Honey to Soothe a Cough – With Manuka Honey and Ginger
Nurit Rozenblat
Nature's Recipes
Some coughs appear exactly at the moment we finally get into bed. The throat starts to tickle, the cough returns again and again, and sleep drifts away.
Honey is one of the most familiar traditional remedies for soothing a cough. Its thick texture coats the throat, gives a feeling of softening, and may reduce the frequency of coughing, especially during a cold.
You can use regular honey, Manuka honey (Manuka Honey), or combine it with fresh ginger to prepare a warm, pleasant drink.
Why Honey, of All Things?
- Soothes the throat: the thick texture coats the throat's mucous membranes and may reduce the feeling of irritation.
- May reduce coughing: studies have found that honey can ease a cough connected to infections of the upper respiratory tract.
- Especially suitable before sleep: may reduce nighttime coughing and allow more comfortable sleep.
- Simple to use: you can take a teaspoon directly or mix it into a warm drink.
And What Is Special About Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka plant, which grows mainly in New Zealand.
It contains a component called Methylglyoxal (MGO), which is connected to its unique antibacterial activity.
Manuka honey is known mainly thanks to studies on its antimicrobial activity, but it is important to know that there is currently no good proof that it is more effective than regular honey for soothing a cough.
So, you can certainly use it if you have some at home, but there is no need to buy especially expensive Manuka honey to enjoy honey's soothing effect on the throat.
And What About Ginger?
Ginger contains active plant components, among them gingerols, which have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A hot ginger infusion can give a feeling of warmth and comfort in the throat, although the evidence that it directly reduces coughing is still limited.
The combination of honey and ginger creates an especially pleasant homemade drink.
Take the honey slowly and let it pass gradually down the throat.
Can be used before sleep or as needed.
Bring the water to a boil.
Add the ginger slices and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the infusion cool slightly.
Strain and add a teaspoon of honey.
You can add a little lemon juice to taste.
Drink in small sips.
You can prepare one cup in the evening, especially when the throat feels irritated.
- One to two teaspoons of regular honey or Manuka honey (5–10 ml).
- A cup of water — 250 ml.
- 3–4 thin slices of fresh ginger.
- A teaspoon of regular honey or Manuka honey.
- A teaspoon of lemon juice, optional.
If the cough bothers you mainly at night, try taking a teaspoon of honey about 20–30 minutes before sleep.
There is no need to add many ingredients. Sometimes the honey alone is enough to give a feeling of relief.
Did You Know?
Manuka honey is sometimes rated by MGO or UMF levels, which indicate certain characteristics of the honey and the concentration of components connected to its antimicrobial activity.
However, a higher rating does not necessarily mean the honey will soothe a cough better.
To Finish – Three Simple Ingredients from Nature
I love the combination of honey and ginger precisely because of its simplicity. A teaspoon of honey, a few slices of ginger and warm water can become a small moment of comfort when the throat is bothering you.
And whoever prefers Manuka honey can certainly use it in the same recipe.
There is no need for rare ingredients or complicated preparations. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones we return to again and again.
Important: Do not give honey of any kind, including Manuka honey, to infants under one year of age.
Nature's Recipes | Skin & Wellness Magazine | OrOrgani
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