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Treatment of sore throat with honey

Medical expert of the article

Internist, infectious disease specialist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

An effective antiviral agent is honey. When you have a sore throat, it coats your throat, relieves swelling and pain. Let's look at the features of honey therapy.

In the autumn-spring period, the immune system is maximally weakened, therefore it is susceptible to infectious and viral pathologies. Beekeeping products are the best means for protection and prevention of colds.

The benefits of honey for tonsillitis are due to its properties:

  • Antibacterial.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Bactericidal.
  • General tonic.
  • Pain reliever.
  • Tonic.
  • Immunomodulatory.

Treatment with honey products should be carried out with special care, observing certain rules:

  1. It is better not to take honey in the first days of illness, as the mucous membrane of the throat and tonsils are very inflamed and irritated. The natural remedy can aggravate the painful condition.
  2. Folk treatment will be more effective after the acute period has passed and the patient's condition has returned to normal. In this case, honey will strengthen the immune system, activate the restoration of the mucous membrane and the removal of pathogens caused by angina.
  3. Since honey is a strong allergen that can cause severe allergic reactions, it is not recommended for the treatment of pregnant women and children.

When used correctly, the natural medicine activates microcirculation, promotes the removal of edematous fluid (exudate, pus) and neutralizes the side effects of the drugs used. Honey destroys bacteria and is effective in streptococcal lesions.

Can you use honey if you have a sore throat?

To enhance the therapeutic effect of the doctor-prescribed therapy for tonsillitis, you can use honey. The natural antiviral agent has antimicrobial properties that are effective in destroying staphylococcal and streptococcal infections that cause the disease.

The beekeeping product has a unique chemical composition. It contains more than 60 different substances, the main components are: glucose (grape sugar) and fructose (fruit sugar), enzymes, minerals, vitamins and other useful microelements.

The biogenic stimulant has a complex therapeutic effect on the body:

  • Minerals strengthen the human skeleton, accelerate metabolism and normalize hormonal processes. Microelements are responsible for oxygen transfer and improve blood composition.
  • Amino acids improve brain function and memory. Antioxidant substances help remove harmful substances and heavy metals from the body. They maintain youth and prevent cancer.
  • The beneficial substances increase the amount of probiotics in the digestive system, improve digestion, reduce cholesterol and help prevent colon cancer.
  • The antibacterial effect of the product allows it to be used for dermatological problems. Honey softens the skin and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues. The product is effective for skin inflammations, burns, cuts, wounds.

Natural energy drink is useful not only for tonsillitis and inflammatory lesions of the respiratory tract, but also for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, internal organs. Such a comprehensive effect of honey is explained by its composition, which is well absorbed by the body.

What kind of honey helps with sore throat?

Honey for sore throat helps to significantly reduce the duration of the disease. There are many varieties of bee products that are effective in acute infectious diseases with damage to the tonsils by viruses, bacteria or fungi.

Most often, the following types of honey are used for the treatment and prevention of tonsillitis and other respiratory system disorders:

  • Buckwheat is one of the most popular and useful varieties. Compared to other honey products, it contains much more amino acids and microelements and has a dark color. It is used for anemia, vitamin deficiency, colds, skin diseases.
  • Linden - has a light yellow hue and a fragrant aroma. Helps with sore throat, bronchitis, runny nose, bronchial asthma, laryngitis, gastrointestinal and kidney diseases, burns and wounds of the skin.
  • Acacia is an aromatic product with a transparent color in liquid form and white when crystallized. Contains equal amounts of fructose and glucose. It has pronounced sedative properties in diseases of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal pathologies, and kidney disorders.
  • Heather - has a bitter, tart taste and dark brown color. Slowly crystallizes and has a strong viscosity. The unusual composition is useful for diseases of the nervous system, appetite disorders and vascular pathologies.
  • Sunflower - similar in color to vegetable oil. Has a sharp aroma and taste. Compared to other varieties, it contains a higher content of vitamin A and has pronounced bactericidal properties.
  • Sweet clover – has an unusual greenish hue and a bitter taste. Effective for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Dilates blood vessels, normalizes metabolism, and has a great calming effect.

Regardless of the selected variety, the honey product destroys infectious agents of the disease. Activates local blood circulation, has an anti-inflammatory, tonic effect. Envelops the affected mucous membrane of the throat.

Indications honey for tonsillitis

Due to its unique composition, bee products can be used for various diseases, including sore throat. Let's consider the indications for the use of honey and its beneficial properties:

  • Reduces pain.
  • Increases the body's resistance to pathogenic microorganisms.
  • Strengthens local immunity.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect.
  • General strengthening and immunostimulating effect.
  • Tones.
  • Activates blood microcirculation.

Honey can be used for diseases of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract disorders, cardiovascular pathologies, kidney diseases and other internal organs.

