“Is Honey Better for Your Child’s Cough Due to the Common Cold than Dextromethorphan (e.g. - Robitussin)?”

Abstract

Honey is generally believed to be safe outside of the infant population (it may cause botulism, a potentially fatal disease, in infants under one). Honey is also known to have antibacterial properties and is cited by the World Health Organization as a potential treatment for upper respiratory infections. In a recent study comparing honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment, parents of children with colds rated honey the highest for relief of their child’s cough and sleep problems. As a result, the authors concluded, honey is likely a better treatment for the cough and sleep difficulty associated with childhood upper respiratory tract infections. Suggested dosing is: 2-5 years - 1/2 teaspoon, children 6-11 years - 1 teaspoon, and children 12-18 years - 2 teaspoons every 6-8 hours as needed.4 Use caution when administering honey to a child with a personal or family history of allergies as allergic reactions are known to occur with honey.