Due to the overprescribing of antibiotics and concerns about antibiotic resistance, health officials in England are proposing new guidelines promoting the use of honey as a first line of treatment for coughs. Despite their lack of effectiveness for treating viral infections, antibiotics continue to be commonly prescribed for colds and coughs in the UK. STORY AT-A-GLANCE With the goal of reducing inappropriate antibiotic use by half by 2021, the UK Department of Health and Social Care has proposed guidelines recommending the use of honey as a first line of treatment for coughs.
Antibiotics do little to improve colds and flu or symptoms like coughs and sore throat because they are not designed to treat viral infections, which typically run their course within a week or two.
The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of honey are well-known, making honey a great alternative to prescription drugs when treating coughs.
I highly recommend Manuka honey, which has a long history of use as a treatment for bacterial infections and wounds, making it a beneficial natural health remedy. Given the growing concern about antibiotic resistance, it’s no surprise the UK Department of Health and Social Care has proposed guidelines recommending the use of honey and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies as the first line of treatment for coughs….