Smart pet solutions

“The fastest way to calm my kids’ coughs is with lemon and honey,” says Heather Bartos, M.D., an ob-gyn and mother of two in Cross Roads, Texas. Dr. Bartos combines 2 Tbs. of honey with 1 tsp. of fresh lemon juice and has the kids slurp it down quickly whenever they start coughing. “The honey reduces that irritating tickle, and it tastes delish,” says Dr. Bartos. “I use lemon juice to thin the honey, but also because it’s a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.” And, Dr. Bartos adds, it works almost immediately. Indeed, according to researchers at Penn State University, honey is more effective at soothing a cough than an over-the-counter cough suppressant.