Honey Better Than Cough Medicine For Soothing Kids' Cough Symptoms

Honey is a more effective cough remedy for children than many over-the-counter medications, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine and published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

"Honey provided the greatest relief of symptoms compared with the other treatments," lead researcher Ian Paul said.

Researchers studied 105 children between the ages of two and 18 who were having trouble sleeping due to cough. The participants were given either a small dose of buckwheat honey, honey-flavored dextromethorphan or no treatment at all a half-hour before bed.

Children who were given the honey had less frequent and severe nighttime coughing than either the children given dextromethorphan or those given no treatment at all

both children and parents slept better after children were given honey

Honey has a long history of use as a treatment for upper respiratory symptom