Honey: An Effective Cough Remedy?

MayoClinic.com, 3/18/2008

Q. Is it true that honey calms coughs better than cough medicine does?

A. Drinking honey mixed with tea or warm lemon water is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. Now researchers are studying honey as a cough suppressant. In a 2007 study, children ages 2 and older with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime. The honey seemed to reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep. In fact, in the study, honey appeared to be as effective as the cough suppressant dextromethorphan in typical over-the-counter doses…