Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

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  • Honey When Sick Natural Cold Remedy for Soothing Sore Throats

    Honey When Sick Natural Cold Remedy for Soothing Sore Throats

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    When you or your kids are sick with a cold, finding relief can be a challenge. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural remedies that can help soothe symptoms and provide comfort. One such remedy is honey, which has been used for centuries for its healing properties. In this article, we will explore the benefits of honey when sick and how you can use it to ease sore throats and other cold symptoms.

    The Power of Honey for Colds

    Honey has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. It is packed with antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that can help soothe an irritated throat and fight off infection. A research study conducted on children with colds found that honey consistently scored best in parents’ rating of their children’s cough symptoms when compared to honey-flavored cough medicine or no treatment at all. It is believed that honey works by coating and soothing the throat, while also providing antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

    Using Honey for Sore Throats

    When it comes to using honey for sore throats, there are a few different options. One simple and effective way is to make a honey lemon drink. Here’s how you can do it:

    1. Juice a lemon to obtain about 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
    2. Heat water on the stove, in a kettle, or in a microwave-safe mug.
    3. Add honey and lemon juice to the water, stirring until the honey is dissolved.
    4. Test the temperature to ensure it is not too hot.
    5. Optionally, add more honey or lemon to taste.

    This honey lemon drink can help soothe a sore throat and provide relief from coughing. It is important to note that honey should not be given to babies younger than 12 months as it may contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism.

    Natural Cold Remedies for Kids

    When your child has a cold, you want to provide them with relief without resorting to medication. Here are some natural cold remedies that can help:

    1. Encourage Nose Blowing

    Having your kids blow their nose can help clear out excess mucus and relieve sinus pressure. Make sure to have tissues handy and teach your kids to wash their hands after blowing their nose to prevent the spread of germs.

    2. Drink Warm Liquids

    Drinking hot liquids, such as the honey lemon drink mentioned earlier, can help relieve nasal congestion and keep your child hydrated. Warm soups and herbal teas are also good options.

    3. Apply Hot or Cold Packs

    Applying hot or cold packs around the sinuses can provide relief from congestion and sinus pressure. Heat a damp washcloth in the microwave for 20 seconds for a hot pack, or use a small bag of frozen vegetables as a cold pack. Always test the temperature before applying to your child’s skin.

    4. Elevate the Head

    Having your child sleep with an extra pillow under their head can help drain nasal passages and alleviate congestion.

    Helping Kids Through the Stages of a Cold

    A cold typically progresses through several stages. Here’s how you can help your child through each stage:

    Stage 1: Onset

    During this stage, your child may experience mild symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, mild fatigue, and a sore throat. Encourage plenty of rest and ensure they stay well hydrated.

    Stage 2: Progression

    As the cold settles in, your child may develop moderate congestion and a cough. This is when you can start using natural remedies like the honey lemon drink, chicken soup, soft tissues, and vapor rub. Additionally, make sure your child is getting enough zinc-rich foods like eggs, garbanzo beans, pumpkin seeds, and whole grains to support their immune system.

    Stage 3: Peak

    At this stage, your child’s cold symptoms are at their peak. They may have a low-grade fever, body aches, severe congestion, and a persistent cough. Double up on liquids to keep them hydrated and relieve congestion. Use humidifiers, hot steam from a shower, and saline nasal sprays or rinses to alleviate sinus pressure.

    Stage 4: Remission

    As the severe symptoms start to subside, it’s important to sanitize surfaces, wash bedding, clothes, hand towels, and personal items like toothbrushes and phones to prevent reinfection.

    Stage 5: Recovery

    During the recovery stage, your child will start feeling almost 100%. Encourage them to consume immune-boosting foods and return to a regular sleep and eating pattern to support their overall health.

