Manuka honey has many antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that can help support treatment and relieve underlying symptoms for colds and coughs. It also helps to soothe a sore or scratchy throat naturally and it can boost the immune system when you are feeling under the weather.
Some early research suggests Mānuka Honey may have antiviral effects, too, although more studies are needed. You could try Mānuka Honey in a hot drink, the way your mother told you. Simply squeeze half a lemon into warm water and add one to two teaspoons of honey. You could also add some grated ginger.
If you're looking for quick, effective relief from a sore throat or a cough, try stirring Manuka honey into water or tea. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of Manuka honey into your drink and stir. For added flavour and even more benefits, try adding a slice of lemon or lemon juice too.
However, raw or Manuka honeys tend to be more effective due to their higher levels of antioxidants and antibacterial properties compared to other varieties like clover or organic honeys.
Honey is an effective cough remedy in all age groups, except for infants under a year old because of certain health risks covered below. Research suggests, honey also may also present a more accessible and affordable way to soothe a cough than many cough medications.
Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat. You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea.
You might also wonder: how long does manuka honey take to work? Well, it depends on how you take it and what you take it for. In some cases, like soothing a sore throat, you can feel the effects quickly. In other cases, it may take a little more time, but be patient!
Many strategies may help stop a nighttime cough. They include hydrating the room, removing dust, keeping windows closed to keep out pollution and allergens, salt water nasal irrigation, herbal remedies, and prescription and OTC cough suppressants.
Steam: Inhaling warm, moist air can do wonders for a persistent cough. The steam can help loosen the mucus in your airway. Take a long shower or use a humidifier to get extra moisture into your lungs. Honey: Honey may help loosen up mucus and relieve your cough.
Now scientists have also found that natural, manuka honey, which is known to have a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, can be useful in the treatment of deadly lung infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus. The honey also lowers the risk of side effects posed by a drug that is now used to treat those infections.
Age 1 year and older. Use Honey ½ to 1 teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) as needed. It thins the secretions and loosens the cough.
Manuka Honey can also be added to warm or cold water, or used as a sweetener in tea or coffee. But remember NOT TO add Manuka Honey to boiling water. This will kill the active enzymes, which is the reason you bought your honey in the first place!
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
When you're lying down, mucus will start pooling in the back of your throat, aka postnasal drip. Another reason why coughs get worse at night is acid reflux. Don't forget that acid is an irritant to the throat, much like mucus, germs, or dust.
A tickle in the throat can have many causes including sinusitis, dehydration, and inflammation. Treatment will depend on the cause. Everyone has experienced it at some point — a sensation in the throat, somewhere between a tickle and an itch, frequently accompanied by a dry cough.
Asthma is a highly prevalent chronic respiratory disease with nocturnal cough as one of the presenting features. In asthma, symptoms usually worsen at night and cause awakenings affecting the quality of life.
Manuka honey may treat inflammatory skin conditions, heal wounds, and improve oral health. Do not use manuka honey if you have diabetes, an allergy to bees, or are under the age of one.
A maximum of two teaspoons a day (15g) is a good portion size of manuka honey, as while it has many impressive health benefits, it is still high in sugar. If you are using manuka honey as part of a balanced diet, try drizzling it over porridge, overnight oats or natural yogurt.