Benefits of Honey: Why is it Good for Soothing a Cough?

For thousands of years, honey has been used in traditional medicine for its natural health benefits.¹ Today, honey is a popular ingredient in wellness products for children and infants 1 year and older, and modern science guides our improved knowledge about the ingredient. Do you know the benefits of this natural wonder and how to make the most of it? We’re here to help answer your questions about honey and how it can benefit both you and your little ones.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is a sweet, viscous liquid made by honeybees from plant nectar. It is primarily made up of natural sugars but also contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.² Honey contains many compounds with antioxidant effect that help protect our bodies by reducing oxidative damage from free radicals. Additionally, studies have found that honey is effective in reducing inflammation and fighting against harmful bacteria.^3,4
Because of its health benefits, honey can be used to help provide symptom relief from various ailments, such as:
⦁ Cough – honey can be used to alleviate cough symptoms caused by upper respiratory tract infections. A 2016 study conducted by UFPE and Unifesp found that honey provided immediate relief for children who had an acute, irritative cough for at least 24 hours.^5,4
⦁ Sore throat – honey was found to be effective in speeding up the recovery of sore throat symptoms due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.⁶

How Does Honey Help Soothe Cough?

Honey has been found to offer benefits for irritative, acute upper respiratory related coughs, supported by multiple studies. One study conducted by AGA Khan University in 2014 examined 152 children aged 2 to 12 cold symptoms and revealed that honey was effective in relieving cough symptoms associated with the common cold, resulting in improved sleep quality for both children and parents. The study suggested that honey's natural antiseptic and antioxidant properties may contribute to its effectiveness in treating coughs.⁷
Another study published in The Journal of Family Practice in 2013 also showed a similar result – honey decreased cough frequency and severity in children between the ages of 1-5 years and improved sleep for both the children and their caregivers.

Is Honey Good for a Sore Throat?

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can contribute to alleviating a sore throat.⁵ A study in 2016 demonstrated that patients with a sore throat who received one tablespoon of honey twice a day, in addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and antiseptic gargles, experienced faster recovery compared to those using only the conventional treatments.⁵ Another study showed that honey-based herbal cough syrups were more effective than the marketed cough syrups in relieving cough and throat irritation.⁹
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of honey to soothe a sore throat caused by a cough in adults and children aged 1 year or older.¹⁰

Types of Honey

There are various types of honey available that differ based on their processing methods and nectar source. Here's a quick guide to help you differentiate between them.

Processing Methods

Raw honey

Raw honey comes straight from the honeycomb and is unprocessed, retaining all of its natural components like bee pollen and bacteria.¹² It is safe for most people to consume, but should not be used for babies under one year or those with bee pollen allergies.

Pasteurized honey

Pasteurized honey goes through a process to change its appearance and taste. The processing increases the shelf-life of the honey and kills the yeast.¹²
Pasteurized honey does not go through processing to remove its natural components like bee pollen or bacteria, so it is also not safe for babies under one year or those with a bee pollen allergy.^13,2 

Nectar Source

Honey has hundreds of varieties based on the nectar source it comes from, like buckwheat, acacia, clover, and manuka.¹⁴ Research has shown that some of these types may provide specific health benefits, including their effectiveness in soothing coughs.

Buckwheat honey

Buckwheat honey, for example, is made from nectar taken from buckwheat flowers. It is less sweet than traditional honey but is also rich in antioxidants.. Its dark colour is attributed to polyphenols, a type of antioxidant.¹⁵ Research indicates that Buckwheat honey helps with bronchitis, cough, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, liver and intestinal diseases, and it also possesses antibacterial properties.¹⁵ A 2007 study highlighted the benefits of buckwheat honey in providing symptom relief for children's cough and sleep difficulties caused by upper respiratory tract infections.¹⁶

Manuka honey

Manuka honey is another variety. It is a sweet and bold flavoured honey with a dark colour that comes from the Manuka bush in New Zealand. Like buckwheat honey, manuka also has increased antibacterial properties. It is even used as a topical application for burns, cuts, and sores due to its effectiveness.¹⁷ A 2018 study published in AIMS Microbiology found that this honey's unique active ingredient, methylglyoxal, is responsible for its antibacterial properties. Additionally, manuka honey has antiviral properties, which is not common among other types of honey.¹⁸

When Can Babies Have Honey?

Honey is suitable for babies older than 12 months. Parents and caregivers should be aware that babies under the age of one should not be given honey as their digestive systems are not yet fully developed. A bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, which is sometimes found in both pasteurized and unpasteurized honey, may cause infant botulism in young babies. This can cause muscle control and breathing problems.¹³
At Zarbee's^®, we understand the importance of taking this precaution seriously and ensuring the safety of your little ones. That's why we purposefully select ingredients that are suitable for the age ranges our products are indicated for.

Choosing Products with Honey

If you’re looking for a way to help your child's cough, cough syrups made with naturally-sourced honey can be a great option.
Zarbee’s^® is the #1 pediatrician-recommended cough syrup brand in the U.S. for babies and children 12 and under.¹⁹ Our cough syrups contain honey and other effective medicinal ingredients backed by science to help provide cough relief and support the immune system. Our cough syrups are also formulated to be suitable for babies over the age of one and young children. At Zarbee’s^®, our products are alcohol-free and contain no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes.
The honey used in Zarbee’s^® products is primarily from California and the U.S. Midwest, where bees collect nectar from buckwheat, as well as from Southeast Asia, where bees feast on wildflowers. The honey we choose is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. We even trace our honey back to the beekeeper, ensuring high quality standards.
It's always a good idea to consult your child's pediatrician before giving your kids any products if they have a cough. Your pediatrician has knowledge of your child’s medical history and can advise you on what is suitable for them. It’s also crucial to carefully read the label of any medication you give your child to ensure that it’s appropriate for their age and condition.