Honey has a long history that dates back to 8000 years ago, as portrayed in Stone Age drawings. Since ancient times, this sweet treat has been utilized both as food and medicine. Its chemical composition is quite complex and depends on its botanical source. With a documented inhibitory action on about 60 kinds of bacteria, a few species of fungus, and viruses, one would wonder if this is a potent sore throat treatment.
The short answer is yes! While drinking honey-infused tea or warm lemon water is a traditional remedy for sore throats, honey by itself may also work as a cough suppressant. In one trial, up to two teaspoons of honey were given to children aged 1 to 5 who had upper respiratory tract infections before bedtime. This treatment appeared to lessen nighttime coughing and enhance sleep. However, infants younger than one year old shouldn’t be given it because it may contain bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.
General Medicinal Use of Honey
Honey has been the subject of a great deal of medical research, including a review published in the scholarly journal Molecules in 2018. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant qualities in addition to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer capabilities. Although allergic reactions are uncommon, they can occur when it is used to treat wounds.
Which is better Raw Honey or Pasteurized Honey
This solely depends on your preference. Pasteurized Honey simply means honey that has been treated with heat — this process can improve the color and texture of honey, eliminate undesirable yeast, remove crystallization, increase shelf life, and destroy important nutrients. While prior to packing, raw honey is filtered to retain the majority of the beneficial elements.
When to see your doctor
If home remedies don’t work, see your doctor for a diagnosis if your sore throat is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, chills, fever, and an inability to drink fluids.
Other Home Remedies for sore throat
Home remedies including salt water gargles, baking soda gargles, lemon juice gargles, cayenne pepper or hot sauce gargles, humidifiers, and teas can all help soothe a sore throat.
- Gargling with salt water is an efficient technique to kill bacteria, reduce pain, and break up mucus.
- Gargles with baking soda can aid in destroying germs and halt the development of yeast and fungi. While cayenne pepper or spicy sauce can help kill bacteria and stop the growth of yeast and fungi, lemon juice helps reduce pain and break up mucus.
- Humidifiers can help battle microorganisms and lessen inflammation. Teas can also help combat bacteria and reduce inflammation and pain.
