Maybe folk remedies are truly the best medicine (in some cases, anyway)! A new study by Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine indicates that a teaspoon of honey before bed will calm children's coughs and help them sleep better. The folk remedy of honey to quiet coughs did better than cough medicine or no treatment in a three-way comparison of 105 children with upper respiratory infections either taking nothing, taking cough medicine containing the ingredient dextromethorphan, or taking honey. The pediatricians reading the study indicated they thought honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat.
The findings are good news for child care providers and schools, who typically will not dispense of any medication (even over-the-counter) without a signed parental release or doctor's prescription. This treatment may help calm the coughs of youngsters who may not feel well but are not ill enough to be at home.
Pediatrians have also noted that honey should not be given to children younger than age 1 because of a rare risk of botulism. Parents should check with their child's own doctor for additional thoughts on taking honey to calm coughs.
More Child Care Quick Tips
The findings are good news for child care providers and schools, who typically will not dispense of any medication (even over-the-counter) without a signed parental release or doctor's prescription. This treatment may help calm the coughs of youngsters who may not feel well but are not ill enough to be at home.
Pediatrians have also noted that honey should not be given to children younger than age 1 because of a rare risk of botulism. Parents should check with their child's own doctor for additional thoughts on taking honey to calm coughs.
