Jimmy Mohamed Warns: Beware This Common Mistake with Honey!

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By : Doyle Renner

The Healing Powers of Honey: A Natural Remedy for Coughs

When the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, many of us find ourselves grappling with the seasonal annoyance of dry coughs and sore throats. Instead of heading straight to the pharmacy, some prefer to reach for a jar of honey, a natural remedy whose benefits extend far beyond its delicious taste.

Understanding Honey’s Therapeutic Properties

With its natural antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is more than just a sweet treat. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a unique ability to stimulate saliva production due to its sweetness. This not only lubricates the throat and bronchial tubes but also helps to reduce irritation and the urge to cough.

Health expert Jimmy Mohamed, in his RTL column “Ça va beaucoup mieux,” emphasizes honey’s effectiveness, noting that it can outperform over-the-counter cough syrups. This claim is supported by research that suggests honey can alleviate cough more effectively than traditional syrup, particularly during episodes of cold that lead to mild bronchitis.

How Honey Soothes Coughs

The mechanism behind honey’s cough-suppressing abilities lies in its texture and composition. By increasing saliva and mucus production, it ensures that the mucous membranes are well protected and the throat pain is soothed. Additionally, the viscous nature of honey coats the throat, creating a protective barrier that can help reduce coughing fits.

Studies, including those cited in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, have confirmed that honey can decrease both the frequency and severity of coughing in adults and children alike.

Best Practices for Using Honey as a Cough Remedy

To maximize its benefits, honey should be consumed properly. Jimmy Mohamed advises against heating honey as high temperatures (above 40 to 50 degrees Celsius) can destroy its beneficial antioxidants and enzymes. Instead, he recommends taking honey at spoonful at room temperature or mixed into warm (not hot) herbal tea.

For those experiencing coughing fits or before bedtime, a teaspoon of honey can be particularly soothing. Specific types like eucalyptus, thyme, or acacia honey are recommended for their enhanced soothing effects.

Important Precautions with Honey

While honey is widely recognized for its medicinal benefits, including by the World Health Organization as a first-line treatment for mild cough, there are important precautions to consider. Honey should never be given to children under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious condition caused by immature digestive systems.

In summary, while honey offers a promising natural alternative to cough syrups, it should be used wisely and with awareness of its limitations and potential risks.

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