In case of acute infectious lesion of tonsils, the natural product promotes the removal of exudate and purulent fluid. Fights various bacteria, viruses and fungi that lead to tonsillitis. Effectively softens irritated mucous membrane of the throat and improves sleep.

Honey for purulent tonsillitis

The natural medicine contains substances that destroy streptococcal and other pyogenic infections. Based on this, honey for purulent tonsillitis is not only permitted and useful, but also necessary.

The main effect of beekeeping products in purulent tonsillitis:

  • Improves blood flow through the capillary network.
  • Accelerates the removal of toxic substances from the body.
  • Supplies inflamed tissues with oxygen and nutrients.
  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Tones the body and accelerates recovery.

To treat purulent inflammation, you can use the following recipes:

  1. Eat 1 teaspoon of the natural product after each meal during the day. It coats the inflamed tonsils and neutralizes bacterial flora. The product can be added to slightly warm milk or eaten with tea.
  2. Mix a tablespoon of honey with warm water in a ratio of 1:3. Stir well and use for gargling.
  3. Mix a couple of spoons of the treat with a teaspoon of green walnut peel juice. Take ½ teaspoon 3 times a day.
  4. Mix equal parts honey and butter. Add a pinch of soda to the ingredients and heat in a water bath until foam appears. Take the mixture warm after meals.

Despite all the beneficial properties, the natural medicine is contraindicated in case of allergic reactions to bee products. It is not used to treat children under 1 year of age and pregnant women.

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Pharmacodynamics

The composition of a natural product and the biochemical reactions that occur with it after it enters the body determine its medicinal effect. The pharmacodynamics of honey for tonsillitis is based on its analgesic, enveloping and anti-inflammatory properties. The natural energy drink contains carbohydrates (fructose, glucose), vitamins and minerals that have a complex healing effect on the body.

The immunomodulatory properties of honey increase the effectiveness of the medications used, accelerating the recovery process. The antibacterial and bactericidal action of the product is aimed at destroying pathogenic microorganisms that caused acute infectious lesions of the tonsils.

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Pharmacokinetics

Honey is similar in composition to human blood plasma: 15-20% water, 75-80% carbohydrates (vitamins, minerals, glucose, sucrose), as well as antiseptic substances and other microelements necessary for the body. Therefore, its pharmacokinetics, that is, the processes of absorption, distribution and excretion from the body, allow you to get the desired therapeutic effect in a short period of time.

The beekeeping product not only fights infections, but also prevents the development of bacterial resistance to drugs. It draws water from bacterial cells and they die due to dehydration. The natural remedy creates biofilms on the inflamed mucous membrane, disrupting the communication process between bacteria.

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Dosing and administration

There are many folk recipes for the treatment of tonsillitis. The specifics of using honey for tonsillitis, as well as its dosage, depend on the patient's age, the characteristics of the course of the disease and the accompanying components of the recipe. Linden, acacia and sweet clover honey are considered the most useful.

The minimum daily dose for an adult is 1 tbsp, and the maximum is 4 tbsp per day, that is, no more than 150 ml. The permitted dosage for children is 1-3 teaspoons per day. In addition to internal use, the natural medicine can be used for rinsing and rubbing. In the first case, a teaspoon of the delicacy is dissolved in a glass of warm water. Rinsing is done 2-3 times a day

Natural energy drink can be consumed in its pure form, mixed with lemon, raspberry (such combinations are the most effective) and other components. The product is prohibited to be added to hot water, tea or milk. The optimal temperature is 40-60 °C, a hotter liquid leads to the loss of the beneficial properties of honey. In case of sore throat with pronounced painful sensations in the throat, you should use uncrystallized honey, dissolving it in small portions during the day.

Milk with honey for sore throat

An effective symptomatic remedy that eliminates local signs of tonsillitis is milk with honey. For tonsillitis, this medicine is allowed for both adults and children over 3 years old. Warm drinks can be used to treat and prevent the disease.

The combination of milk with bee products has the following properties:

  • Antimicrobial.
  • Antiviral.
  • Pain reliever.
  • Enveloping.
  • Calming.

It is better to use the remedy before bedtime. To do this, heat a glass of milk to 40-60 °C, add a teaspoon of honey and stir well. If desired, the drink can be supplemented with a pinch of cinnamon. Daily use of the medicine accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues and increases the protective properties of the immune system.

Milk with honey is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to these components, for patients under 3 years of age and lactose intolerance. The medicinal combination is not recommended for diabetes mellitus, exudative diathesis, during pregnancy and lactation. It should also be taken into account that the drink is only an auxiliary remedy, so the main emphasis in treatment should be on medications prescribed by a doctor.

Tea with honey for sore throat

Beekeeping products contain useful substances that are effective in combating streptococcal infection that causes tonsillitis. Tea with honey for sore throat is one of the most popular folk methods of treating the disease. A warm drink combined with a natural energy drink has a tonic and restorative effect, softens an irritated throat.

Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the factors for a speedy recovery, as it helps remove pathogenic microorganisms from the body. When preparing a medicinal drink, the following factors should be taken into account:

  • Ingredients used to prepare tea should not irritate the inflamed mucous membrane. During treatment, it is forbidden to drink carbonated drinks, alcohol, sour liquids (compote, juice, fruit drink).
  • Tea should not be too hot, as it can burn the throat. Cold liquids are also prohibited. The temperature of the drink should be within 40 °C.
  • In order for the tea to be truly medicinal, you should choose fresh honey. Such a product contains the maximum amount of nutritional components and vitamins.

The most effective and safe for sore throat are teas made from raspberry leaves, currants, linden or chamomile flowers. Plant components have anti-inflammatory properties, so they speed up the recovery process. To combat high temperature, it is better to use tea with raspberries and honey, and to eliminate the symptoms of intoxication - a drink made from rose hips. Tea with sage, green or black tea will be no less useful.

Milk with honey and butter for sore throat

Traditional medicine recipes are successfully used in the treatment of many diseases, including tonsillitis. The combination of milk with honey and butter coats the damaged mucous membrane of the oropharynx. Thanks to this, pain is reduced and pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed, since honey has a bactericidal effect.

To prepare a medicinal drink, take a glass of milk and heat it to a temperature of 40-45 °C. Add a teaspoon of honey and butter to the warm liquid. As soon as all the components dissolve, the remedy should be drunk, but in small sips.

To enhance the effect of the medicinal drink, you can first rinse your throat with a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort or calendula. The honey-milk remedy with oil is taken 3 times a day for 5 days. The last dose should be immediately before bedtime. Such treatment is contraindicated in case of intolerance to the active components and for children under 3 years of age.

Lemon with honey for sore throat

Another equally effective remedy for treating sore throat is lemon with honey. The fruit has a beneficial effect on the body in any infectious disease, especially in acute tonsillitis. Lemon contains many useful substances: vitamin A, B, E, C, minerals and other useful components.

The combination of natural antiseptics helps to destroy bacteria and has the following effect on the body:

  • Reduction of elevated temperature.
  • Destruction of viruses and bacteria.
  • Reduction of swelling of the mucous membrane.
  • Reduce inflammation.
  • Reducing pain in the throat.

The medicinal combination strengthens the body and increases immunity. Lemon and honey can be combined with herbs, spices and other medicinal components or eaten in pure form.

Popular recipes for sore throat:

  1. Tea – take a teaspoon of loose tea and pour 500 ml of boiling water over it. Add half a sliced lemon to the tea and let it brew for 10 minutes. Once the drink has cooled to room temperature, add a couple of spoons of honey. You can eat the citrus slices. Drink tea no more than 3 times a day.
  2. Mixture – works well for eliminating purulent tonsillitis. Boil 500 ml of water and add freshly squeezed lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio. Once the drink has cooled down a bit, add 50 g of honey. Take 1 teaspoon every 20 minutes throughout the day.
  3. Take 1 lemon and scald it with boiling water. Cut the fruit in half and grate on a fine grater. Mix the resulting gruel with honey 1:1. Store the mixture in the refrigerator and take 1-2 teaspoons a couple of times a day.
  4. To minimize pain in the throat, squeeze the juice of one lemon and mix it with candied honey in a 1:1 ratio. Dissolve the mixture ½ teaspoon every 3-4 hours.

Lemon with honey is contraindicated for use in case of intolerance, increased stomach acidity, gastritis, ulcers, dermatological diseases, with special caution during pregnancy and for patients under 3 years of age.

Turmeric with honey for sore throat

The golden mixture, effective in the treatment of many diseases, including infectious and inflammatory lesions of the tonsils, is turmeric with honey. It has the following properties:

  • Antibacterial.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Tonic.
  • Antiseptic.
  • Immunostimulating.
  • Restores intestinal microflora.
  • Increases the activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

To prepare the medicine, take a tablespoon of turmeric and 100 g of honey. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a uniform consistency is obtained. The finished mixture should be stored in a glass container with a lid.

For the treatment to be effective, the dosage should be observed: ½ teaspoon every hour on the first day of therapy, the same dosage every two hours on the second day, and every eight hours on the third day. Abuse of turmeric in combination with bee products can lead to damage to the gallbladder and muscle spasms.

Honey for sore throat in children

A popular folk remedy used in the treatment of colds is honey. In case of sore throat in children, it should be used with special caution. The product is introduced gradually, fearing the development of allergic reactions.

