Persistent cough can make the body tired, lose sleep at night and affect work during the day.
When faced with this situation, many people often turn to cough syrup, but in fact, a familiar kitchen ingredient, honey, can help reduce coughs, according to the Cleveland Clinic .
Elizabeth Rainbolt, a family physician in the US, said honey has natural cough-relieving effects thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Helps reduce inflammation and support the immune system
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the throat and airways that cause coughs.
In addition, honey also contains antibacterial compounds that support the immune system against viruses and disease-causing bacteria.
Honey has been used for centuries as a natural cough suppressant, and modern research has also proven its effectiveness, says Dr. Rainbolt.
For mild coughs, honey is a safe and effective choice.
Honey is a natural cough suppressant due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Photo: AI
Removes mucus, reduces persistent cough
One of the causes of cough is the body producing too much mucus. Honey helps to thin the mucus, which helps to reduce the feeling of choking, cough, and reduce the frequency of phlegm. When the mucus is thinned, coughing is reduced, making the body more comfortable and pleasant.
Support sleep and body recovery
Getting enough sleep is important to help your body recover from a cold or viral illness. A persistent cough can disrupt your sleep and disrupt your recovery process.
Honey helps reduce nighttime coughs, helping you sleep better and giving your body time to rest, restore organs, muscles and the immune system.
Notes when using honey
According to Dr. Rainbolt, honey is generally safe for everyone. However, honey should never be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism poisoning. Honey also does not cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or nausea, unless the user is allergic to honey.
Honey is still sugar, you should use it in moderation, especially for people with diabetes or those controlling their sugar levels.
You can drink 5-10 ml of honey directly, or mix it into tea or hot water with lemon.
When mixing in hot water, let the water cool before adding honey to preserve the nutrients.
Honey is effective for mild coughs, especially those caused by colds or seasonal allergies. However, if your cough lasts for more than 10 days, gets worse, or is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.