We ask Dr Hilary Jones What's the best way to treat a sore throat & a cough?
Sore throats are so common and so inconvenient at this time of year.
“Well, you can take paracetamol, you can gargle salt water, you can suck ice cubes, you can take Ibuprofen, but why not take something natural that doesn't have specific side effects. I recommend New Zealand Manuka honey, it's soothing, it's nice, in terms of flavour and it slides down nice and easily.”
Manuka honey's MGO content has been studied for its antibacterial effects, particularly against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes – two bacteria commonly linked to sore throats and infections.
Can Manuka honey help my cough?
“A cough, which is so common, is really your body’s reflex trying to clear the respiratory passageways of pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
You don't actually want to suppress a cough too much because it has a purpose, but Manuka honey is really good at suppressing that irritating part of the cough. It's also antibacterial, it's soothing, and it's not just me talking about this as a GP either, this is recommended by NICE (the organisation that publishes advice for healthcare professionals and the public.)”
A 2018 study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that honey may be more effective than over-the-counter treatments for children’s coughs, especially in reducing cough frequency and severity.
Why Manuka Will Help Relieve Your Cough Quickly…
- It coats and soothes the throat
- It has natural antimicrobial properties
- It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- It improves sleep quality
Take a spoonful in the morning and at night for quick natural relief
Watch the video for in the series from Dr Hillary here.
Or try a new take on how to make a home made cough syrup with Manuka Doctor honey for a boost
Natural ways to beat the bugs
“If you'd like to avoid relying on pharmaceutical medications for wintery, spluttery coughs and colds, you might be interested to know that I keep this in my cupboard, in my kitchen at home. It's genuine New Zealand Manuka honey. It's antibacterial and it's antiviral and it's anti inflammatory. And it's natural, it's like natural medicine. So rely on this, it gives you good protection.”
Or try a new take on how to take Manuka Doctor honey for a boost
