Honey relieves wet, dry, nocturnal coughs… In short, it is the essential remedy to stop a cough.
It is one of the natural cough remedies. Honey should always be present in the kitchen cupboards, especially when fall and winter arrive. Please note, it is contraindicated for diabetics as it is very sweet and in children under one year old to prevent botulism.
Thyme honey for coughs
Wet cough is a productive cough that is recognized by sputum which allows the mucus present in the bronchi to be expelled and thus frees the respiratory tract. To relieve this type of cough, Shana Sarfati, naturopath-nutritionist advises:
► Thyme honey for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. “It can be combined with spices such as cloves or ginger”;
► Eucalyptus honey because it is an antiviral, a pulmonary antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory and an antispasmodic. “It can be consumed pure, with a spoon, or mixed with a hot drink”;
► Fir honey for its energizing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory tract. “Rich in trace elements, it goes very well with all fruits and vegetables.”
“It is possible to make a recipe by mixing a teaspoon of honey with two drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a herbal tea. Be careful though, eucalyptus essential oil is contraindicated for children under 6 years old and pregnant and breastfeeding women.”
Lavender honey for dry cough and bronchitis
Dry cough, unlike wet cough, is an inflammation of the trachea. It can be recognized by the fact that there is no sputum. The naturopath therefore advises using mainly lavender honey. “This is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, it calms coughs, treats burns and is healing. It covers the irritated walls of the throat and therefore has antitussive effects. Two spoons of lavender honey with 2 drops of cypress essential oil is an ideal mixture for relieving dry coughs. Cypress essential oil is contraindicated for children under 6 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with hormone-dependent illnesses.” Lavender honey is also ideal for bronchitis and angina.
A honey infusion for nighttime coughs
There is no specific honey to ingest to calm a nighttime cough. It is especially important to take honey adapted to the type of cough, whether oily or dry (see above). “Before sleeping, an infusion with honey can, however, be effective in soothing phlegm, the respiratory tract and relieving throat irritation because honey reduces the intensity of coughs and limits nocturnal fits. Raising your head and checking that the room is at a good temperature are reflexes that can also help“, explains Shana Sarfati.
Hot milk with honey
“The heat soothes the bronchi and respiratory tract. Assembled with honey, this heals and soothesregardless of the type of cough. To limit intestinal discomfort, it is better opt for plant-based or sheep’s milk rather than cow’s milk.
Lemon and honey rather for dry cough
“Lemon is also a natural healing and antiseptic. The lemon and honey mixture is more recommended for dry coughs. The ideal is to combine lemon, thyme, ginger and honey and drink it as an infusion 3 to 4 times a day to generally soothe the respiratory tract. But when you suffer from reflux it is better to avoid lemon.”
Thanks to Shana Sarfati, naturopath-nutritionist in the 9th district of Paris and in Charenton-le-Pont (Val-de-Marne).
