Experts Question Effectiveness of Common Cough Remedies, Suggest Honey and Lemon as Soothing Alternatives
London, UK – As winter illnesses surge, millions reach for over-the-counter cough syrups, but a leading expert is urging caution, suggesting that simple remedies like honey and lemon may be just as effective – and possibly more beneficial – for soothing a cough. Professor Smith’s advice challenges the widespread reliance on medicated syrups, citing a lack of conclusive evidence supporting many of their key ingredients.
A chesty cough, often accompanied by phlegm and a tight chest, can stem from secondary infections like bronchitis or increased mucus production. While the impulse to seek quick relief is strong, Professor Smith argues that many common cough syrup ingredients lack robust scientific backing. Guaifenesin, marketed to loosen phlegm, has not been definitively proven to work, and sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine only address symptoms like sleeplessness, not the cough itself. This comes as many face weeks of discomfort, with most chesty coughs resolving without antibiotics within three weeks, but requiring a GP visit if symptoms persist beyond that timeframe.
The expert suggests a “wait it out” approach, prioritizing hydration and utilizing lozenges to encourage swallowing and temporarily inhibit the cough reflex. Plant extracts like thyme and squill also offer little proven benefit. Rather, a warm mixture of honey and lemon provides a comparable soothing effect for dry coughs, and a 2023 Cochrane review – an self-reliant assessment of evidence – indicated honey and lemon “could be of some benefit” for children over one year with coughs and colds.
Crucially, Professor Smith emphasizes the importance of not suppressing a mucus-y cough. Coughing is the body’s natural mechanism for clearing airways, and expelling phlegm can provide relief. While coughing up mucus is preferable, accidental swallowing poses no harm as the stomach can break it down. Individuals should seek medical attention if they cough up dark brown mucus, which may indicate the presence of blood.
