Honey & Lemon vs. Cough Syrup: Which Soothes Your Throat Best?

As winter arrives, many people start to catch colds and coughs. You might notice that coughing is common in homes, schools, and on public transport. When you get a cough, you may wonder if you should buy cough medicine or try a homemade remedy like honey and lemon. Professor Jacky Smith, an expert in respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester, explains that most coughs are caused by cold viruses. These viruses need time to leave your body, and cough medicines can't cure the virus itself. However, they can help soothe your throat and reduce the tickly feeling that makes you cough. If you have a dry cough, syrup-based medicines like glycerol can help by coating your throat and protecting it from dryness. Professor Smith says you don't need to spend a lot of money on expensive brands, because supermarket-own brands work just as well. It's important to check the sugar content on the label, as many cough syrups are very sweet. If you want to avoid sugar, look for sugar-free options.

Cough medicines often advertise special 'active ingredients. ' One common ingredient is dextromethorphan, which claims to suppress your cough reflex. Professor Smith says the effect is small, and you should always follow the dosing instructions, especially with dextromethorphan, because it can be addictive. Another ingredient, levomenthol, is found in some syrups for chesty coughs. It gives a cooling sensation at the back of your throat, which can help mask the tickle and irritation. If you have a chesty cough, you might feel like you have a lot of phlegm and a tight chest. This can be caused by secondary infections like bronchitis or extra mucus in your nose and sinuses. Many people turn to over-the-counter syrups, but Professor Smith says you should be skeptical about their effectiveness. For example, guaifenesin is supposed to loosen phlegm, but there isn't strong evidence that it works. Sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine may help you sleep, but they don't treat the cough itself. Plant extracts such as thyme and squill also lack proof of effectiveness.

Instead, Professor Smith recommends waiting for your body to recover, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and using lozenges that encourage swallowing and temporarily stop coughing. Homemade remedies like honey and lemon can be just as soothing for dry coughs as many over-the-counter medicines. Research suggests that honey and lemon may help children over one year old with coughs and colds. It's important to remember that coughing is a natural way for your body to get rid of mucus. If you have a mucus-filled cough, spitting out the excess can help clear your airways. Professor Smith says she prefers to cough up whatever is needed rather than suppress it. If you do cough up mucus, use a tissue. Swallowing mucus is not harmful, as your stomach can break it down. You only need to worry if the mucus is dark brown, which could mean there is blood in it. Most chesty coughs go away after a few weeks without antibiotics, but if your cough lasts more than three weeks, you should see your doctor.

There are many ways to take care of yourself when you have a cough. Spending time with family, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply relaxing at home can help you feel better. Some people like to swim in the sea during winter, check the temperature at home, or play with their pets in the snow. The most important thing is to be patient and let your body heal naturally.