Honey recipes for tonsillitis for children:

  • The natural remedy is excellent as a rubbing material. A spoonful of honey should be applied to the chest, neck and back. The child should be well wrapped and allowed to lie down for 30-40 minutes. Such applications warm and minimize pain.
  • Take a glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey, stir well. Use the drink as a rinse or take it internally in small portions throughout the day.
  • Mix ½ teaspoon of honey with a glass of warm milk. It is better to take the drink before bed. It perfectly coats the sore throat and minimizes pain.
  • To support the immune system, prevent sore throats and other infectious and inflammatory diseases, take equal proportions of dried apricots, raisins, walnuts or almonds, prunes and figs. Grind all dried fruits and pour honey over them. Take the resulting mixture ½ teaspoon 2-3 times a day.
  • Mix 200 g of baked milk, 100 g of cocoa and 300 g of honey (linden, buckwheat). Heat the product over low heat for 10 minutes, then cool and transfer to a jar for storage. Use 1 teaspoon 2 times a day.

Bee products are contraindicated for infants. Children over one year old are prescribed small doses of ½ teaspoon 2 times a day. Patients aged 3-5 years are allowed no more than three teaspoons a day.

Use honey for tonsillitis during pregnancy

Honey is a useful and unique remedy that is effective in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Its use during pregnancy is possible only with a doctor's permission. This is due to the high allergenicity of the product.

When used correctly, natural medicine is a worthy alternative to medications. To relieve the painful condition of sore throat, you can consume no more than 100 g of the product per day. The most useful varieties for expectant mothers are:

  • Linden - reduces temperature, eliminates cough and sore throat.
  • Acacia - can be used for tonsillitis, also useful for gastrointestinal and kidney diseases.
  • Buckwheat – rich in nutrients, effective for respiratory system disorders and prevents the development of anemia.

The delicacy is used for gargling or consumed with warm tea. As an addition, you can use lemon and other plant components that speed up recovery from sore throat. But do not forget that in addition to its beneficial properties, honey has a number of contraindications and can cause adverse reactions if abused.

Contraindications

Like any natural medicine, honey has contraindications for use:

  • Children under 3 years old.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Allergic reactions to the product.
  • Diathesis or scrofula.
  • Diseases of the pancreas.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders.

The beekeeping product is contraindicated for use in the early stages of tonsillitis, since due to severe irritation of the throat mucosa, the remedy can cause harm. The delicacy should be consumed with special caution during pregnancy, since it contains substances that put increased stress on the body.

Side effects honey for tonsillitis

The beekeeping product is highly allergenic, therefore, if used incorrectly, it causes various adverse reactions. Side effects are most often the following symptoms:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Respiratory system disorders (in particularly severe cases, anaphylactic shock and asthma attacks).
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Skin manifestations: rash, blisters, urticaria, dermatitis.
  • Headaches and dizziness.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

According to medical statistics, adverse reactions to honey occur in 3% of patients. It should also be taken into account that it contains substances that cause an increase in blood glucose. Abuse of the product can lead to the formation of caries and excess weight.

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Overdose

Exceeding the recommended dosage of any product, especially medicinal, causes painful symptoms. Overdose of honey manifests itself in disorders of many organs and systems.

The main signs of intoxication are:

  • Dizziness.
  • Muscle and joint pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Stool disorders.
  • Elevated body temperature.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Skin rashes.
  • Weakness throughout the body.

Overdose occurs when consuming more than 150 g of the product at a time. To alleviate the painful condition, you should wash out the stomach, take a laxative and adsorbents. If allergic reactions occur, antihistamines are indicated. In especially severe cases, seek medical help.

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Interactions with other drugs

Honey for sore throat is an auxiliary remedy used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent it. Its interactions with other drugs should be monitored by the attending physician. This is due to the fact that the beekeeping product enhances the effect of many medicinal components.

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Storage conditions

Natural honey is a long-storage product. In order for it to retain its beneficial properties, storage conditions should be observed. The temperature should be between -6 and +20°C. The product cannot be kept at room temperature, as it will separate and may spoil. When heated, the product loses some of its vitamins and macronutrients. If honey is kept in the cold, it will not spoil, but will crystallize unevenly.

Honey should not be stored in iron or enamel containers. The ideal container would be a glass jar with a tightly closing lid. In extreme cases, you can use food-grade plastic. The natural energy drink should be kept away from sunlight and strong-smelling substances.

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Shelf life

If all storage conditions are met, the natural medicine may not spoil for years. On average, the shelf life is 1-3 years, but it should be taken into account that after 12 months it gradually begins to lose its beneficial properties. With long-term storage, honey gradually thickens, that is, crystallizes.

Reviews

Honey for sore throat is an auxiliary treatment. Reviews from many patients confirm its effectiveness in infectious and inflammatory pathologies. The natural energy drink gently envelops the irritated mucous membrane of the oropharynx and accelerates the healing process.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Treatment of sore throat with honey" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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