Using Honey as a Natural Cure to Constant Coughing
Honey has been used as a natural cough suppressant for many, many years. It is effective in treating constant coughing in both children and adults; however, a honey concoction should not be administered to a child that is under one year of age. It can allow people of all age groups to achieve a better night’s sleep. In addition to its soothing properties, it can also aid the human body in combating harmful bacteria and upper respiratory infections. More and more medical studies have begun to question the effectiveness and appropriateness of administering Dextromethorphan to children. This particular medication is commonly found in most cough syrups and medications, like Benadryl and Robitussin. Medical studies have suggested that the use of Dextromethorphan in children can have adverse side effects, particularly on young children.
However, honey offers an alternative to this traditional form of constant coughing treatment without the potentially negative side effects, and it tends to be much more cost efficient as well. In a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, over one hundred children who suffered from constant coughing were monitored by their parents. On the first night, the children were not given any form of treatment for the coughing. On the second night, equal parts of the subject group were given a honey remedy, medication containing DM, or no treatment form at all. It was determined that honey was the most effective treatment method in treating constant coughing of the three test groups. Mild side effects of the honey treatment remedy included some hyperactivity.
Darker types of honey, such as buckwheat honey, have been found to have more antioxidant properties than other types of honey. Additionally, it does not contain the side effects of traditional cough medications, such as dizziness or sleepiness. Most medical experts believe that part of the efficiency of honey in treating constant coughing lies in its adhesive abilities. Because honey is sticky and it has a certain level of viscosity, it adheres itself to a person’s esophagus and parts of the respiratory system. By coating irritated mucus membranes, the honey removes the source of irritation that fuels the coughing reflex. Finally, when compared with traditional cough medicines, honey simply tastes much better.