Honey appears to be more effective in treating coughs and cold symptoms than antibiotics, according to a new study.
Honey is cheap and widely available, and researchers said it was better than usual care for improving symptoms of infections in upper respiratory tract. It is safe for the majority of people, except for babies under 1 year and those with allergies, researchers noted.
“Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics,” study authors wrote. “Since the majority of URTIs are viral, antibiotic prescription is both ineffective and inappropriate. However, a lack of effective alternatives, such as a desire to maintain the patient-physician relationship, both contribute to antibiotic-over-prescription. “
Honey appears to be more effective in treating coughs and cold symptoms than antibiotics, according to a new study. (iStock)
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Oxford University researchers say antibiotics are associated with “significant adverse effects” in children and adults. They reported results from 14 studies of URTIs, although only two studies were placebo-controlled studies. In one study, patients who enjoyed honey reduced their duration of common cold symptoms by one to two days, compared with those who received usual care. They also found that honey was particularly effective in improving cough frequency and pregnancy.
“Compared to usual care, the reduction in cough frequency and cough weight remained statistically significant,” she wrote.
Researchers said that honey was particularly effective in reducing cough frequency and pregnancy. (iStock)
The “honey interventions” under evaluation included pure honey, Grintus syrup, Honitus syrup and honey combined with milk and coffee.
However, researchers say it is difficult to know to what extent honey improves symptoms because it is a complex and heterogeneous substance. However, the team has recommended honey as an effective alternative to antibiotics.
“If clinicians want to prescribe them for URTI, we recommend honey as an alternative to antibiotics. Honey is more effective and less harmful than normal care alternatives and prevents damage caused by antimicrobial resistance, “said study authors. They also called for more high-quality, placebo-controlled tears to extend over existing, restricted trials.
The study was published Tuesday in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
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