February 12, 2023

Honey for Your Sore Throat and Cough

The natural at-home remedy can soothe irritation and decrease inflammation

Honey jars.

It feels faint at first — there’s a little tickle or scratch at the back of your throat.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Then, it hurts or even burns when you swallow.

Ugh, you’ve got a sore throat, and a cough isn’t far behind.

You’re taking cough syrup and lozenges in an attempt to get some relief. But what about using honey for sore throat symptoms? Does this natural home remedy actually work to soothe a sore throat and cough?

Yes, says family medicine physician Elizabeth Rainbolt, MD.

Dr. Rainbolt explains how honey works and when and how to use it.

Honey for a sore throat

It’s common to get a sore throat every now and then. You may have a sore throat due to the following:

In addition to having other symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, you may develop a cough.

Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate a cough.

Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it’s a wet or dry cough.”

Is it safe for children?

Giving honey to a child under 1-year-old isn’t recommended, warns Dr. Rainbolt.

Advertisement

“There’s concern for an infant botulism, a serious illness that’s caused by Clostridium botulinum,” she continues. “While it’s a rare occurrence, honey can contain spores that cause botulism. It attacks the body’s nervous system and children under one are more vulnerable.”

How to use for a sore throat

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. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.

“You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well,” says Dr. Rainbolt.

So, how often can you use this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.

And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar.

“If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”

And can you use both honey and traditional cold medicine?

Yes, says Dr. Rainbolt.

“If it seems like the honey isn’t helping on its own, then you can certainly do both honey and medication, if medicine is something that you are able to take,” she notes.

Advertisement

Is honey safe to use?

Honey can be a helpful tool for those who can’t take traditional cold medications — for example, children under 6 years old or individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

Overall, honey can be a good way to help soothe your sore throat and cough. It doesn’t come with some of the side effects that over-the-counter medications have like drowsiness.

So, can you just buy any honey you see on the grocery store shelf?

Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. It also improves honey’s texture and color, while extending its shelf life.

Dr. Rainbolt also mentions that some people think using local honey, which tends to be unpasteurized or raw, can come with extra benefits.

“There’s a thought that if you use local honey, you are exposed to some of the area’s natural allergens in a positive way,” she explains. “The idea is that it will help with allergies you have.”

The next time your throat starts to tickle, reach for honey and see if it helps.

“Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old,” says Dr. Rainbolt. “Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it’s been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It’s a nice alternative.”

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Jar of honey and fresh garlic on cutting board
March 26, 2024
Is Fermented Garlic Honey Good for Colds?

On their own, honey can help soothe a sore throat and garlic has immunity-boosting properties, but you don’t need to go the fermented route

Person holding cup of hot tea, with honey jar floating in background
February 23, 2024
Why Your Throat Tickles — And How To Stop It

Often, a throat tickle is due to a cold, allergies or GERD — but see a doctor if it won’t go away

child getting a cough medicine dose by spoon
October 29, 2023
Cough Medicine and Kids: Safety and Alternatives To Stop the Cough

Kids under 4 shouldn’t use cough and cold medicine — older kids may or may not benefit

Person with hand over mouth, coughing, with hand on their chest.
August 31, 2023
Can Essential Oils Treat a Cough?

A couple essential oils may be used with caution, but there are safer and more effective options

Person in bedroom with throat and ear pain.
August 29, 2023
Pain in Your Throat and Ears: When and Why To Seek Treatment

Throat and ear pain that lasts more than four weeks deserves serious attention

Person swims with flotation device in hands while doing laps at indoor pool.
August 13, 2023
Can Indoor Pools Cause Chlorine Cough?

Germ-killing chemicals in the water can lead to respiratory issues

While sitting on floor, parent wipes toddler's nose with tissue.
August 1, 2023
Does Your Kid Have Seasonal Allergies? How To Tell and How To Help

Sneezing, coughing and clear mucus shouldn’t be ignored

person holding sore throat with allergens in air
May 14, 2023
Relief When Allergies Give You a Sore Throat

Avoid allergens when you can, and clear up phlegm with home remedies and medications

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad