Honey A Better Option For Childhood Cough Than Over The Counter Medications

[mzmolly]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203164750.htm">ScienceDaily —

A study by a Penn State College of Medicine research team found that honey may offer parents an effective and safe alternative than over the counter children's cough medicines.

The study found that a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold medications.

Honey did a better job reducing the severity, frequency and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infection than DM or no treatment. Honey also showed a positive effect on the sleep quality of both the coughing child and the child's parents. DM was not significantly better at alleviating symptoms than no treatment.

These findings are especially notable since an FDA advisory board recently recommended that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children less than 6 years old because of their lack of effectiveness and potential for side effects.

From WIKI

Medicinal uses and health effects of honey

For at least 2700 years, honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained. Wound Gels that contain antibacterial honey and have regulatory approval for wound care are now available to help conventional medicine in the battle against drug resistant strains of bacteria MRSA. As an antimicrobial agent honey may have the potential for treating a variety of ailments. One New Zealand researcher says a particular type of honey may be useful in treating MRSA.<39> Antibacterial properties of honey are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, hydrogen peroxide effect,<40> and high acidity.<41> Honey may also be used to alleviate the effects of a sore throat. It is mixed with lemon juice and consumed. The mixture coats the throat alleviating discomfort, and the antibacterial, antiseptic properties are good for the throat as well.

*Note - Due to the natural presence of botulinum endospores in honey, children under one year of age should not be given honey. The more developed digestive systems of older children and adults generally destroy the spores. Infants, however, can contract botulism from honey.<48>

According to the http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_cough_hhg.htm">U of Michigan and other sources corn syrup can be helpful as well. But, I'm personally interested in the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey, so that gets an edge from me. ;)

Thought I'd share given the time of year.

:hi: