Are you coughing your lungs out? Do you have a sore throat that makes it painful for you to swallow food? Sore throats can be annoying! Often, we neglect our respiratory health, which invites more severe respiratory issues.
In Nepal, the locals have been consuming mad honey for years to cure coughs and congestion. Mad honey is a natural cough syrup with no side effects. Along with treating your cough, it will also nourish your body with vital nutrients.
Mad Honey and Respiratory Health
Mad Honey contains a diverse range of active components that contribute to its potential medicinal properties. These components include grayanotoxins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and various enzymes. As with any natural honey, it contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal agents. But, with mad honey, the effects amplify!
Here’s how it helps with your respiratory health:
- The antimicrobial properties may help combat respiratory infections caused by bacteria or fungi. By inhibiting the growth and spread of pathogens, it can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory illnesses.
- Mad Honey has been used for a long time to help soothe coughs and congestion. When you have a cough, your throat can feel irritated and uncomfortable.
But the sticky texture of Mad Honey creates a coating that can make your throat feel better and help stop coughing. It can also make the mucus in your chest thinner, making it easier to get rid of and making you feel less stuffed up.
- Mad Honey has the potential to make breathing easier for people with different breathing problems. When you have a condition like asthma or chronic bronchitis, your airways can get inflamed, making it hard to breathe.
Mad Honey has a unique agent called methylglyoxal (MGO) that can reduce this inflammation. By doing that, it can help you breathe better and improve how your lungs work.
- It has special powers to fight off germs. It can stop the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in your respiratory system. So, if you have an infection like a cold or flu, Mad Honey could help you get better faster. It fights the germs and may make the infection go away sooner.
- When you have a sore throat or cough, it is often followed by low energy and fever. Mad honey is a great source of antioxidants that can fuel you up with energy. It can help you get off the bed, have a productive day, and give you a good night’s sleep.
Also Read: Manuka Honey vs Regular Honey: Also Highlighting Mad Honey
Mad Honey Home Remedies for Cough and Sore Throat
Here are five home remedies that involve Mad Honey, which have been used by some individuals for soothing a sore throat, cough, and congestion. However, please consult a healthcare professional before trying any of these remedies (especially if you have any health condition):
Mad Honey, Turmeric and Milk
This remedy will be your saviour if you suffer from sore throat and cough. Drink this blend every night after your dinner.
Steps:
- Mix one tablespoon of mad honey and a pinch of turmeric powder in warm milk.
- Stir well until there is no lump of honey.
- Enjoy your honey milk!
Also Read: Raw Honey vs. Mad Honey: Are There Any Differences?
Mad Honey and Warm Water
If you are suffering from a sore throat and constantly coughing, you can try this basic yet natural concoction. Consume it every morning before starting your day. This remedy may help soothe a sore throat and alleviate coughing.
Steps:
- Mix one teaspoon of Mad Honey with a cup of warm water.
- Stir well until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Sip the mixture slowly, allowing it to coat your throat.
Mad Honey and Lemon Juice
Consume this mixture early morning to start your day and soothe a sore throat and provide relief from coughing.
Steps:
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup.
- Add one teaspoon of Mad Honey to the cup.
- Mix well until the honey is blended with the lemon juice.
Mad Honey and Ginger Tea
Drink this concoction while it’s warm to help alleviate sore throat and cough symptoms.
Steps:
- Prepare a cup of ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Add one teaspoon of Mad Honey to the ginger tea and stir well.
Mad Honey and Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and complements pretty well the potential benefits of mad honey for respiratory health.
Steps:
- Mix one teaspoon of Mad Honey with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Consume this mixture directly or dissolve it in warm water to create a soothing drink.
Mad Honey and Herbal Steam
Mad honey has a strong aroma that also can be an aid to your respiratory health. The steam can help relieve congestion, and the Mad Honey may provide additional soothing effects.
Steps:
- Boil a pot of water and remove it from the heat source.
- Add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree oil to the hot water (optional).
- Let the water cool slightly to a comfortable temperature.
- Add one teaspoon of Mad Honey to the warm water and stir until dissolved.
- Lean over the pot, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for a few minutes.
Note: If you find mad honey not to be too strong for your taste buds, then you can enjoy the honey raw. However, for the newbie, it’s better to infuse it with other super ingredients or with any dish from the cookbook or YouTube recipes.
Also Read: Mad Honey and the Himalayan Connection: What Sets It Apart
Mad Honey: Safety Measures
When using Mad Honey for respiratory health, it is important to follow safe usage guidelines and take necessary precautions:
- Quality and Source: Ensure that you are obtaining Mad Honey from a trusted and reliable source. Authentic Mad Honey should be sourced from regions where bees collect nectar from rhododendron flowers.
- Dosage: Start with small amounts of Mad Honey and gradually increase if needed. It is recommended to begin with a teaspoon or less and monitor your body’s response.
- Allergies: Check for any known allergies to honey or bee products before using Mad Honey. If you are allergic to bee stings or other bee-related products, exercise caution when using Mad Honey and consider consulting with an allergist or healthcare professional.
- Children and Infants: Avoid giving Mad Honey to children under the age of one due to the risk of infant botulism.
- Medications and Medical Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications, consult with a healthcare professional before using Mad Honey, as it may interact with certain medications or exacerbate certain conditions.
Also Read: Why Honey and Himalayan Salt for Pre-Workout?
Final Thought
Mad honey can be your natural cough syrup. Taking mad honey is far healthier than taking pills and cough syrups that you find in pharmacies. Often syrups contain preservatives and additive sugar for sweetness.
