What Kind of Honey Is Best for Lungs?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Research suggests that honey, particularly certain types, can be more effective than some over-the-counter medications for soothing coughs associated with upper respiratory infections. This makes identifying what kind of honey is best for lungs a crucial step for those seeking natural relief from respiratory discomfort.

Quick Summary

Different types of honey offer unique benefits for respiratory health, leveraging antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to help soothe coughs and support lung function.

Key Points

Manuka Honey: Contains potent methylglyoxal (MGO) for fighting drug-resistant bacteria in severe respiratory infections.
Buckwheat Honey: Clinically proven to be a superior cough suppressant for nighttime coughs compared to some over-the-counter medicines.
Eucalyptus Honey: Offers a natural decongestant and expectorant effect due to its menthol-like compounds, helping to clear mucus.
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Flavonoids and other compounds in honey help reduce inflammation in the airways, a key factor in many respiratory issues.
Never for Infants: Honey must not be given to children under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.
Use with Caution: While beneficial, honey is high in sugar, so individuals with diabetes should use it sparingly and consult a doctor.
Not a Replacement: Honey should be considered a complementary remedy, not a substitute for prescribed medication for serious conditions like asthma or chronic infections.

Understanding Honey's Impact on Respiratory Health

For centuries, honey has been a staple in traditional medicine, valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These benefits are relevant to respiratory health as honey's thick texture can coat the throat, soothing irritation and suppressing coughs. Its natural compounds may also help fight off infections and combat inflammation in lung tissues.

Not all honey is created equal, with composition depending on the floral source. Monofloral honeys, from a single flower type, can offer concentrated beneficial compounds. Below are some effective varieties for lung health.

Manuka Honey for Serious Respiratory Infections

Manuka honey, from New Zealand and Australia, is known for its potent antibacterial activity due to methylglyoxal (MGO). This gives it a strong ability to fight bacteria, including drug-resistant types.

Antibacterial Power: Manuka honey has been shown to inhibit bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus, common in chronic lung infections, such as those in cystic fibrosis.
Synergistic Effects: Combining Manuka honey with antibiotics has shown improved bacterial clearance.
Anti-inflammatory and Soothing: It can also reduce throat inflammation and be used in sinus rinses for congestion.

Buckwheat Honey for Cough Suppression

Buckwheat honey is a dark honey rich in antioxidants. Studies show it is effective for cough suppression, particularly for children over one with upper respiratory infections.

Superior to OTC Medications: Research indicates a dose of buckwheat honey before bed can be more effective for reducing cough and improving sleep than some common cough suppressants.
Coats the Throat: Its thickness and antioxidants soothe irritation and support respiratory health.

Eucalyptus Honey for Decongestant Relief

Eucalyptus honey contains compounds with a menthol-like effect, helpful for opening airways and relieving congestion.

Natural Expectorant: Menthol notes help break up and expel mucus, aiding clearer breathing.
Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: Its properties can soothe symptoms of pharyngitis and bronchitis.

Comparison of Honeys for Respiratory Health

Here is a comparison of honeys to help determine what kind of honey is best for lungs based on your needs:


Feature	Manuka Honey	Buckwheat Honey	Eucalyptus Honey
Primary Benefit	Potent antibacterial, effective against specific drug-resistant bacteria.	Superior cough suppression, especially for children (over 1 year old).	Natural decongestant and expectorant.
Key Compound	Methylglyoxal (MGO).	High concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids.	Menthol-like compounds, eucalyptol.
Best For	Fighting infections, particularly in compromised respiratory systems like in cystic fibrosis.	Calming persistent nighttime coughs and improving sleep.	Relieving nasal and chest congestion from colds or bronchitis.
Flavor Profile	Earthy, slightly bitter, and medicinal.	Dark, robust, and full-bodied.	Invigorating, with a fresh, menthol-like finish.

How to Use Honey for Lung Health

Warm Water or Herbal Tea: Mix one to two teaspoons into warm water or tea, adding lemon for extra benefits.
Direct Ingestion: A spoonful can offer immediate relief by coating the throat.
Sinus Rinses: Manuka honey added to saline for a sinus rinse may help with congestion, but seek medical guidance.

Considerations and Precautions

Honey should not be given to infants under one due to botulism risk. Adults should use in moderation due to sugar content, especially those with diabetes. Always consult a healthcare professional for chronic conditions or severe infections. For more on honey's antibacterial properties, see this NIH resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758027/.

Conclusion

The best honey for lungs depends on the specific need. Manuka excels in fighting serious infections, buckwheat is effective for cough suppression, and eucalyptus helps with congestion. Understanding these properties allows for informed choices to support lung health, always alongside medical advice.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using honey to treat medical conditions, especially in cases of severe or persistent respiratory issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey has anti-inflammatory and cough-suppressing properties that may help manage some symptoms of asthma, like coughing. However, it is not a cure for asthma and should never replace prescribed medications, especially during an asthma attack.

Honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the symptoms of acute bronchitis, such as coughing and throat irritation. Eucalyptus honey, specifically, can help minimize excess mucus.

For a chronic or persistent cough, especially one that disrupts sleep, buckwheat honey is often recommended. Studies have shown it to be highly effective at suppressing coughs and improving sleep quality.

For soothing relief, you can take one or two teaspoons of honey directly or mix it into warm water or herbal tea. For coughs, taking it before bed can be especially helpful.

Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that gives it potent antibacterial properties, making it particularly effective against certain aggressive bacteria. Regular honey also offers benefits, but Manuka's unique composition can provide a stronger therapeutic effect for specific infections.

Honey has antimicrobial properties that may assist the body in fighting off infections, particularly in the upper respiratory tract. For specific, drug-resistant infections, Manuka honey has shown potential, sometimes even in combination with antibiotics.

Raw, unprocessed honey typically retains a higher concentration of beneficial compounds, like antioxidants and enzymes, which may offer more robust health benefits. Pasteurized honey is heat-treated to improve shelf life and appearance, but this process can reduce some of its therapeutic properties.