We've been hearing the same thing over and over recently—customers calling in, exhausted from nights of coughing, looking for something to soothe the discomfort and help them rest. The NHS is calling this one of the worst flu seasons on record, and it’s clear that a lot of people are struggling.

So, what is the best way to use honey to alleviate coughs and colds?

The best thing is to use honey as soon as you feel a sore throat or cough developing to reduce the severity of symptoms. 

Take a spoonful of thick honey like Raw Greek Organic Oak Honey Active 18.5 - 1kg  and repeat this process a few times a day for persistent relief​​.

Tilt your head back slightly and slowly rotate it, allowing the honey to coat the entire throat evenly. Let the honey sit and slide down your throat for several minutes to maximize its soothing effects​​​.

Thick honeys like Oak, Forest or Fir are particularly effective because they stay on the throat longer, forming a protective layer. These honeys often have additional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits due to their active compounds​​.

Honey can also be mixed into warm (not hot) water with lemon to provide a soothing drink, though direct application is more effective for throat coating​.

You might be wondering how honey actually works against sore throats and coughs?

It works in a number of ways:-

• Demulcent Effect: Honey has a thick viscous texture that coats the throat. This protective layer reduces irritation in the mucous membranes, which often trigger the cough reflex. By soothing these sensitive areas, honey helps to calm coughing. A thick honey, like Giorgios Organic Greek Oak, is ideal for this.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Honey contains bioactive antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, that reduce inflammation in the airways. This helps to alleviate swelling and irritation, key contributors to persistent coughing. Dark honeys contain more of these compounds.
• Moisturising Effect: Dryness in
  
  the throat can intensify coughing. Honey helps retain moisture in the throat, preventing further irritation and creating a more comfortable environment for healing.
• Natural Sweetness Stimulates Nerve Endings: The natural sweetness of honey can stimulate the nerve endings in the throat, which reduces the sensation of coughing. This effect is similar to how lozenges or syrups work to ease the cough reflex.
• Antimicrobial Action: If the cough is caused by a bacterial infection, honey’s antibacterial properties can help reduce the antibacterial load in the throat, aiding in recovery and suppressing coughs related to infections. An active honey, like the Sidr from Asterios is ideal for this.
• Scientific Evidence: A systematic review by Oxford University researchers analysed multiple clinical trials and concluded that honey is more effective than usual care alternatives for improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including cough frequency and severity.