Evidence supporting the use of: Honey
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Honey has a long history of traditional use in the treatment and relief of congestion, particularly in the context of upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, and colds. In many cultures and traditional medicine systems, honey is used as a home remedy—often combined with warm water, lemon, or herbal teas—to soothe sore throats and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and mild congestion. The presumed benefits are mainly due to honey’s viscosity, which can coat the throat and provide a soothing effect, potentially reducing irritation and the cough reflex that often worsens congestion sensations. Additionally, honey contains small amounts of natural antimicrobial compounds, which may offer minor benefits in fighting some pathogens. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting honey’s efficacy in relieving nasal or chest congestion is limited. Most clinical research focuses on honey’s effect on cough frequency and severity, rather than on congestion itself. Reviews and studies, including those cited by the World Health Organization and Cochrane reviews, generally agree that honey can be more effective than placebo or no treatment for reducing cough in children, which may indirectly help with perceived congestion, but they do not show a direct decongestant effect. As such, honey’s use for congestion relief is primarily justified by traditional rather than strong scientific evidence.

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Products containing honey

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