Honey for Dry Cough in Kids
There was a small study done recently that compared dextromethorphan to honey. Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin DM) is the typical OTC drug used to treat dry cough.
The study had kids from 2 to 18 years old with upper respiratory tract infections and nighttime cough. There were three branches in th study -no treatment, honey or dextromethorphan. The parents then filled out a questionnaire about how the kids cough and sleep improved.
Granted, it was a small, subjective study but it found that honey worked better than dextromethorphan! Only proving what moms have been saying for decades 
Why does honey work? The exact way how honey works is unclear. There are a couple of theories. Honey is a known antioxidant which may help cold symptoms. The sweetness may also help. Sweetness causes reflex salivation and secretion that can soothe the pharynx and larynx. The sweetness may also work with the central nervous system to decrease the need to cough.
How do I give it to my child?
Kids under 12 months should not be given honey because of the risk of botulism.
2-5 years old: 1/2 teaspoon 30 minutes before bedtime
6-11 years old: 1 teaspoon 30 minutes before bedtime
12-18 years old: 2 teaspoons 30 minutes before bedtime
The truth be told, dextromethorphan doesn’t work that well. Next time I have a dry cough, I will most definitely be taking honey before bedtime -plus yum!
Please leave us a comment about your experience and home remedies!
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dear doctor, is about my aged mother she is suffring from dry cough for quit a long time now i don’t know what to do again pls help me i need your help thanks
James,