Most coughs subside on their own within two to three weeks, but if you’re looking for a quick fix, new guidelines suggest a hot drink with honey – along with lemon and ginger – is the best remedy for coughs and a sore throat.
Now new proposed guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say there is some evidence that it can improve cough symptoms. These new guidelines are also a way to discourage doctors from prescribing antibiotics as a cure, since the growing resistances to antibiotics is a real concern in the medical industry.
Despite this, research has previously found that 48% of UK GP practices have prescribed antibiotics for a cough or bronchitis.
Dr Susan Hopkins, a deputy director at PHE, said: “Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem, and we need to take action now to reduce antibiotic use…
Related: Manuka honey could combat hospital-acquired infections
“These new guidelines will support GPs to reduce antibiotic prescriptions and we encourage patients to take their GP’s advice about self-care.”
One caveat: Honey is not recommended for children under the age of one because it occasionally contains bacteria that can cause infant botulism.
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