Honey for a cough is one of those remedies that sounds like folklore, but it actually has research behind it. The evidence is modest, and it comes with an important age rule.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against Cochrane and systematic reviews, NICE and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance
Does honey help a sore throat or cough?
For coughs from colds, there's reasonable evidence. A meta-analysis found honey improved cough frequency and severity compared with usual care[1], and a Cochrane review in children aged 1 to 18 found honey may relieve cough symptoms more than no treatment or placebo[2]. The UK's NICE lists honey as a self-care option for acute cough in people over 1[4].
Caveat: The evidence is mostly from small, short trials, and it's about symptom relief, not a cure. Never give honey to babies under 1.
Sources: BMJ EBM 2021 meta-analysis · Cochrane 2018 (honey, kids) · NICE NG120 · Verified 2026-09-27
In this article
What does the research on honey and coughs show?
Three pieces of research come up most often:
- A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine pooled 14 studies on upper respiratory tract infections. Honey improved cough frequency and cough severity compared with usual care. The authors noted that more high-quality, placebo-controlled trials are needed[1].
- A 2018 Cochrane review of randomized trials in children aged 12 months to 18 years concluded that honey may relieve cough symptoms more than no treatment or placebo. The trials were small and short, so certainty is limited[2].
- A 2007 randomized trial of 105 children aged 2 to 18 with nighttime cough found honey outperformed no treatment on cough frequency and combined symptom scores; the authors suggested honey may be a preferable option for cough and sleep trouble in kids with colds[3].
What do health authorities recommend?
NICE, the UK's health guideline body, says acute cough is usually self-limiting and gets better within 3 to 4 weeks without antibiotics, and it lists honey (in people aged over 1 year) among self-care options with limited evidence[4].
In the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatrics lists honey as a home remedy for coughing in children 1 year and older, at 2 to 5 mL as needed. The AAP notes that honey thins mucus and loosens the cough, and that it shouldn't be given before age 1[6].
What about sore throats specifically?
Sore throat on its own has been studied less with honey than cough has. The meta-analysis above looked at a range of cold symptoms, not sore throat alone[1]. NICE notes that acute sore throat symptoms can last around a week and most people get better in that time without antibiotics[5].
Honey in warm water or tea is a comforting, low-risk option for adults and kids over 1. Just don't expect it to work like medicine.
How to use honey for a cough (and who shouldn't)
- Kids 1 and older: 2 to 5 mL of honey as needed, per the AAP[6].
- Adults: a spoonful straight or stirred into a warm drink.
- Babies under 12 months: never. Honey can contain the bacteria that cause botulism, and the CDC says not to feed honey to a child younger than 1[7]. That includes manuka and honey candies.
See a doctor for trouble breathing, a high or lasting fever, a cough that goes past 3 to 4 weeks[4], or any cough in a young baby.
A note on honey candy: the studies above used honey itself, not lollipops or lozenges. A honey pop isn't a substitute for the doses studied. For more, see Lollipops vs. Cough Drops: What’s the Difference? and our back-to-school guide to vitamin C, elderberry and honey.
The honest summary
- Honey has modest, real evidence for easing cough symptoms from colds.
- It's for symptom relief, not a cure.
- For kids 1+, the AAP suggests 2 to 5 mL as needed.
- Never give honey to babies under 12 months.
Our option
Vita Globe Vitalolli™ Manuka Honey Lollipops
If you simply enjoy honey, our slow-dissolving lollipop is made with genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand. To be clear: it's a honey treat, not a dietary supplement or a cough remedy, and it wasn't part of the research above. Ages 4 and up; never for babies under 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
How much honey should I take for a cough?
For children 1 and older, the AAP suggests 2 to 5 mL as needed[6]. Adults commonly use a spoonful.
Is honey better than cough medicine for kids?
In one trial, honey outperformed no treatment and dextromethorphan did not[3]. Ask your pediatrician before giving any cough medicine to a child.
Does manuka honey work better for coughs?
The studies mostly used ordinary honey[1][2]. There's no strong evidence manuka is better for coughs.
Can I give honey to my 6-month-old for a cough?
No. The CDC says not to give honey to children under 1 year old[7].
How long does a cough from a cold last?
NICE says acute cough usually improves within 3 to 4 weeks[4].
Sources
- Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336
- Oduwole O, Udoh EE, Oyo-Ita A, Meremikwu MM. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;CD007094. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007094.pub5
- Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda L, Berlin CM Jr. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2007;161(12):1140. doi:10.1001/archpedi.161.12.1140
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Cough (acute): antimicrobial prescribing. NICE guideline NG120. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng120
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing. NICE guideline NG84. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies? HealthyChildren.org. healthychildren.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Botulism Prevention. CDC.gov. cdc.gov/botulism/prevention
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
