As parents, we are often searching for a solution to alleviate our children's discomfort. When it comes to coughs, honey is a popular folk remedy that has been used for generations. But is it effective? Should we be giving honey to our toddlers? Let's investigate the truth behind honey as a cough relief and whether it’s fact or fiction.
What is honey?
Before diving into its effects on coughs, let's take a moment to appreciate what an amazing substance honey truly is. Made by bees from flower nectar, this sweet and delicious syrup has many incredible properties beyond just being tasty.
How do bees make honey?
Honeybees collect nectar from flowers using their long tongues and store it in their special stomachs called crop. They fly back to their hives where they pass the nectar off mouth-to-mouth with other worker bees who add enzymes that break down the complex sugars in the nectar. The enzyme also evaporates off some of the water content which turns the watery nectar into thick and gooey golden syrup known as 'honey.'
Types of Honey
Not all honeys are created equal! Depending on where the bees collected pollen &nectar will determine the floral scent profile,the color,& nutritional properties come up with various types.Here are some common ones:
1- Clover/Alfalfa
2-Acacia
3-Manuka
4-Lavender
5-Buckwheat
6-Wildflower
Why do kids get coughs?
When your toddler gets sick -as sad an inevitability as death or taxes- you may feel so helpless listening them sneezing,coughing,and not sleeping enough.Why does this happen? Let shed light on why taking care of these little humans can be such a challenge:
The Basic Biology
The human body has some natural defense mechanisms in place to combat illnesses called immune systems.The immune system goes into overdrive trying and fighting off the germs.Unfortunately, this results in increased production of mucus causing coughing fits.
Environmental Conditions
Other causes could be environmental factors such as pollen,dry air or allergens like dust.Cough serves a purpose by preventing substances from staying in the respiratory tract for too long, playing the role of cleaning crew.However sometimes it becomes annoying for children and caregivers to manage repeated coughing at night hence remedies are sort.
Honey as a Cough Remedy:
Honey is frequently used as a natural remedy for several ailments including sore throats & digestive issues. Can honey effectively help relieve toddler’s coughs? Let's dive deeper!
Antioxidants
Studies show that honey contains high levels of antioxidants which makes sense since it produced out of flowers. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals-thereby reducing chances infection prone(TAKEN FROM THE COMEDIAN JOSH JOHNSON SUMMONING HIS MOM'S LOVE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN ALL FORMS).
Slug-mucous Effect:
One thing we know about honey is its sticky nature- think Winnie-The -Pooh eating his way around pots in searches of sweet stuff.This same stickiness makes it act-like-a-slug;cool eh! This property helps coats-the throat soothe irritations& can reduce chills.(Wonder what would happen if you put slug mucous on tv remote?)
We resort to over-the-counter medication when we just want quick relief but then comes risks-too much use could lead resistant microbes,future drug allergies among others.What's cool is that unlike other OTC medication-honey doesn't come with many side effects unless child allergic.Honey isn't likely to interact negatively with any preexisting medication your child may be on.
Research conducted:
A study published in the Pediatrics Journal found that honey was as effective at soothing coughs among children than dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough suppressant. Amazing right? worth considering when next searching for solutions for toddler's cough.(Note:Studies done are with sample sizes and hence generalized claims should not be made).
It’s essential to remember this does-not mean-you-should-cut-out-professional-care but could make a great addition alongside medical advice or caution in case of allergies.
Precautions
As mentioned earlier-allergies:honey contains blooming pollens post consumption which could lead reactions.Should observe the following: 1)Avoid giving babies under 12 months honey. 2)Test whether allergic by application on skin before oral intake. 3)Don’t give too much -as anything ingested excessive quantities carries risks.
The after-taste might feel a little sticky and sweet but given toddler friendly dosage(could become one once-off activity-doctor/be sure/implement PRECAUTIONS beforehand)
Conclusion
There you have it folks !! Honey-as-a-cough-relief is indeed fact.While an affordable natural remedy albeit not exempt from carrying certain precautions,it can surely provide some relief amidst nights spent patting baby's chest so they breathe easily.But let us know if like me,you're also fascinated about slugs and snails☺!