Have you heard of using honey as a remedy for the common cold? Whether it’s a sore throat or a dry cough that won’t go away, honey has scientifically proven health benefits that can help promote healing and improve throat health overall. Plus, it’s natural!
Healing Properties of Natural Honey
Touted as an awesome antioxidant, honey is rich in vitamins and essential nutrients that the body needs to stay well. Particularly noted for its high content of B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin K, natural honey also has important minerals, like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. All of these elements are needed on a normal day, but when you’re feeling sick, they become that much more important for the body to start the healing process.
Antioxidants like honey are particularly beneficial for treating the common cold and preventative wellness, because they help fight free radicals in the body. But honey has another appealing property – it’s an antibacterial, too. This means that it can help fight viruses and bacteria that are present in the body.
Honey as a Remedy for the Common Cold
Over-the-counter treatments typically use a combination of vitamins and elements with antioxidant properties. But why rely on artificial concoctions when you can get these healing benefits naturally? Cough syrup can be expensive, contain artificial colors, and taste downright icky. Choosing honey instead is a great way to lean into natural health and wellbeing without reaching for mysterious manmade concoctions from the local pharmacy.
Common cold symptoms typically stem from the throat and nasal passage, and may include a dry cough, congestion, sore throat, etc. Many of these minor ailments are triggered by a virus or bacteria that the body has picked up. Of course, some situations may need the help of health professionals. But you’d be amazed at how many people rely on natural honey as a tried-and-true remedy for the common cold.
3 Ways to Use Honey to Treat a Cold
Next time you’re feeling under the weather, remember that you can use honey as an alternative to cough syrup! Here are the best ways to use natural honey to treat common cold and flu symptoms for children over the age of 12 months and adults.
Swallow a spoonful of honey straight
Because of its thick viscosity, natural honey can soothe a sore throat – whether raw, scratchy or dry – by coating it in a single swallow. Because a pure spoonful of honey allows the antibacterial qualities to come in contact with the source of discomfort, this is a fantastic way to treat dry coughs and soreness.
Add honey to tea or hot water with lemon
Warm liquids also provide relief for throat soreness and can soothe a stubborn cough.
Add honey to meals
Natural honey can be added to desserts, breakfast items, main courses, and snacks. Even when added to meals, you can benefit from the rich vitamin and mineral content of natural honey.
With antibacterial and antioxidant properties, lots of vitamins and minerals, and a delicious flavor – natural honey is a powerhouse to keep in your pantry during cold and flu season.