    Conclusion

    While there is no cure for the common cold, natural remedies like honey can provide relief from symptoms and soothe sore throats. Honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties make it a valuable tool in your cold-fighting arsenal. By using honey in a honey lemon drink and following other natural cold remedies, you can help ease your child’s discomfort and support their recovery. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or persist. Stay healthy and take care!

  • Honey When Sick Natural Remedy for Cough and Congestion

    Honey When Sick Natural Remedy for Cough and Congestion

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    When you or your child is sick with a cold or flu, finding relief from symptoms like coughing and congestion becomes a top priority. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate discomfort. One such remedy is honey, which has been used for centuries to soothe coughs and ease congestion. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using honey when sick and how to use it safely and effectively.

    The Power of Honey

    Honey has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. It is a natural cough suppressant and has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off infections. The soothing properties of honey can provide relief for irritated throats and help to thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Additionally, honey is rich in antioxidants, which can boost the immune system and aid in the healing process.

    Using Honey for Cough Relief

    When it comes to using honey for cough relief, it is important to note that honey should never be given to babies under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism. However, for children over 1 year of age and adults, honey can be a safe and effective remedy for coughs. Here are some ways to use honey when sick:

    1. Honey Dosage for Children: For children ages 1 to 5 years old, half a teaspoon of honey can provide relief from coughing. For children ages 6 to 11 years old, 1 teaspoon of honey is recommended. Children 12 years or older can take 2 teaspoons of honey.

    2. Honey Dosage for Adults: Adults can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey as needed to alleviate coughing.

    3. Timing of Honey Consumption: It is best to take honey before bedtime to soothe nighttime coughing and promote restful sleep. However, honey can be taken throughout the day as needed.

    4. Combining Honey with Other Ingredients: To enhance the effectiveness of honey for cough relief, you can mix it with warm water, lemon juice, or herbal tea. These combinations can help to further soothe the throat and ease coughing.

    Remember to always brush your teeth after consuming honey to prevent tooth decay.

    Using Honey for Congestion Relief

    Congestion is a common symptom of colds and flu, and it can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe. Honey can help to alleviate congestion and clear the nasal passages. Here’s how to use honey for congestion relief:

    1. Honey Nasal Drops: You can make your own saline nose drops by mixing salt water with honey. Administer 1 to 2 drops of the mixture in each nostril or spray 1 to 2 sprays in each nostril. For infants, you can use a rubber suction bulb to remove excess drops or spray.

    2. Humidifiers and Vaporizers: Placing a humidifier or vaporizer in your child’s room can help moisten the air and clear nasal passages. Ensure that the device is safely out of reach of children and clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

    Safety Precautions

    While honey is generally safe for most people, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

    1. Infant Botulism: As mentioned earlier, honey should never be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism.

    2. Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to honey. If you or your child experience any allergic reactions, such as swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

    3. Dosage: It is important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines for honey based on age. Taking excessive amounts of honey can lead to digestive issues or an increase in blood sugar levels.

    Conclusion

    When you or your child is sick with a cold or flu, finding relief from symptoms like coughing and congestion becomes essential. Honey is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to alleviate coughs and ease congestion. Its soothing properties and antimicrobial effects make it an effective and safe option for both children and adults. By using honey in the recommended dosages and following safety precautions, you can find relief from coughs and congestion and promote a faster recovery. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if symptoms persist. Stay healthy and enjoy the benefits of honey when sick.

  • Honey When Sick Can it Really Help with Cold and Flu Symptoms?

    Honey When Sick Can it Really Help with Cold and Flu Symptoms?

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    When we’re feeling under the weather, many of us turn to natural remedies in the hopes of finding relief from our symptoms. One popular home remedy that has been passed down through generations is the combination of honey and cinnamon. It is believed that these two ingredients can help alleviate symptoms such as cough and sore throat. However, despite its long history of use, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this remedy. In this article, we will delve into the science behind the honey and cinnamon cure for the common cold and explore whether it can truly help us feel better when we’re sick.

    What is the Honey and Cinnamon Cure?

