Honey and Lemon for a Cough: Does It Work?
A hot honey and lemon drink can soothe a cough in a similar way to cough syrup, and UK guidance lists honey as a self-care option for people over 1 year old. The evidence is limited, and it won't cure the cause. Never give honey to babies under 1, and see a doctor if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks or you have warning signs.
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Key takeaways
- Most coughs from colds and flu clear up on their own within 3 to 4 weeks.
- Hot lemon and honey can have a similar effect to cough syrup, but evidence is limited.
- Never give honey to babies under 1: it can rarely cause infant botulism.
- See a doctor if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, or with weight loss or a weakened immune system.
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The short answer
Honey and lemon won't cure a cough, but it can make one easier to live with. The NHS says hot lemon and honey can have a similar effect to cough syrup, and the UK's NICE guideline on acute cough lists honey (for people over 1 year old) among self-care options people may wish to try. Both also note the evidence is limited.
Why most coughs don't need treatment
Most coughs are caused by colds or flu and clear up on their own within 3 to 4 weeks. Antibiotics don't help viral coughs. Self-care is about comfort while your body recovers:
- rest
- drink plenty of fluids
- paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches or a sore throat
- stay home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for normal activities
How to make a soothing honey and lemon drink
- Heat a mug of water until hot but not boiling.
- Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
- Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey.
- Sip slowly while warm.
Safety: who shouldn't use honey
- Babies under 1 year: never give honey. Occasionally honey contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's gut, causing infant botulism, a rare but serious illness.
- People with diabetes: honey is a sugar and will raise blood glucose. Count it in your carbohydrate intake.
- Children's teeth: honey is sugary, so don't use it as an everyday comforter.
Other options from a pharmacist
A pharmacist can suggest cough syrups or sweets. These won't stop the cough but may help you cough less. Some cough medicines aren't suitable for children under 12, and some herbal remedies aren't safe in pregnancy, so always check the leaflet or ask.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- your cough has lasted more than 3 weeks
- you're losing weight for no reason
- you have a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy or diabetes
Get urgent help if breathing is difficult, you have chest pain, you're coughing up blood, the side of your neck is swollen and painful, or you feel very unwell.
Common questions
How do I make a honey and lemon drink?
Squeeze half a lemon into a mug of hot (not boiling) water and stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Sip while warm. Remember honey is a sugar, so count it as part of your daily sugar intake.
Do antibiotics help a cough?
Usually not. Most coughs are caused by viruses such as colds and flu, which antibiotics don't treat. The NHS says a GP will only prescribe them if needed, for example for a bacterial infection.
Sources
- Cough (opens in a new tab) — NHS
- Cough (acute): antimicrobial prescribing — NICE guideline NG120 (opens in a new tab) — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Foods to avoid giving babies and young children (opens in a new tab) — NHS
