When you’re under the weather, it’s easy to reach for over-the-counter syrups and tablets. But sometimes the most effective remedies are found in your kitchen cupboard especially when that cupboard contains a jar of raw, golden honey.
For centuries, honey has been used to treat coughs, sore throats, and congestion. But does it really work? And what makes honey such a trusted go-to during cold and flu season?
Let’s explore how honey can genuinely help ease cold symptoms, how to use it safely, and why the type of honey you choose matters more than you might think.
Why Is Honey Good for Coughs?
It all starts with honey’s naturally antibacterial and soothing properties. Unlike synthetic cough suppressants, honey works in multiple ways:
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Coats the throat, reducing irritation from persistent coughing
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Fights bacteria, which may aggravate a sore throat
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Loosens mucus, making it easier to clear chesty congestion
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Encourages better sleep by calming night-time coughs
In fact, research published by the World Health Organization has pointed out that honey can be more effective for children’s coughs than many commercial remedies without the drowsy side effects.
Can Honey Really Help with Colds?
Yes, especially when taken consistently throughout your illness. Honey doesn’t just treat the cough; it also supports your immune system thanks to its antioxidants, enzymes, and trace minerals.
It may not cure a viral cold, but it can:
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Reduce sore throat pain
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Ease nasal congestion
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Support faster recovery
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Calm the respiratory tract
And let’s not forget raw honey also contains small amounts of pollen and local flora, which some believe helps the body respond better to seasonal changes and allergens.
What’s the Best Type of Honey for Cold Relief?
Not all honey is equal when it comes to medicinal use.
Recommended Types:
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Medicinal Honey – Specifically filtered and sourced for therapeutic purposes.
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Raw Honey – Minimally processed and full of natural enzymes.
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Manuka or Jarrah Honey – Known for powerful antibacterial effects, though often pricier.
You can explore our selection of medicinal honey products here - ideal for keeping in the pantry as a cold-season essential.
How to Use Honey for Coughs and Colds
1. Straight from the Spoon
Take 1–2 teaspoons every few hours. Let it slowly coat your throat.
2. In Warm (Not Hot) Tea
Add honey to warm herbal teas like chamomile, lemon, or ginger. Never add honey to boiling water - it destroys the enzymes.
3. With Lemon and Ginger
Make a simple tonic by combining:
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1 tbsp raw honey
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1 slice fresh ginger
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Juice of ½ a lemon
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Warm water
Sip slowly throughout the day.
4. Before Bedtime
A spoonful of honey at night may reduce dry, tickly coughs and improve sleep.
⚠️ Important: Honey should not be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism.
Why Local Honey Matters
Choosing local raw honey means you’re getting the freshest product often with more active compounds intact. It also supports small-scale producers and local honey farms, like ours here in Knoxfield, Victoria.
At The Basin Backyard, we’re more than just a honey shop, we operate a boutique honey farm with on-site hives and small-batch production. That means no additives, no blending, just natural honey straight from the source.
TL;DR: Can Honey Help with Coughs and Colds?
Yes, and here’s how:
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Soothes sore throats and irritation
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Calms coughing, especially at night
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Fights bacteria and supports immune response
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Works best when raw, local, or medicinal
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Can be taken alone or with lemon/ginger tea
Looking for real honey from a real honey farm?
Browse our range of raw and medicinal honey - produced right here on our Knoxfield honey farm and delivered across Australia.