Research has found that honey can reduce cough symptoms in children over one year of age, and medical guidance also recognizes honey as a possible soothing remedy for cough in adults.
That doesn’t mean honey cures the infection.
It doesn’t eliminate the virus.
It doesn’t necessarily shorten the illness.
Instead, it may help make the symptoms more comfortable while the body recovers.
Why Does Honey Sometimes Feel Soothing?
Think about what happens when your throat is irritated.
The tissues can become dry, inflamed, and sensitive.
Every swallow or cough can stimulate the irritated area.
Honey is thick and sticky, so when you swallow it, it can temporarily coat the throat.
That soothing effect may reduce the urge to cough.
This is one reason a small amount before bedtime can be particularly appealing.
Nighttime coughing can be frustrating because it interrupts sleep.
If honey reduces the coughing enough
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to let someone fall asleep more comfortably, the benefit may be indirect:
