Is Manuka Honey Good for Coughs?

Coughs can be more than just a nuisance—they disrupt sleep, strain the throat, and linger long after other symptoms have subsided, distracting us from our daily lives, whether it’s performing at work or looking after our families. 

And while over-the-counter medications have long been the go-to for most people, many, are increasingly looking to natural alternatives like Manuka honey for relief. But how effective is it really?

The Science Behind Honey and Cough Relief

For centuries, honey has been used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and coughs. Its natural sweetness makes it appealing to children and adults alike, but its benefits go far beyond taste.

Recent scientific studies have validated what folk medicine has long known: honey can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of coughing. In fact, a 2020 review published in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine journal concluded that honey was more effective than some commonly used medications, such as diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) or salbutamol (a bronchodilator), at improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in both adults and children.

One reason for this is that honey helps form a soothing coating over the throat, reducing irritation and calming the urge to cough. Additionally, its natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help fight off infections that may be contributing to respiratory discomfort.

What Sets Manuka Honey Apart?

While all honey has health benefits, Manuka honey stands in a league of its own.

Produced from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows natively in South Eastern Australia and New Zealand, this honey contains a unique bioactive compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). The presence of MGO is what gives Manuka honey its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The higher the MGO rating on a jar of Manuka honey, the higher its therapeutic potency. That means it’s not only better at helping to kill bacteria, but also at calming inflammation—a common cause of throat discomfort and persistent cough.

This makes Manuka honey especially well-suited for respiratory support, helping to:

● Reduce inflammation in the throat

● Fight off bacterial infections that may cause or prolong a cough

● Provide a thick, soothing barrier to protect the throat from further irritation

Many consumers report rapid relief when using high-grade Manuka honey for sore throats or dry, hacking coughs—particularly at night, when coughing tends to worsen.

More Than Just Antibacterial: Antiviral Power Too

While Manuka honey is widely known for its antibacterial powers, studies have also shown it possesses antiviral properties, helping the body fight off nasty viruses that can cause colds, flu, lingering coughs and disrupting our lives unnecessarily. These natural compounds work by inhibiting viral replication and reducing the severity of symptoms, making Manuka honey an even more powerful superfood for bolstering respiratory wellness.

How to Use Manuka Honey for Cough Relief and General Health

Incorporating Manuka honey into your wellness routine is simple—and it can even be enjoyable. Here are a few effective ways to use it:

1. Direct Consumption

Take a teaspoon of high-quality Manuka honey straight from the jar one to three times daily. Let it dissolve slowly in your mouth to fully coat your throat. For additional benefits, allow it to linger in your mouth—it’s also great for gum health and fending off oral bacteria.

2. Warm Beverages

Stir a teaspoon into a cup of warm (not hot) water or herbal tea. Add a splash of lemon juice for a hit of vitamin C. Avoid using boiling water, as excessive heat can diminish the beneficial enzymes and antibacterial properties of the honey.

3. Before Bedtime

Nighttime coughing can be especially disruptive. A spoonful of Manuka honey before bed can provide comfort, reduce coughing, and improve sleep quality. It's also an ideal natural remedy for children over the age of one—many kids love the taste and texture.

4. In Smoothies or Raw Foods

Add Manuka honey to smoothies or drizzle it over raw foods like yogurt or oats to support immunity and respiratory health while enjoying a delicious treat. Just remember: for maximum therapeutic benefit, it’s best consumed cold or at room temperature.

A Natural Choice for Wellness

We all know that pharmaceutical companies still dominate most conversations about health. 

Yet it’s come to light over many years that their products are not without side effects, in turn increasing the appeal of natural options like Manuka honey.

They offer a gentler, safer alternative that supports the body’s healing processes, without needing to worry about what harsh chemicals or additives are doing to our bodies. 

But Manuka honey isn’t just a home remedy—it’s a clinically proven and scientifically validated functional food. Whether you’re managing a seasonal cold, a lingering post-viral cough, or simply seeking to strengthen your immune system, Manuka honey has earned its place as a trusted remedy.

But it’s important to note: not all Manuka honeys are created equal.

Choose Certified, High-Quality Manuka Honey

Because of its rising popularity, the Manuka honey market has seen an influx of imitations and diluted products. That’s why it’s vital to choose honey from reputable producers with rigorous production standards and transparent certification.

For example, King Island Pure Manuka—a boutique producer located on the pristine and isolated King Island, northwest of Tasmania—offers some of the purest and most potent Manuka honey in the world. Thanks to the island’s lack of industry, clean air and water, and naturally mono-floral environment, bees can forage exclusively on Manuka flowers, resulting in exceptionally high-quality honey. Each batch is independently tested for MGO levels and purity, giving consumers peace of mind and maximum benefit.

Backed by both tradition and science, Manuka honey is a natural powerhouse when it comes to soothing sore throats, suppressing coughs, fighting viruses like the common cold, and supporting overall respiratory health, and general immunity 

And unlike many medications, it tastes delicious and offers a range of added benefits—from boosting immunity to supporting gut and gum health.

Just make sure you’re choosing the real deal. 

And the best place to start is the King Island Pure Manuka shop, where you can choose from a range of some of the purest Manuka honeys on earth!