Does Honey Help a Cough? What the Trials Found
Possibly, for short-term relief. A 2018 Cochrane review of six small trials in 899 children found honey probably relieves cough more than no treatment, but its authors said there was no strong evidence for or against using it. The NHS notes limited evidence, and honey is not suitable for babies under 1.
What the Cochrane review found
The main research comes from a Cochrane review published in 2018. It pooled six small randomised trials with 899 children aged 12 months to 18 years, run in several countries. The authors concluded that honey probably relieves cough symptoms to a greater extent than no treatment. Compared with diphenhydramine, honey may relieve cough better, and compared with dextromethorphan there may be little or no difference, but both of those findings are low-certainty. Overall certainty ranged from low to moderate.
The review reported no difference in adverse events between the honey and comparison groups. It also had clear limits: some studies did not blind participants, and most children received honey for only one night. The authors said there was no strong evidence for or against using honey.
What about adults?
The Cochrane review covers children, so it does not directly answer the question for adults. The Welsh NHS service 111 Wales lists hot lemon and honey as a self-care option for cough, says there is limited evidence that such remedies work, and says hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines. It advises serving the drink warm rather than hot.
Who should not have honey
Honey is not suitable for babies under 1 year old. The Cochrane review notes honey is not advised for infants under 12 months because of the risk of exposure to bacteria that can cause serious illness in babies. Some cough medicines are also not suitable for children under 12, so check with a pharmacist before giving any cough product to a child.
The evidence at a glance
| Comparison | What the Cochrane review found |
|---|---|
| Honey vs no treatment | Honey probably relieves cough more (low to moderate certainty) |
| Honey vs diphenhydramine | Honey may relieve cough better (low certainty) |
| Honey vs dextromethorphan | May be little or no difference (low certainty) |
| Side effects | No difference in adverse events between honey and control groups |
| Overall | No strong evidence for or against using honey |
How long a cough should last and when to see a doctor
111 Wales says a cough usually clears up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. It advises seeing a GP if you have had a cough for more than 3 weeks, if you have unexplained weight loss, or if you have a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy or diabetes. It advises getting urgent help from a GP or NHS 111 for a very severe cough or one that is getting worse quickly, feeling very unwell, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swollen painful glands in the neck, or coughing up blood.
Frequently asked questions
Does honey help a cough?
A 2018 Cochrane review of six small trials in children found honey probably relieves cough more than no treatment, but its authors said there was no strong evidence for or against using it. Certainty was low to moderate, and most children received honey for only one night.
Is honey as good as cough medicine?
In the Cochrane review, honey may have relieved cough better than diphenhydramine and there may be little or no difference compared with dextromethorphan, but both findings were low certainty. The NHS in Wales says hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines, while noting limited evidence.
Can babies have honey for a cough?
No. Honey is not suitable for babies under 1 year old.
When should I see a doctor about a cough?
111 Wales advises seeing a GP if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, if you have unexplained weight loss, or if your immune system is weakened. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing up blood or a cough that is getting worse quickly.
References
- Oduwole, O., Udoh, E. E., Oyo-Ita, A., & Meremikwu, M. M. (2018). Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD007094.
- NHS 111 Wales. Cough.
This article is general information, not medical advice. A cough can have many causes, and some need medical attention. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor about a child's cough, or about any cough that lasts more than three weeks.