Cough in children: honey or cough syrup – what really helps?
- Johanna
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
A cough in your child can not only be annoying, but also cause concern - especially if it persists. You may be wondering when medication is really necessary and why natural alternatives should be chosen, especially for the little ones. In this article, you will learn on a scientific basis what the risks of cough syrups are and why honey is often recommended by doctors.
Why Is Coughing Actually Useful?
Coughing is an important natural reflex that helps your child protect himself from harmful irritants. Coughing removes mucus, foreign particles and other irritating substances from the airways, preventing serious irritation from occurring in the first place.
Cough Syrup - Why Is It Not Recommended?
In the case of an acute "cold cough", the healing process usually occurs naturally.
Coughing should generally not be suppressed from the start because it is a vital protective reflex that clears the airways of mucus, irritants, or small foreign particles.
Studies show that cough syrups—whether as cough suppressants or mucus dissolvers—are often no more effective than a placebo in children.
The research does not support that these medications significantly alleviate coughing any better than natural methods.
Ingredients such as ethanol (alcohol) or other chemical substances can cause unwanted side effects.
Cough suppressants are no longer prescribed for home use because cough should not be suppressed as a natural protective reaction. Recent studies suggest that, especially in severe cases, alternative approaches—such as the targeted use of inhaled corticosteroids—may be more beneficial.
For these reasons, experts recommend avoiding cough syrups in children.
Honey as a Gentle Aid – Scientifically Proven
For children aged 12 months and over, honey offers a proven and natural alternative for relieving coughs. Thanks to its demulcent effect, it acts like a protective coat on the irritated mucous membranes in the throat and upper respiratory tract - noticeably reducing the urge to cough. Scientific studies confirm that honey relieves children's coughs better than conventional cough medicines or no treatment at all.
Benefits of honey:
Gentle and soothing:
It forms a protective layer that effectively relieves the urge to cough.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial:
Honey inhibits inflammation and has antibacterial properties.
Promotes restful sleep:
Due to its calming effect, honey can help your child sleep better – a crucial factor for recovery.
Instructions for use:
Give your child aged 12 months and over 2 teaspoons of honey in the morning and before bedtime, either pure or dissolved in lukewarm (not hotter than 40 °C) tea or water.
Manuka honey and dark honeys such as forest honey and thyme honey are particularly effective.
Always pay attention to good honey quality.
Don't forget to brush teeth after taking it to minimize the risk of tooth decay.
Important:
Children under 12 months should not be given honey because honey may contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum , which can cause infant botulism in the immature digestive system.
This is a rare but serious condition that occurs mainly in babies whose intestinal flora is not yet fully developed.
If honey – which may naturally contain C. botulinum spores – is consumed, these spores can germinate in the immature intestine and produce a neurotoxin.
This toxin impairs nerve function, which can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, and other serious symptoms.
Conclusion
Coughing in children: honey or cough syrup? In previous studies, honey has clear advantages over cough syrup. Pay attention to your child's symptoms and consult your pediatrician if necessary. With warmth, security and loving support, you give your child the security it needs during this time.
Status: 03/2025
Resources + Sources
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