A partially double-blind randomly controlled study at Penn State Medical School found honey to be better at reducing childhood cough than over-the-counter cough medicines.
According to WebMD, “A review of studies found no proof that common over-the-counter drugs help with your cough. This includes suppressants like dextromethorphan, which block your cough reflex, and expectorants like guaifenesin, which are supposed to loosen up mucus in the airways.”
Additionally, WebMD states “Because of a lack of good evidence that cold and cough medicines help — and a very small risk of serious side effects — the FDA said in 2008 that toddlers and babies shouldn’t get these products. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics went further to says there’s no reason parents should use them in children under 6.”
Buckwheat Honey found beneficial
What is buckwheat honey? It is honey made by honeybees from the nectar of the buckwheat flower. Despite its name there is no wheat in buckwheat and it is gluten free. Additionally, nutritious Japanese soba noodles are made from buckwheat seeds.
The Penn State study found “that a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold medications.” As a reminder for parents, honey should not be given to children under 1 year of age.
Many cultures use honey for medicinal purposes and it may benefit us to look back at how our ancestors treated some common ailments still with us today. The honey specifically used in the study to treat childhood coughing was buckwheat honey made by bees from the nectar of the buckwheat honey.
Benefits Of Buckwheat Honey
According to Healthline.com, “The primary benefits of buckwheat honey are that it promotes healing in the body, supports immune function, and boosts antioxidants. It’s also great for soothing sore throats and coughs.”
The American Association of Family Physicians recommends buckwheat honey for children with cough in the following doses.
Dosing for Buckwheat Honey
| Two to five years | 2.5 mL / 0.5 tsp | Once before bedtime |
| Six to 11 years | 5 mL / 1 tsp | Once before bedtime |
| 12 to 18 years | 10 mL / 2 tsp | Once before bedtime |
*As a reminder to all parents, honey is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.
At HoneyGramz.com we are proud to carry 100% raw, natural Pennsylvania Buckwheat Honey from beekeepers who practice natural beekeeping methods to provide you with the purest form of buckwheat honey there is. Now more than ever it is time to look to nature for the assistance our bodies need to help fight colds and illness the natural way.
References:
https://news.psu.edu/story/192001/2007/12/03/honey-proves-better-option-childhood-cough-otcs
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cough-medicine-should-you-shouldnt-you#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/buckwheat-honey#how-to-use