Common Cold Medicine: Honey, More Effective for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Study Proves

A common cold medicine frequently used by Indians was proven by a study to be a better treatment than other drugs. A research team at Oxford University did a study and explained the results they gathered. They found that honey is a better cure for upper respiratory tract infection (URTIs) than other remedies. 

Hibatullah Abuelgasim, Charlotte Albury, and Joseph Lee had their study published in BMJ Evidence-based Medicine. They studied many clinical trials about treatments for URTIs. They found that honey had a better effect than usual drugs. Their results reduced better cough frequency and severity. 

Many bacteria could resist drugs

Many bacteria could resist antibacterial agents. People have been using drugs so often to address this issue. However, the killer bacteria have become more immune to the effects of those treatments. 

The research team wrote that honey is the best for usual care at improving URTIs. They also noted that it is a cheaper option for drugs, and it is widely available. Apart from that, honey could help slow the bacteria from becoming immune to strong drugs. 

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According to Medical Express, honey can help cure colds and coughs. For thousands of years, people have been using it as a cure. 

Honey is the best cure

In this recent study, the research team focused on a different angle. They studied how honey could protect against URTIs. They looked into 761 patients from 14 clinical trials. They noted that the trials used varied treatments against cough and colds. 

Trials used standard cures like over-the-counter cold and sinus drugs. Antibiotics and honey were also on the list. The research team found that honey is the best treatment among all those that were tested. 

(Photo : unsplash/Alexander Mils)

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Thirty-six percent of the subjects had a reduced cough. Forty-four percent had reduced cough severity. The research team also found that honey reduced the average length of infection by two days. 

Honey helps children fall asleep better

One study found that honey could help children with cough during the night. Parents of children in the study said that their children had better sleep when they took honey during URTIs. It means that honey is the preferred treatment for cough and sleep problems due to childhood URI. 

Also used as wound treatments

The trio explained why honey protects against URTIs. It is because of its hydrogen peroxide content. The known bacteria killer is also useful for cuts and scrapes as skin treatments. Apart from that, honey also has the right thickness. It could coat the mouth and throat. Therefore, it helps soothe irritation. 

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The research team in The Scientific World Journal also believes in the power of honey. They revealed that honey is a proven protection against wound infections. For this reason, it could be used as eusol antiseptic solution. 

Research published in Applied Microbiology journal letters noted a certain type of honey's effects. It revealed that manuka honey could help reverse bacterial resistance to drugs. This type of honey could protect against Ureaplasma urealyticum. It is a bacteria that could resist many varied antibiotics.