Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of upper respiratory infections. The UK government body NICE (antimicrobial prescribing guideline group) have in recent years suggested that honey can effectively sooth a sore throat and was worth trying before resorting to antibiotics. Honey is said to support a person's immune system, and brings relief when taken daily or at the beginning of symptoms. Manuka honey is widely claimed by their industry to work to help control coughs during cold weather but there are other alternative honeys that may work equally well without the possible dangers of high MGO (methylglyoxal). But what does the Manuka industry say and we show that below but we believe our honey is a better option.
What Do We Know About the Cough and How Can Honey Help?
Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Whether it’s the result of a cold, bronchitis, or seasonal allergies, a cough can be a persistent and uncomfortable issue. Traditional over-the-counter (OTC) medications often come with side effects like drowsiness, leading many to seek out natural alternatives. This is where IminoHoney and Manuka honey step in as potential remedies. Known for its authentic and organic properties, raw honey has long been used to soothe throats and reduce cough frequency.
What Science Thinks About This
Several studies have explored the effectiveness of honey in treating coughs and other symptoms of URTIs. Research suggests that honey may be more effective at reducing the frequency and severity of coughs than some common cough medications. The honey’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help create a soothing film over the mucous membranes, which can reduce irritation and ease the cough reflex.
Manuka honey has been claimed to lower levels of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for sore throats, although this is not conclusively shown in people.
Is Manuka Honey More Effective Against Cough?
Manuka honey is distinct from other types of raw honey due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a naturally occurring compound found in the nectar of the Manuka bush flowers. This compound helps to give Manuka honey extra antibacterial properties, which may make it particularly effective in treating coughs and sore throats but there is little evidence supporting this in people. In addition to MGO, Manuka honey also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, ensuring that your airways remain clear and irritation-free (but other honeys also have antioxidants including IminoHoney).
The combination of these properties is claimed by the Manuka industry to be a potent remedy for both dry and wet coughs but there is no strong evidence to support it. It is certainly possible that honey in general may not only sooth the throat but also help to combat the underlying causes of the cough, such as bacteria, viruses and inflammation. IminoHoney is unique in having an iminosugar that adds extra activities when eaten.
Reported Uses of Manuka Honey (that can be applied to any honey and particularly IminoHoney)
To get the most out of honey during cough and cold season, it’s important to use it correctly. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate Manuka honey into your routine:
Daily Dose for Immune Support: Taking 1-3 teaspoons of honey daily can help bolster your immune system, providing protection against the onset of colds and coughs.
Symptom Relief: If you start experiencing symptoms of a cold or cough, take two to three teaspoons of honey. This can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Sore Throat Soother: Slowly swallow a teaspoon of honey to coat your throat and reduce inflammation.
Nasal Irrigation: For a blocked nose, dilute honey in distilled water and use a nasal irrigation device to clear your sinuses.
Warm Honey Drink: Mix two to three teaspoons of honey in warm water and sip slowly to ease throat irritation and suppress coughs.
Honey Throat Lozenge Recipe
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, making your own honey throat lozenges is a great way to have a natural remedy on hand. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
100 ml water
One bag of lemon-ginger tea
Two sachets of IminoHoney or tablespoons of honey
Two tablespoons of carrageenan or gelatin
Directions:
Brew a strong cup of lemon-ginger tea using the water and tea bag, then let it cool slightly.
Sprinkle the gelatin or carrageenan into the tea and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then stir in the honey.
Pour the mixture into gummy molds and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Store the lozenges in an airtight container for up to a week.
These lozenges are not only effective but also natural and free from the additives found in many commercial cough drops.
Why Manuka Say MGO Matters
When choosing Manuka honey for cough relief, it’s essential to pay attention to the MGO rating. MGO is what gives Manuka honey its potent antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO rating, the more effective the honey will be in treating coughs and sore throats. For the best results, look for Manuka honey with an MGO rating of 300+.
Incorporating Manuka honey into your home remedy toolkit is a wise choice for those seeking natural, effective relief from coughs and colds. With its high MGO content and authentic health benefits, Manuka honey offers a powerful alternative to OTC medications. Whether you take it daily for immune support or use it to soothe a sore throat, Manuka honey is a versatile and valuable addition to your winter wellness routine.
Our opinion is that high MGO should be avoided. An excess of MGO in the body is associated with oxidative stress, aging, age-related complications, protein dysfunction, production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which automatically results in chronic inflammation. We consider IminoHoney to be a better option than Manuka as it has all the benefits of Manuka with the additional iminosugar naturally inside it.
Citations:
Beisswenger PJ. Methylglyoxal in diabetes: link to treatment, glycaemic control and biomarkers of complications. Biochem Soc Trans. 2014, 42(2):450.
Comments