Honey provides a safer, more effective alternative to many over-the-counter cough syrups. This is supported by clinical evidence from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.
Led by Professor Ian Paul, the team studied 105 children with upper respiratory infections suffering from nighttime coughs that disrupted sleep. Participants were divided into three groups: one received a dose of organic liquid honey before bed, another took a dose of standard cough syrup, and the third received no treatment.
Results showed that children given honey experienced the best sleep quality the next morning.
Why does honey work so well? Its thick consistency coats the throat like syrup, while its high levels of antioxidants and natural antimicrobial compounds provide added relief. Importantly, the study used age-appropriate doses, not excessive amounts.
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Per the researchers, children aged 2-5 received ½ teaspoon, those 6-11 got 1 teaspoon, and older children took 2 teaspoons before bedtime.
