 years old.

Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid taking more than the recommended dosage. Some ingredients, especially dextromethorphan, can have depressant or hallucinogenic effects at high doses and may lead to dependency.

DIY Cough Drops: Easy Homemade Recipe

Natural Cough Syrup can be beneficial in soothing a sore throat by stimulating saliva production, which helps moisten the throat. Additionally, some medicated cough drops containing anesthetic and antiseptic properties may provide some relief from discomfort.

You can also try making homemade cough drops using the following ingredients:

- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons water

- 2 tablespoons orange blossom honey

- ½ teaspoon ground cloves

- ½ teaspoon ground ginger

- 1 cup turbinado (raw) sugar

- Zest from one medium orange

Combine all these ingredients in a small pot and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove seeds and large zest pieces, then continue simmering and reducing until the liquid reaches 300°F (149°C). Spoon the warm mixture into candy molds and freeze for five to 10 minutes. Once frozen, remove the drops from the molds and individually wrap them in wax paper for convenience.

A Quick Review

There's not much evidence backing the effectiveness of cough syrup for treating a cough, with many studies indicating it's no better than a placebo. However, it might help with sleep, and getting enough rest is vital for fighting illness.

You're likely better off sticking to basic home remedies like staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and sucking on cough drops or hard candy to ease discomfort. These methods can provide relief and help your body heal naturally without the potential downsides of cough syrup.

For a natural and soothing alternative, check out Smiley Honey today and experience the goodness of Tupelo honey and other honey products for yourself!