Honey is a more potent remedy for cough and cold than the strongest antibiotics.
Cold and cough are caused by viral infections. And experts say that antibiotics work on bacterial infections but they cannot kill viruses.
Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract affect the nose, throat, voice box, and bronchi. With antibiotics being ineffective, scientists are wondering ‘Is honey better than antibiotics?’
And emerging research says that ‘honey could be very effective in treating coughs and colds.
Also Read: Flu in Kids
Antibiotics are ineffective against viral diseases
That’s right! Antibiotics stimulate your immune system against bacterial infections, but they are ineffective against viruses. Antibiotics target the growth machinery of bacteria thereby inhibiting the spread of infection, but with viruses, they don’t reproduce on their own. Thus, the mechanism which is used to stop bacterial infection is not effective in treating viral infections.
Antibiotics can cause more trouble
New research are suggesting that prescribing antibiotics can cause more trouble than good in the treatment of viral infections. Firstly, because they are ineffective in improving the condition. Secondly, increased use of antibiotics can result in drug resistance which is a major concern.
URTI is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions. Since URTI can occur frequently, it increases the frequency and use of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics for treating cough, cold, and other diseases of the respiratory tract is not only ineffective but also inappropriate. Among other side effects, antibiotic drug resistance is a major concern.
According to recent data, the overprescription of antibiotics has resulted in an epidemic of drug resistance. This has made many patients immune to treatment. In 2018, studies said that millions of surgical procedures could become life-threatening if the effect of antibiotics is diminished because of drug resistance.
This has compelled researchers to look for alternative treatments that are safe as well as effective. And studies show that honey is effective in soothing URTI symptoms. Not only is honey more efficient, but it also has practically no side effects.
Is honey better than antibiotics?
Ayurveda advocates the use and efficacy of honey in treating viral infections, colds, and coughs. And now modern studies are also recommending honey in colds and coughs. Recent studies too agree that honey is a better treatment option than conventional medicines for coughs, blocked noses, and sore throats.
Honey can help in managing the symptoms of the common cold. An excellent source of antioxidants, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, honey aids in soothing the throat, alleviating irritation, and breaking up the mucus.
Honey has potent antihistamine, expectorant, cough-suppressing, and painkilling properties. Furthermore, it is affordable, readily available, and has no side effects.
Also Read: Amazing benefits of honey
Research – Efficacy of honey against cold and cough
Scientists studied the efficacy of honey against commonly prescribed medicines in the treatment of colds and coughs. The study concluded that honey is more effective than usual care for improving symptoms, frequency, and severity of cough and cold. Honey was more soothing and could suppress the symptoms earlier than prescribed medicines.
Thus, the study suggested that honey might be a safe and effective alternative for treating upper respiratory tract infections. It further recommended that clinicians should prescribe honey as an alternative to antibiotics in treating URTI.
Combinations of honey with different substances like herbs, milk, and warm water should be studied more in detail.
How to use honey as an antibiotic?
A spoonful of honey – Just a spoonful of honey can provide great relief from a sore throat. It aids in breaking up mucus and acts as fast relief.
Honey with warm water – Add honey in warm water or tea along with a few drops of lemon for immediate relief. Honey has antimicrobial properties while lemon is rich in vitamin C.
Other effective remedies for colds and coughs
- Garlic – Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research shows that eating just 2 cloves of garlic every morning aids in relieving cold and cough. It is also an effective remedy for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and immunity.
- Drinking warm fluids – Drinking warm fluids is another very simple yet effective remedy that aids in faster healing. Sipping warm water at frequent intervals is recommended. Those who don’t like to drink plain hot water can opt for herbal teas or soups. This aids in relieving congestion, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold.
- Resting – Ayurveda says resting is the best cure for any disease. It lets your body focus on healing which results in quicker recovery.
- Gargle – Saltwater gargle is another very effective remedy for cold and cough.
Also Read: Ayurvedic treatment for the common cold
Your Takeaway – Is honey better than antibiotics?
Most of the time, the best remedy is often the simplest, and because of this it’s overlooked.
Ayurveda has always emphasized the use of natural and organic remedies to cure diseases. And now modern researchers are also nodding to the same. Honey has been scientifically found to alleviate coughs and colds.
2 comments
Thanks for the information. Yes, Honey is natural healer for many diseases. But the question is its quality. Because of its huge demand, honey becomes adulterated?!
Please, tell us the good quality honey in the market.
THANK YOU. TRY NATURE’S NECTAR HONEY