Why Honey Serves as an Effective Cough Remedy Compared to Dextromethorphan

Health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Health Service (NHS) recommend honey for soothing a cough based on extensive studies that have proven its efficacy in providing relief from coughs and sore throats.

Comparative Studies on Honey vs. Dextromethorphan

To understand the effectiveness of honey, one study published in 2007 compared the effects of honey, dextromethorphan (an over-the-counter medication commonly used as a cough suppressant), and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality among coughing children and their parents. The study involved a survey administered over two consecutive days—first on the day of presentation when no medication had been given the prior evening, and then the next day after honey or no treatment had been administered before bedtime. The results indicated that honey performed the best, significantly outperforming no treatment. When comparing honey to dextromethorphan, there was no significant difference, but parents still rated honey most favorably for symptomatic relief of their child’s night-time cough and sleep difficulties caused by upper respiratory tract infections.

A second study published in 2012 further analyzed the effectiveness of a single dose of three different honey products—eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, and labiatae honey—compared to placebo, for nocturnal cough and sleeping difficulties associated with childhood upper respiratory tract infections. This study included 300 children aged 1 to 5 years. On the same survey schedule, parents rated the honey products higher than the placebo for soothing their children’s night-time cough and difficulty sleeping due to upper respiratory tract infections.

Honey's Mechanism of Action

Honey works in two ways: it addresses both the cause and the symptoms of coughs. When a person has a cough, it can be due to a viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation, or it can be a result of mucus buildup in the respiratory tract. Honey helps to reduce inflammation, making the throat less irritated and reducing the need for coughing. Additionally, honey's thick, viscous nature helps to coat and soothe the throat, reducing irritation and making it easier to breathe.

Conclusion and Future Research

The studies highlighted above provide compelling evidence that honey is a highly effective cough remedy when compared to dextromethorphan and other over-the-counter medication. However, further research is needed to explore the exact mechanisms by which honey helps to reduce coughing and improve sleep quality. As more studies are conducted, we can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how honey can be used not just as a natural alternative, but also as a complementary therapy for coughs and related symptoms.