Can honey relieve a cough, and who should avoid it?
Honey may provide short-term cough relief for some adults and children who have reached one year of age, but it does not treat every cause. Do not give honey to infants under one because of botulism risk, including pasteurised honey or honey added to food.
Details
Set realistic expectations
Limited evidence supports relief of some acute cough symptoms, not guaranteed suppression or shorter illness. A small amount or an age-appropriate lukewarm drink may be tried. Avoid hot drinks for young children.
Consider sugar and allergy
Honey contains sugar, so consider diabetes care and dental health rather than repeatedly giving sweetened drinks overnight. Avoid it with known allergy. It does not replace infant feeds or prescribed respiratory treatment.
When to seek help
Breathing difficulty, blue colouring or marked lethargy requires emergency help. Coughing blood, chest pain, dehydration or worsening illness needs prompt assessment. Seek review for cough lasting more than three weeks, or sooner in infants and people with chronic illness.
Related reading: Does steam inhalation help a cold, and what are safer alternatives?.