Honey soothes children's coughs

What the research found

A 2018 Cochrane review of six small trials (899 children aged 12 months to 18 years) found honey probably reduces cough symptoms more than placebo or no treatment, when given for up to three days. It may be no different from dextromethorphan, a common cough medicine ingredient. Evidence quality was low to moderate.

A 2021 review of 14 studies found honey improved cough frequency and cough severity compared with usual care. A 2023 systematic review of 10 trials found honey may reduce cough and improve sleep, but rated the evidence low to very low quality and called for better blinded trials.

A 2007 randomised trial of 105 children found honey beat no treatment for cough frequency, while dextromethorphan did not. Australian guidance says honey may reduce the severity and duration of a cough, and suggests one to two teaspoons 30 minutes before bed for children over 12 months.

What it doesn’t mean

• Never give honey to babies under 12 months. There is a rare but serious risk of botulism.
• Most trials followed children for only a few days, mostly for coughs from colds. No trials have shown honey helps long-lasting (chronic) cough. Most coughs settle on their own without treatment.
• Call an ambulance (000) if your child has trouble breathing, turns blue or looks very pale, is drowsy or unresponsive, or is choking. See a doctor if your child looks unwell, the cough is getting worse, or it lasts more than four weeks.