When I think of honey, I always think of it as the healthiest alternative to sweeteners.
However, honey is not just a sweetener alone. It is used for cough treatment and throat ailments for faster relief.
Now I understand why these ingredients, of all the flavors and sweeteners the world has ever discovered, are always used for menthol or throat soothing.
Do you know that there is a right way to use the honey so it may work better for you? Here’s what you should know about the right way to use honey.
Is Honey THAT Effective Against Cough?
Honey is not just a sweetener with a great PR stunt; it is proven by experts around the world to be effective.
Medical experts confirmed that honey is effective in coating the throat to prevent irritation, calms the cough, is naturally antibacterial, and improves your sleep at night.
Aside from those benefits, honey is a suitable ingredient for cough syrups to address colds and mild coughs.
Common Honey Mistakes That Ruin Its Purpose
There is nothing more terrible than ruining the purpose and efficacy of honey just because the procedure is done the wrong way.

Here are some of the common mistakes that we make with honey:
- Swallowing it Quickly: Honey is not a medicine, but a substance that should coat your throat. The purpose of swallowing it slowly is to allow it to soothe properly.
- Adding it to Boiling, Hot Drinks: Very hot water makes the honey ineffective, reducing the powerful compounds that can help you overcome irritation.
- Overconsumption: Honey is still a sweetener; consuming too much honey may lead to a sugar spike or upset stomach.
- Feeding it to the Babies: Honey is considered a poison to babies under 12 months, as their system is unable to process it. Making them vulnerable to infant botulism.
Ways to Use Honey Correctly (for Mild Symptoms)
Here are the expert-recommended ways to use your honey to relieve your throat from a mild cough and cold:
- Plain Honey: Consume at least a half or a single tablespoon to reduce the feeling of dry and scratchy coughs. Allow the honey to sit in your mouth a bit and swallow it slowly.
- Honey with Warm Water/Tea: Combine a warm water/herbal tea, a single tablespoon of honey, and a drop of lemon for flavor. It helps relax your throat.
- Take Honey Before Bedtime: Take a spoon of honey about 30 minutes before bedtime. This technique reduces the feeling of coughing during nighttime sleep.
- Honey and Lemon Combo: Take a combined tablespoon of honey and another tablespoon of lemon to consume. It helps manage the mucus buildup in the throat.
Is the Specific Honey Type Essential?
Although there are different types of honey, as long as it’s authentic will do. All of the honey types work effectively on your throat.
However, there are specific honey varieties that are proven to be slightly effective. Dark honey contains more antioxidant components, while raw honey has extra health benefits.
In general, honey works well, even the authentic one you bought at the store. As long as it’s real honey, you won’t have a problem with that.
Is Honey Enough?
Honey might be a helpful tool in securing your throat against further irritation and mucus buildup. However, it does not claim to be a sure cure for many illnesses or conditions.
Honey may not work well for coughs that are related to asthma, bacterial infections, chronic cases, or allergic responses.
It is selectively effective for mild symptoms, over 1 year old, and is known to have a slight sugar spike.
In cases such as persistent coughs or has the timeline of more than three weeks. Check for other symptoms like chest pain, breathing problems, and fever. They need a doctor for this situation.
Hence, honey is not enough medicine. But rather, a strong support for your overall health.
Honey is a Science-Backed Item
Consuming honey is not just an old-school method for reducing cough. But a scientifically-backed technique to ensure great health recovery.
The real benefit of honey only comes if you use it gently, smartly, and correctly. Of course, with the right amount of it.
The next time you need to look for an effective way to reduce your cough, look around and find your honey in the kitchen.
Although they are not a total replacement for medical treatment, they should not be treated lightly. Honey works well, especially if done properly.