Soothe a Sore Throat with Manuka Honey
If you are suffering from a sore throat, manuka honey may help provide some relief.
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can reduce inflammation and attack the bacteria that cause pain.
Not only does manuka honey attack harmful bacteria, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect.
A recent study in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer observed the effects of consuming manuka honey on Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria responsible for sore throats.
Interestingly, researchers found a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans after they consumed manuka honey (
Moreover, manuka honey decreases harmful oral bacteria that causes mucositis, a common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy. Mucositis results in inflammation and painful ulcerations of the mucous membranes lining the esophagus and digestive tract (
For quite some time, various types of honey have been touted as natural cough suppressants.
In fact, one study found honey was as effective as a common cough suppressant (
Although manuka honey wasn’t used in this study, it’s likely to be just as effective at suppressing coughs.