From the Research
Honey can be used to treat a sore throat, as it has been shown to provide symptomatic relief and reduce coughing in adults and children over one year of age. The most recent and highest quality study, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2021 1, found that honey improved combined symptom score, cough frequency, and cough severity in patients with upper respiratory tract infections. Honey works through multiple mechanisms, including its thick consistency creating a protective coating on the irritated throat tissue, its natural antimicrobial properties helping to fight infection, and its anti-inflammatory effects reducing swelling and pain.
Some key points to consider when using honey to treat a sore throat include:
- Taking one to two teaspoons of honey as needed can help soothe throat pain and reduce coughing
- Honey can be consumed directly, mixed in warm water or tea, or used in a homemade remedy with lemon juice
- Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism
- While honey can provide symptomatic relief, persistent sore throat symptoms lasting more than a week should prompt medical evaluation, as they may indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment
It's also worth noting that honey has been compared to other treatments, such as dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, and has been found to be effective in reducing cough frequency and severity 2. However, the evidence is not strong enough to support the use of honey as a replacement for other treatments, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Overall, honey can be a useful addition to the treatment of a sore throat, but it should be used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.