The best honeys for fighting a cold

added: 25-08-2026

The best honeys for fighting a cold

In winter, when bees patiently wait for the new season, it is worth using the results of their work in the form of honey and bee products to support immunity during periods of illness and colds.

It has been known for a long time that bee honey perfectly affects our body, healing it from the inside and thus being a tasty, sweet addition to our daily diet. Honey regenerates, honey helps in the fight against a cold and even has many valuable nutrients helping with our body's ailments. There are many types of honey available on the market, and each of them works differently on various areas of our body. So we may ask ourselves, which honeys will be best in the fight against a cold and infections of our body?

Table of contents:

Why honey is helpful in the fight against a cold?
The effectiveness of honey in fighting a cold based on scientific research
What kind of honey to choose when fighting an infection?

1. Why is honey helpful in the fight against a cold?

Bee honey is helpful in the fight against a cold because it has many natural properties that can help in treating colds and coughs. Honey contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that fight the virus and treat a cold and its primary symptoms. Honey also, through its thick consistency, helps naturally soothe a sore or scratchy throat and can strengthen the immune system when we feel an infection coming on. So all these factors can reduce the severity of a cold, and can also prevent future colds and other viruses[1].

2. The effectiveness of honey in fighting infections based on scientific research.

If winter brings a sore throat and a cough, a spoonful of honey can be quite soothing. It may even reduce symptoms of infection of the upper respiratory tract, suggests a review of studies published online on 18 August 2020 by BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Infections of the upper respiratory tract (such as colds) are viral diseases affecting the nose, throat, larynx, and upper respiratory tract leading to the lungs. Symptoms include a blocked nose, congestion, sore throat, and cough. Researchers analysed 14 studies involving nearly 1,800 people with infections of the upper respiratory tract treated with honey or usual methods (antihistamines, expectorants, antitussives, and painkillers). Honey seemed to improve symptoms (especially the frequency and severity of cough), and in some cases shorten the duration of symptoms by a day or two. The findings were only observational and do not prove that honey is a cure. But honey has antimicrobial properties, and researchers say that for adults (but not children aged one year or younger), the effectiveness of honey in fighting a cold can be significant[2].

3. What type of honey to choose when fighting an infection?

Each type of honey has a positive effect on our body. However, you should pay attention to specifically what type of honey to choose in the fight against various infections. One of the more associated honeys with anti-cold effects is lime honey. This honey has a bright, straw-yellow colour. Lime honey has strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. This honey is also excellent for people suffering from a persistent, recurring cough because it is treated as a natural antibiotic. In times of a cold it is also worth paying attention to raspberry honey. This honey is mild and sweet, and its shade resembles tea. Raspberry honey is warming and excellent at reducing fever. Additionally, raspberry honey has properties that help sweat out excessive toxins, which are common with a cold. It is most often chosen for treating children. During a cold but also in preventing infections, it is worth paying attention to the popular multi-flower honey. It helps in building immunity, and its regular consumption significantly strengthens our body. Multi-flower honey builds immunity, fights cough and runny nose. A very important honey in the fight against a cold is certainly heather honey. Heather honey will be an excellent remedy for sore throats and urinary tract problems often occurring with colds. Worth noting in the fight against a cold also deserves honeydew honey. This honey is ideal for treating throat inflammations and soothes irritation honeydew honey also has a very beneficial effect on the upper respiratory tract. It is even helpful with pneumonia and bronchitis. Another good honey in the fight against a cold is the less popular goldenrod honey, which has strong antiseptic and antibacterial effects [3].