British researchers suggest that honey is very effective in treating colds and certain other illnesses. It would be a safer, cheaper and more accessible alternative to antibiotics. On the other hand, there is still a long way to go before this food officially takes on the role of treatment.
In 2017, we mentioned a British study that revealed that out of 198 honey samples, 75% contained traces of pesticides. And yet, it may well be that honey is more effective than drugs in the treatment of certain diseases. In any case, this is the conclusion of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford (UK) and published in BMJ Journals on August 18, 2020.
According to study directors, honey is an effective food for relieving cold symptoms and illnesses like the flu. It would then be an alternative to antibiotics, in terms of cost, accessibility and effectiveness as well as safety. For the researchers, the goal is to encourage doctors to recommend it to their patients instead of antibiotics.
It is true that this type of medication can cause side effects. Above all, antibiotic resistance is considered by the WHO as a public health problem. Indeed, an overprescription of antibiotics reduces their effects. The goal is therefore to reduce its consumption and honey might help with that.
Honey has long been a grandmother's remedy to treat cough. However, this food has never really been the subject of research proving these effects. As part of their study, the British scientists analyzed existing data to find out how the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) react. Remember that these IRVS affect the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx.
Researchers believe that honey may aid in efforts to improve URTI symptoms. Several previous studies have shown that the food was capable of killing certain bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori or those of the genus Salmonella. However, it all depends on the type of honey. The researchers particularly mentioned honey from Tualang (Malaysia) and Manuka (New Zealand). On the other hand, the examination of these studies will not be enough to promote this food as an alternative. According to scientists, further research should be carried out.
