HONEY A SWEET ASTHMA RELIEF

You’ve probably used honey to treat a sore throat or a cough before, but the sweet treat could also help ease the symptoms of asthma.

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used as a remedy for cuts and burns, and it also increases saliva production. What has this to do with asthma? Research suggests the anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce irritation in the airways and lungs, and more saliva could prevent dry coughing and wheezing.

Another theory is the natural ingredient produced by bees could help desensitise asthma sufferers to pollen – a major trigger for asthma attacks.

A 2012 Californian study suggests taking one to two tablespoons of honey at bedtime to reduce coughing, which could relieve asthma symptoms.

Some 300 children aged one to five with respiratory infections were given either honey or a placebo each night. Those who took honey coughed less at night.

Another study from 2012 reviewed two clinical trials of 265 children and found that honey was just as effective as, if not more effective than, some cough medicines.

Excessive coughing is a common trigger for asthma, which Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows affects 10 per cent of the country’s population.

Using an inhaler is the best recommended treatment for the condition, which is caused by inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.

Avoiding triggers such as smoke, cigarettes, dust and allergens can help prevent an attack.