Honey 'is better for children's coughs'

Honey is better at treating children's coughs than an ingredient used in many over-the-counter medicines, according to new research.

A small dose of honey was found to be more effective in cutting both the severity and the frequency of night-time coughing than a widely-used cough suppressant.

Honey also gave children - and their parents - a better night's sleep, the researchers discovered, while Dextromethorphan (DM) which is found in several well-known brands of cough medicine including some types of Benylin and Robitussin, was found to be no better than taking nothing at all.

 

Dr Ian Paul, associate professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, who led the research, said: "Our study adds to the growing literature questioning the use of DM in children, but it also offers a legitimate and safe alternative for physicians and parents.