Honey for coughs

February 6, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD 

cough syrupA recent study comparing honey to cough syrup showed that honey worked BETTER. The timing of this study couldn’t be better with increasing concern from the FDA regarding the safety of cough and cold medications for young children. I have been recommending to families for several months now and most families seem to be excited about the idea. Cough relief seems to come from the honey “coating” the throat. Dose can be repeated as often as needed.

The main precaution is for children under one year old when honey and corn syrup is NOT recommended due to concerns about botulism infection. If using corn syrup only use pasteurized or “botulism-free” corn syrup for infants.

More information:
* Prescribing Honey for Coughs
* Honey, corn syrup in Infants from drpaul.coml

Filed under: Health Updates
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Comments

2 Responses to “Honey for coughs”

  1. Cari J on March 4th, 2008 1:34 pm

    It is my understanding that corn syrup can be a source of botulism spores as well as honey, and therefore should not be given to infants. Please google “botulism spores and corn syrup” for numerous articles and web pages that address this topic.

  2. Kenneth Carlson, MD on March 4th, 2008 2:22 pm

    Thanks for pointing that out. Article has now been updated to include precaution against corn syrup in infants unless pasteurized and new reference added.

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