    The honey and cinnamon cure has been used for centuries as a homemade remedy for various ailments, including the common cold, sore throats, allergies, and minor health issues. This remedy has its roots in Traditional Persian Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. The basic recipe is simple: mix 1 part cinnamon with 4 parts honey and take 1 teaspoon three times a day for three to four days.

    To make a batch for a full course of treatment, the following measurements can be used:

    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
    • 1/4 cup honey

    For larger batches to accommodate multiple people, simply multiply the recipe by the number of individuals. For example, a family of four would use 1 cup of honey and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon. It is important to store the mixture in a closed jar at room temperature.

    Possible Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon

    The combination of honey and cinnamon is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including:

    • Acne relief
    • Allergy relief
    • Arthritis relief
    • Improvement of bad breath
    • Alleviation of common cold symptoms
    • Cough relief
    • Assistance in managing diabetes
    • Relief for digestive disorders
    • Protection against heart disease
    • Aid in fighting infections
    • Improvement of skin conditions
    • Soothing of sore throats
    • Assistance in treating urinary tract infections
    • Aid in weight loss
    • Promotion of wound healing

    However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific research to support these claims.

    Does it Cure the Common Cold?

    Contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the honey and cinnamon cure can actually cure the common cold. The common cold is caused by various viruses, and it typically resolves on its own within a week to ten days. While both honey and cinnamon contain antioxidants and other nutrients that may help alleviate cold symptoms, there is no research indicating that they can cure or shorten the duration of a cold.

    The Effect of Honey on Cough

    Although honey cannot cure a cold, it has been found to provide relief for certain common cold symptoms. Research suggests that honey can help alleviate coughs and soothe sore throats. Several studies have compared the effects of honey to placebos, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and asthma medications on children with coughs.

    According to a review of published studies, honey was found to be more effective than antihistamines and no treatment in suppressing a cough. It was equally effective as a cough suppressant and more effective than asthma medication or a placebo in reducing cough duration. In addition, honey has been shown to improve sleep in children with coughs and is often preferred by parents over cough medication.

    The Soothing Power of Honey for Sore Throats

    Honey has also been found to be effective in soothing sore throats, although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. It is known that honey contains compounds with antibacterial properties that may help fight infections and promote healing. One study even found that honey can help relieve strep throat and other bacterial infections.

    In another study, patients who received honey after a tonsillectomy experienced less throat pain and required less post-operative pain medication compared to those in the control group. While this study shows promise, it had a small sample size, and more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

    Cinnamon and its Potential for Cold Relief

    Cinnamon possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that could potentially help combat the common cold. Laboratory studies have shown that compounds found in cinnamon can act as an expectorant, thinning phlegm and making it easier to cough up. Cinnamon has also been found to open airways, alleviate shortness of breath, reduce fever and chills, and even potentially prevent COVID-19 infections. However, it is important to note that clinical trials are lacking, and there is currently no evidence to prove that cinnamon can prevent or cure any illness.

    Use Cinnamon with Caution

    While cinnamon is generally considered safe for consumption, it should be used with caution as allergic reactions are possible. Certain types of cinnamon, particularly Cassia cinnamon, may also promote blood thinning, so individuals taking blood thinners or with clotting disorders should exercise caution when using cinnamon. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking significant amounts of cinnamon or any other herbal or natural remedy, as even natural substances can have risks and potential side effects.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the combination of honey and cinnamon has long been regarded as a cure for the common cold and various other ailments. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. While honey has been found to alleviate coughs and soothe sore throats, it cannot cure a cold. Cinnamon, on the other hand, has shown potential in laboratory studies but requires further clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness. That being said, both honey and cinnamon are natural ingredients that are generally safe for consumption. If you’re suffering from a cold, cough, or sore throat, it may be worth trying the honey and cinnamon remedy. Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 teaspoon three times a day. Remember to store the mixture in a closed jar at room temperature.