For people with asthma, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing can disrupt their daily lives. While there is no cure for asthma, managing asthma symptoms involves understanding triggers, taking steps to avoid them, and making certain lifestyle changes.
Manuka honey, known for its powerful antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, may offer a natural alternative to help ease some of the symptoms of asthma, according to some research.
In this article, we take a look at how and why Manuka honey may help people with asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that affects nearly 300 million people globally, including 2.8 million Australians.
Potential benefits of Manuka honey for asthma
Some potential benefits of Manuka honey for people with asthma are:
Reduces inflammation
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterised by persistent inflammation of the airways that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties.
Manuka honey, with its natural anti-inflammatory properties, may help reduce swelling in the airways, which can potentially reduce the frequency of coughing and wheezing.
Manuka honey contains Methylglyoxal (MGO), a powerful compound known for both its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. MGO supports the body’s natural healing processes and may help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for inflammatory conditions like asthma.
Manuka is also rich in antioxidants, which help neutralise free radicals that can worsen inflammation. This lowers oxidative stress, which is often elevated in asthma, and helps reduce the inflammatory responses in the body.
Soothes coughs
While there is no direct evidence linking Manuka honey and asthma-related coughs, honey in general is known as an effective treatment for cough, blocked noses, and sore throats.
Many studies have shown that honey eases coughing in children, especially coughs associated with upper respiratory infections, reducing nighttime coughing while improving sleep. In fact, evidence shows that honey has a superior healing effect compared to other cough treatments.
MGO gives Manuka honey its unique antibacterial healing properties, offering relief from bacteria that cause coughs. Its antiviral properties can also ease coughs caused by viral infections, such as influenza.
Triggers saliva and breaks up mucus
The sweetness in honey stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva, which helps lubricate the airways, making them less dry. This reduces throat irritation and coughing. Honey can also help break up mucus buildup, which is common in asthma. By clearing the mucus in the airways, it becomes easier to breathe and get relief from coughing.
How to take Manuka honey for asthma
For best results, take 1-3 teaspoons per day. Do not eat or drink anything for half an hour before or after taking the honey.
However, it’s important to remember that Manuka honey should not be relied on as a standalone treatment. It may help relieve airway inflammation and coughing, however, there are limited studies that directly link Manuka honey to improving asthma conditions in humans.
Before using honey for asthma, it is advisable to talk to your GP or healthcare professional.
For premium Manuka honey or medicinal-grade Manuka honey for cold and flu symptoms, visit our online store.
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