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Honey improves cough-related outcomes in children with acute cough compared to pharmacological treatment

This meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (576 children) found no significant differences between honey and pharmacological treatments for most cough endpoints, except for a significant improvement in child sleep quality (MD: -0.73; 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.01; p=0.05). However, post-hoc sensitivity analyses suggested honey significantly improved all outcomes, including cough frequency, severity, bothersomeness, and sleep of children and caregivers, though these findings are hypothesis-generating.

Last updated: Sep 2, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Honey vs. pharmacological treatment for acute cough in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

observational

Timm Brun M, Abreu Vianna Braga MC, Teixeira Ferraz Grunewald S · European journal of pediatrics (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 3 days
Intervention: Honey compared to pharmacological antitussives (e.g., dextromethorphan)
Outcome: Cough frequency, severity, bothersomeness, child sleep quality, caregiver sleep quality, global symptom score
Effect Size: MD = -0.73 (95% CI: -1.45 to -0.01) for child sleep quality; other effect sizes not reported in abstract
Population: Children (mean age 3-5 years) with acute cough

Result:

PubMed: 42671586DOI: 10.1007/s00431-026-07348-w

Mechanism Graph

Honey coats the throat and provides a soothing effect
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Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
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Honey may reduce cough reflex sensitivity
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Result: Reduced cough symptoms and improved sleep

Limitations

  • ⚠High heterogeneity in primary analysis
  • ⚠Follow-up limited to 3 days
  • ⚠Post-hoc sensitivity analyses are exploratory and not definitive
  • ⚠Only 7 studies included, with 6 in meta-analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is honey more effective than cough medicine for children?▼

Primary analysis showed comparable efficacy for most outcomes, but post-hoc sensitivity analysis suggested honey may be superior across all symptom domains, though this is hypothesis-generating.

What dose of honey is recommended for children with cough?▼

The abstract does not specify a dose; typical recommendations are 1-2 teaspoons before bedtime, but consult a healthcare provider.

How long does honey take to improve cough symptoms?▼

In this study, follow-up was limited to 3 days, and improvements in child sleep were seen within that period.

Are there risks of giving honey to children?▼

Honey is generally low-risk, but should not be given to infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Timm Brun M, Abreu Vianna Braga MC, Teixeira Ferraz Grunewald S. "Honey vs. pharmacological treatment for acute cough in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.." European journal of pediatrics, 2026. PMID: 42671586 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-026-07348-w
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.