Many of the sponsors at BlogHer ‘12 were returning from previous years, including the National Honey Board. They always have lots of recipes and info at their booth, but honestly, the best part is the honey sticks! This year when I spotted their booth I walked right over and asked politely if I may take a couple of the honey sticks. They happily said I could take several – and I did!
The reason I love those little honey sticks so much is that they soothe my throat. As you may know, I tend to talk, um, a lot. When I get around others in social media I talk even more than usual (if you can believe that). I start to lose my voice my day two. The honey sticks are just the right amount to help out on the go.
While the honey does not cure your sore throat, it gives you relief for the irritating symptoms of them. Obviously we do not all have those handy honey sticks around, but just use a spoonful of honey at home as needed to soothe and coat your throat and help relieve irritation. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids as well. For me, I love a cup of hot tea – chamomile please – with honey in it.
Did you know that a 2007 study by a Penn State College of Medicine research team found that honey may offer parents an effective and save alternative to over-the-counter cough medicine (remember, no honey for infants under one year). They found a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bed would give better relief of nighttime cough than no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), the cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold medications. I know I would much rather give a child a bit of honey than a medication with all sorts of other stuff in it.
Do you use honey to help soothe your throat? Do you use honey for other medicinal or health purposes?
Disclosure: Information and photo provided by the National Honey Board. Opinions are my own.
© 2012, Robyn Wright. All rights reserved.
