Is Manuka honey good for a cough? Here's what the science says

According to a 2021 systematic review published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, honey was found to be superior to usual care for improving upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, including cough. This has led many to wonder: Is Manuka honey good for a cough, and how does it compare to other options? This article explores the evidence behind this popular natural remedy and its effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey is often used to soothe coughs and sore throats due to its unique antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, providing a demulcent effect that coats the throat. Research suggests it can be more effective than conventional cough treatments for reducing symptom frequency and severity. Safety considerations include risks for infants under one and individuals with certain health conditions.

Key Points

• Manuka Honey Contains MGO: Manuka honey contains Methylglyoxal (MGO), contributing to its antibacterial properties.

• Acts as a Demulcent: Manuka honey can coat the throat, which may help soothe irritation and reduce coughing.

• Provides Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The honey contains compounds with anti-inflammatory potential.

• Scientifically Supported for Coughs: Studies, including a 2021 review, suggest honey can be more effective than usual care for cough symptoms.

• Not for Infants Under 1: Honey should not be given to children under one year due to botulism risk.

• Higher MGO May Indicate Stronger Potency: A higher MGO rating is sometimes associated with stronger antimicrobial properties.

• Use Warm, Not Hot, Liquids: Adding Manuka honey to warm liquids helps preserve its beneficial components.

Understanding Manuka Honey's Unique Composition

While all honey has therapeutic properties, Manuka honey from New Zealand and Australia is known for its strong and stable antibacterial activity. This is mainly due to its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), which comes from Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the manuka bush's nectar. The MGO rating indicates potency, with higher numbers meaning stronger antibacterial effects. Manuka honey also contains Leptosperin, unique to manuka plants, and beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

How Manuka Honey Helps with a Cough

Manuka honey can help with cough symptoms in several ways:

• Demulcent Effect: Like other kinds of honey, Manuka honey coats the throat, soothing irritated areas and reducing the urge to cough.
• Antimicrobial Action: High MGO gives Manuka honey strong antibacterial properties that can fight respiratory pathogens. This may help reduce the severity and duration of bacterial infections.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Antioxidants and other compounds in Manuka honey can reduce swelling in the airways and throat, improving comfort.
• Antiviral Effects: Some studies suggest Manuka honey may have antiviral effects, potentially helping with flu-related coughs, though more research is needed.

Manuka vs. Other Cough Remedies

Comparing Manuka honey to other treatments helps understand its place as a cough remedy. The best option depends on the cough type, cause, and individual factors.

Feature	Manuka Honey (High Grade)	Regular Honey	OTC Cough Suppressant (e.g., Dextromethorphan)
Mechanism of Action	Demulcent, high antibacterial (MGO), anti-inflammatory	Demulcent, mild antibacterial activity	Suppresses cough reflex in the brain
Symptom Relief	Soothes throat, reduces irritation and inflammation, fights infection	Soothes throat, mild symptom relief	Reduces cough frequency but doesn't treat the cause
Effectiveness	Shown to be more effective than OTC meds and no treatment for nocturnal cough in children. May reduce severity and duration.	Also effective for soothing coughs, particularly at night.	Mixed results, with some studies showing no significant benefit over placebo for viral coughs.
Safety	Generally safe for adults and children over 1 year old. Risks for infants and those with diabetes.	Generally safe for adults and children over 1 year old.	Potential for side effects (drowsiness, dizziness) and not recommended for children under 6.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to specialized sourcing and MGO rating	Generally affordable and widely available	Varies, but widely available and often covered by insurance or HSA

How to Use Manuka Honey for a Cough

Using Manuka honey for cough relief is simple. The goal is to coat the throat effectively.

• Straight from the Spoon: Taking a small amount of Manuka honey and swallowing it slowly provides direct soothing for dry or tickly coughs.
• In a Warm Beverage: Mixing Manuka honey into a warm drink like herbal tea or lemon water is common. Avoid adding honey to hot liquids as heat can break down beneficial compounds like MGO.
• With Lemon and Ginger: This combination in warm water offers a soothing drink with added vitamin C from lemon and anti-inflammatory properties from ginger.

Important Precautions and Considerations

While natural, Manuka honey has safety guidelines:

• Infants Under 1: Never give honey to infants under one year due to the risk of infant botulism.
• Diabetes: Honey is a sugar. Diabetics should monitor blood sugar and consult a doctor before use.
• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to bees or other honey.
• Medical Conditions: Consult a healthcare professional before regular use, especially with existing conditions or medications. Seek medical advice for persistent or severe coughs.

Conclusion

Research and traditional use support honey, including Manuka honey, as an effective and safe natural remedy for coughs in those over one year old. Its demulcent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties work to soothe the throat and may fight infection. High MGO Manuka honey is particularly potent, but any quality honey offers some relief. Use as directed and consult a healthcare provider for severe symptoms. For more information, you can find insights on honey as a cough remedy from {Link: Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/expert-answers/honey/faq-20058031}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manuka honey more effective for a cough than regular honey?

While all honey can act as a demulcent to soothe a cough, Manuka honey contains significantly higher levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO), which provides stronger antibacterial activity. Therefore, high-grade Manuka honey may offer more potent medicinal benefits.

Can I give Manuka honey to my child for a cough?

Yes, for children over one year of age, a small amount of honey is recommended and has been shown to be effective, especially for soothing nighttime coughs. It is crucial to never give honey to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.

How should I take Manuka honey for a cough?

For adults, Manuka honey can be taken directly or mixed into a warm drink as needed for symptoms. It is most effective when swallowed slowly to coat the throat.

Does heat destroy the benefits of Manuka honey?

Yes, excessive heat can damage or destroy the beneficial compounds like Methylglyoxal (MGO) and enzymes in Manuka honey. For best results, let hot beverages cool to a warm temperature before adding the honey.

What is the best way to consume Manuka honey for a cough?

The most common ways to use Manuka honey for a cough are taking it straight from a spoon, adding it to a warm (not hot) beverage like tea or lemon water, or combining it with ginger.

Are there any side effects to using Manuka honey for a cough?

Manuka honey is generally safe for healthy adults. However, potential side effects include allergic reactions in those sensitive to bees or honey, and it can affect blood sugar levels, which is a concern for individuals with diabetes.

Does the MGO rating matter for cough relief?

Yes, the MGO rating indicates the level of Methylglyoxal and thus the potency of the honey's antibacterial properties. For therapeutic use, a higher MGO grade is often considered more potent.