Honey in the Battle Against Cough: How Does it Help?

Are you tired of having a cough all day? The answer to a persistent cough may be in your kitchen. For hundreds of years, honey has been used for treating coughs and sore throats. It is not just limited to your beauty masks but modern science is backing up what our grandmothers always knew. Isn’t it surprising? Well, here is all you need to know.

How Does Honey Help?

Guess what honey isn’t just for your baking it is packed with properties that make it a powerhouse against coughs:

Sticky

You know what? Honey forms a sticky layer in your throat, providing protection. This layer soothes irritated tissues and decreases the urge to cough. As a result, making it is particularly effective for persistent dry, tickly coughs.

Fights germs

Raw honey for cough has compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and defensin-1 that can eliminate bacteria and viruses. These natural antibiotics may help your body get rid of the germs causing your cough more quickly.

Body boost

Certain types of honey, especially Manuka honey from New Zealand, have been found to stimulate cytokine production. These proteins aid your immune system in combating illness. By enhancing your immune response, honey may help you recover from your cough more quickly.

Raw Honey and Cough

When it comes to beating coughs, raw honey is the way to go. This is honey that comes straight from the hive to your jar, without any processing or heating. Here's why it's so great:

More Nutrients

Raw honey keeps all the good stuff that processing takes out. It's rich in enzymes, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds that might get destroyed or reduced during pasteurization.

Better at fighting germs

The germ-fighting power in raw honey is stronger because heat hasn't broken down any of its antibacterial compounds. This means it might be more effective at tackling the germs causing your cough.

Pollen power

Raw honey has bits of pollen in it, which some people believe might help with allergies. The idea is that exposure to small amounts of pollen could help your body build up a tolerance.

4. Enzymes intact

Raw honey contains enzymes that might aid digestion and have other health benefits. These enzymes are often destroyed in processed honey.

Note: Just remember, don't give raw honey to babies under a year old. Their digestive systems aren't mature enough to handle potential botulism spores that might be present in raw honey.

Honey vs. Chest Issues

Got a cough that's all gunky and gross? Here is how honey and chest congestion works:

Gets things moving

Honey can stimulate your body to produce more mucus. Now, that might sound counterproductive, but the mucus honey helps produce is usually thinner and more lubricating. This can help flush out irritants and make your cough more productive.

It soothes contact

As honey slides down your throat, it provides immediate soothing relief to irritated tissues. This can help calm the cough reflex and make you more comfortable.

Honey and Bronchitis

Does honey help bronchitis? If you're dealing with bronchitis that's when your bronchial tubes get all inflamed and irritated and here honey can be a big help:

Fights inflammation

Honey's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce airway edema. This is significant since bronchitis is often caused by inflammation. Better breathing and less coughing are the effects of reduced inflammation.

Combats infection

Honey may be able to assist in the battle against germs that are the cause of your bronchitis. Its inherent antimicrobial qualities could help your body get rid of the illness. While it won't replace antibiotics in severe instances, it may be helpful in viral or milder types of bacterial bronchitis when antibiotics aren't working.

Bolsters your resistance

Your immune system can benefit from honey. This is crucial when you have bronchitis since your body is using a lot of energy to fight infection. Honey's antioxidants can boost the immune system as a whole.

Helps clear mucus

Bronchitis often involves a lot of mucus production. Honey can help thin this mucus and make it easier to expel, which is crucial for recovery.

Using Honey for Bronchitis

Does honey help a cough?
Here are some ideas:

Honey tea

Mix a tablespoon of honey into warm water or herbal tea. Sip this throughout the day. The warm liquid combined with honey can be extra soothing for irritated airways.

Honey and lemon

Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to your tea with honey. Lemon can aid in reducing mucous and provides extra vitamin C. If you're feeling queasy, the sharpness of the lemon and the sweetness of the honey might help make it more palatable.

Bedtime honey

Take a spoonful of honey before bed to help with nighttime coughing. This can help you get more restful sleep, which is crucial for recovery.

Honey and ginger

Have honey with grated fresh ginger for a powerful combo. Ginger has its own anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a great partner for honey in fighting bronchitis.

Honey gargle

Mix honey with warm salt water and gargle. This can help soothe a sore throat often associated with bronchitis.

Honey for Coughs

While plain honey works great, there are also special honey products made just for coughs:

Honey lozenges
These are like cough drops but made with honey. They provide long-lasting relief as they slowly dissolve in your mouth, coating your throat over time.

Honey syrups:
Often mixed with herbs like thyme, elderberry , or licorice root for extra cough-fighting power. These can be especially potent and are often formulated for specific types of coughs.

Honey sprays
These spray honey directly onto your sore throat for quick relief. They're convenient for on-the-go use and can provide instant soothing.

Manuka
Made with a special type of honey from New Zealand known for its potent antibacterial properties. These might be particularly effective for infections.

Honey sticks
Portable tubes of honey that are easy to carry and use anywhere. Great for when you need a quick dose of honey relief.

Getting the Most from Raw Honey

Here are some detailed tips for using raw honey to fight coughs:

Go for quality
Look for raw, unprocessed honey from a reputable source. Local honey can be a great option as it's often less processed and might contain local pollen.

Use enough
For adults, take one to two teaspoons; for children over one year, take half to one tablespoon. It may take some trial and error to get the ideal dosage for you.

Take it straight
You can eat honey right off the spoon for quick relief. Let it slowly trickle down your throat for maximum coating effect.

Mix it up
Stirring honey into warm (not hot) drinks can make it easier to take. Hot temperatures can destroy some of honey's beneficial compounds, so let your drink cool a bit before adding honey.

Nighttime relief
Taking honey before bed can help you sleep better. It might help prevent nighttime coughing fits that interrupt your rest.

Keep at it
Use honey regularly for a few days to see the best results. Consistency is key with natural remedies.

Combine with other remedies
Honey works well with things like ginger, lemon, or herbs. Don't be afraid to experiment with combinations to find what works best for you.

Store it right
Keep your honey in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator as this can cause crystallization.

Note: Remember that while honey relieves coughs in many cases, it is not a cure-all. If your cough gets worse, stays longer, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.

Wrap Up

Honey is your kitchen ingredient to get rid of your old cough. Just be ready to involve it in your daily life as a remedy!

Get the best honey products from Smiley Honey . We offer authentic honey that soothes your cough and gives you instant relief! Say no to cough and bring your smile back. Explore further on our social media platforms.