Can Manuka Honey Stop a Cough? An In-Depth Look

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

According to a 2021 systematic review published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, honey was found to be superior to usual care for improving the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including cough. This provides a strong scientific basis for exploring whether Manuka honey can stop a cough and alleviate related symptoms.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey may help calm a cough by acting as a demulcent, coating the throat to reduce irritation and suppressing the urge to cough. Its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content and potent antibacterial properties further aid in combating respiratory infections. This makes it a scientifically supported natural remedy for both adults and children over one year old, especially for nighttime coughing.

Key Points

Manuka Honey Soothes Coughs: The honey's thick, demulcent texture coats and calms the throat, which helps to suppress the cough reflex and ease irritation, particularly during the night.
Superior Antibacterial Action: High concentrations of methylglyoxal (MGO) give Manuka honey potent antibacterial properties, allowing it to address the root cause of some coughs stemming from bacterial infections.
Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral Benefits: Manuka honey's antioxidants and other bioactive compounds help reduce inflammation in the airways and may possess antiviral properties that aid in fighting cold and flu viruses.
Safe for Older Children: For children over one year, studies suggest honey, including Manuka, can be more effective at reducing nighttime coughing and improving sleep than common over-the-counter cough medicines.
Use with Caution: Manuka honey should never be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism. Always choose high-grade, UMF or MGO-rated honey for medicinal use.
Effective Administration: For best results, take a spoonful of high-grade Manuka honey directly or mix it into a warm (not hot) beverage like herbal tea with lemon.

The Science Behind Manuka Honey and Cough Relief

Manuka honey's unique composition, notably its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content, distinguishes it from regular honey and contributes to its potent antibacterial properties.

In addition to fighting bacteria, Manuka honey offers several benefits for cough relief. Research, including a 2007 study in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, indicates honey can be effective at reducing nighttime cough in children over one year old. This suggests Manuka honey can be a natural alternative with fewer side effects than some over-the-counter options, especially for children.

How to Choose and Use Manuka Honey for a Cough

Select Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10+ or an MGO rating of 263+ for medicinal use, as these indicate higher concentrations of beneficial compounds.

Effective ways to use Manuka honey for coughs:

Directly: Swallow 1-2 teaspoons for direct throat coating.
Warm Drink: Mix a teaspoon into warm water or herbal tea; add lemon for extra vitamin C.
Before Sleep: Take a spoonful to alleviate nighttime coughing and improve rest.
Natural Syrup: Combine with ingredients like ginger or turmeric for added benefits.

Note: Avoid using boiling water to preserve the honey's beneficial properties. Do not give Manuka honey to infants under 12 months due to botulism risk.

The Importance of MGO Levels

MGO is key to Manuka honey's potent antibacterial effects. Higher MGO levels, such as 550+ or 850+, indicate stronger medicinal properties, which may be more effective for persistent coughs or infections. Higher MGO also ensures the antibacterial activity lasts longer.

Comparison Table: Manuka Honey vs. Standard Cough Syrup


Feature	Manuka Honey (High MGO)	Standard Cough Syrup (e.g., Dextromethorphan)
Mechanism	Coats throat (demulcent), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant	Suppresses cough reflex in the brain
Symptom Relief	Soothes throat irritation, reduces cough frequency, and addresses underlying infection	Reduces the frequency of coughing episodes
Active Compounds	Methylglyoxal (MGO), flavonoids, phenolic acids	Dextromethorphan (DM), diphenhydramine (DPH)
Side Effects	Rare, can include sugar intake concerns; not for infants under 1	Potential side effects include dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness
Efficacy in Kids	Research suggests superior effectiveness for nocturnal cough in children over 1	Often not recommended for children under 6 due to side effects
Treatment Focus	Addresses both symptoms and potential microbial cause of the infection	Focuses solely on symptom suppression

Conclusion: Can Manuka Honey Stop a Cough?

Manuka honey can be effective for managing cough symptoms, especially those from upper respiratory infections. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties provide comprehensive relief. Studies support its use, even showing superiority over some conventional suppressants for children's nighttime coughs. While it may not eliminate every cough, it's a scientifically supported, natural option for adults and children over one year old and a good addition during cold and flu season. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people report feeling relief within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption, particularly a soothing sensation in the throat and a reduction in coughing fits. Taking it before bed is especially effective for suppressing nocturnal coughing.

Yes, Manuka honey is a safe and effective remedy for children over one year old. For infants under 12 months, however, it should be strictly avoided due to the risk of botulism.

You can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of Manuka honey straight from the spoon to coat the throat directly. Another popular method is to stir it into a warm (not boiling) herbal tea with lemon.

Manuka honey is particularly effective for soothing coughs caused by upper respiratory tract infections and throat irritation. Its antimicrobial properties can also help with bacterial causes. However, for chronic or severe coughs, it is not a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment.

For therapeutic use, including treating coughs, it is recommended to use Manuka honey with a minimum MGO rating of 250+. Higher MGO grades, such as 550+ or 850+, are considered more potent for persistent or severe symptoms.

Manuka honey is superior to regular honey for coughs due to its significantly higher concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it more potent and stable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, any honey can offer a basic demulcent effect to soothe the throat.

If you are on medications, especially for diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using Manuka honey regularly.