Honey for colds
Honey is a well-known folk remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases. It is believed that it strengthens the immune system, relieves sore throat and dry cough. Is it so? Dealing with an expert

When treating a cold, people often turn to alternative medicine. One of the most popular means of combating the signs of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections is honey. Thanks to its unique composition, it helps to strengthen the immune system and relieve inflammation. (one) 

What kind of honey can you eat with a cold

Each type of honey has its own healing properties.(2) Almost any type of honey is suitable for treating colds. The main thing is that honey is natural and does not contain any artificial additives.

Lime honey

Linden honey is an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It has an expectorant effect, helps with diseases of the respiratory organs.

Buckwheat honey

Buckwheat honey contains a huge amount of vitamins, strengthens the immune system and fights infection. It should be used for colds, it tones the body and removes toxins from it.

acacia honey

Acacia honey speeds up metabolism, increases vitality and strengthens the immune system. It also helps treat coughs and colds. 

mustard honey

Mustard honey has a healing effect on the respiratory system. It has an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. 

What is the best combination of honey in the treatment of colds

Honey in combination with other food products is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of colds. It is drunk with milk, with tea, eaten with lemon and ginger.

Honey with milk for colds

Honey with milk relieves sore throat, relieves acute symptoms of the disease, and significantly improves the general condition. To prepare a healing drink, you need to add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to a glass of warm milk. It is important to remember that milk should be warm, not hot, honey should not be subjected to heat treatment. When heated, the product loses most of the antioxidants and enzymes, in which lies its main benefit to the body.

Honey with tea for colds

Another common combination is honey with tea. Helps reduce sore throat and improve overall well-being. You can use it in two ways: by adding a spoonful of honey to a glass of warm tea, or by drinking tea with honey. The main condition: the drink should not be too hot, otherwise the honey will lose its beneficial properties.

Honey with lemon for colds

Both honey and lemon are sources of vitamins and trace elements that help in the treatment of colds. They strengthen the immune system, fight infection. (3) The simplest recipe: mix 150-200 grams of honey and 1 grated lemon (with zest). Consume in a small amount, in the morning, on an empty stomach, with water or warm tea.

Honey with ginger for colds

Ginger is effective in fighting coughs and other symptoms of the common cold. In combination with honey, its benefits increase. To prepare ginger tea with honey, you need to grind the ginger root, put in a teapot, pour boiling water and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Then cool the drink to about 50 degrees, decant and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink several times a day, one tablespoon.

How to take honey for a cold

To maximize the benefits of honey, you must follow a few rules.

First, honey should not be heated. Under the action of high temperatures, its structure changes, the product loses its useful properties. Therefore, honey should not be added to hot drinks, but should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Secondly, honey should be consumed in a reasonable amount. Abuse can cause allergies and lead to rashes. Plus it’s pretty high in calories. The daily rate of honey should not exceed 50-100 grams. In addition to allergy sufferers, honey is contraindicated for people with diabetes and urolithiasis.

Popular questions and answers

Candidate of Medical Sciences, pediatrician, nutritionist, specialist in integrative and preventive medicine Irina Yuzup answers questions about the benefits of honey.

Is it possible to eat honey with a cold with a temperature?

Yes, you can. But only in the absence of an allergic reaction to bee products and in the absence of a dry (barking) cough. With a dry cough, you can carefully take honey, but only in a diluted form, best of all in warm milk – this will contribute to the production of mucus that softens dryness. It is always important to consider an additional reaction to lactose and products containing it.

Can honey be used for colds by pregnant women and children?

For both children and pregnant women, honey for colds is not only possible, but necessary. But it is important to take into account individual intolerance and allergic reactions – to herbs, pollen and bee products.

Adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance should be careful with the amount of honey. Since honey is an easily digestible carbohydrate and can provoke sharp spikes in glucose.

What is the best way to eat honey for a cold?

Honey is a recognized remedy in the treatment and prevention of colds, but by no means a medicine. This is a product that can go in addition to the main doctor’s prescriptions. Honey is a good vitamin complex, easily digestible and useful “fuel” for the body.

Once again, I emphasize that honey does not tolerate high temperatures. When heated above 40 degrees, it changes its structure, resulting in the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural. And if you heat honey over 50 degrees, it loses almost all useful properties. Therefore, it is better to use honey with hot tea or milk “bite” in order to prevent overheating and destruction of nutrients.

Sources of

  1. I.L. Lazarevich. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of ARVI treatment / 2015. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/farmakologicheskie-i-nefarmakologicheskie-metody-lecheniya-orvi
  2. V.Yu. Ivanova, I.Yu. Arrestov. Melissopalinological analysis of honey / 2015. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/melissopalinologicheskiy-analiz-meda
  3. I.D. Karomatov, D.I. Kayimova. Citrus fruits as therapeutic agents / 2019. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tsitrusovye-kak-lechebnye-sredstva

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