CHICAGO, ILLINOIS : A teenspoon of honey before bed seems to calm children's coughs and help them sleep better, according ot a new study that relied on parents' reports of their children's symptoms.
The folk remedy did betterthn cough medicine or no treatment in a three-way comparison. Honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat, the study authors said.
Federal health advisers have recently warned that over the counter cough and cold medicines shouldn't be used in children younger than 6, and manufacturers are taking some products for babies off the market.
Three pediatricians who read the study said they would tell parents seeking alternative remedies to try honey. they noted that hondly should not be given to children under age 1 because of a rare but serious risk of botulism.