Turns out, a drizzle of honey on your morning crumpet is more than just a delicious treat. A new study by the University of Oxford has shown the sweet spread to be more effective at relieving upper respiratory tract infections including coughs, blocked noses and sore throats than many conventional medicines.

While honey has long been used as a home remedy, new evidence has revealed just how powerful it can be.

The new study, conducted by a trio of Oxford University Medical School researchers, involved 14 clinical trials, made up of 1,761 participants of varying ages.

The trials saw honey compared to a placebo, as well as honey against a variety of common-use cold and flu medicines, including over-the-counter cough suppressants, antibiotics, painkillers and antihistamines.

Results showed that honey was able to improve symptoms more effectively than the usual care methods, particularly in relation to coughing. Honey was able to reduce the frequency of coughing by 36% and its severity by 44%. It also has the advantage of no nasty side effects.

In conclusion, the researchers stated: “honey is a frequently used lay remedy that is well known to patients. It is also cheap, easy to access, and has limited harms. When clinicians wish to prescribe for URTI (upper respiratory tract infections), we would recommend honey as an alternative to antibiotics.

“Honey is more effective and less harmful than usual care alternatives and avoids causing harm through antimicrobial resistance.”

The scientists also acknowledged that the quality of honey can vary greatly depending on the product, which may affect the results.

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