Cough medicines or lemon and honey – which is better for you

As winter settles in and coughs echo through homes, offices and buses, many people find themselves reaching for over the counter syrups in search of quick relief. The shelves are packed with colourful bottles promising to soothe, calm or suppress a cough. Yet others swear by the simplicity of homemade remedies, especially the classic mixture of lemon and honey. So which option actually works better.

Jacky Smith, professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester, spoke to BBC Radio 4’s Sliced Bread to separate useful facts from persistent myths. According to her, most coughs we experience during winter are caused by viral infections. These viruses irritate the airways, and even after the infection itself begins to clear, the inflammation can linger, triggering coughing for several days or even weeks. Because the underlying cause is not bacterial, antibiotics do nothing to help. As for cough medicines, the picture is more nuanced.

Many cough syrups fall into two broad categories. Some are designed to suppress coughing, usually containing ingredients meant to dampen the reflex that triggers a cough. Others aim to loosen mucus, helping the body clear it more easily. But Professor Smith notes that scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of many of these products is limited. While some ingredients can offer mild relief, they do not cure the cough and often provide only short term comfort. She emphasises that the biggest factor in recovery is simply time, as the body naturally heals irritated airways.

This does not mean cough medicines are useless. For people who are struggling to sleep because of persistent coughing, certain suppressants may make nights more manageable. Similarly, expectorants can help if mucus feels particularly thick. But the professor warns that people should temper their expectations, as the relief is usually modest. She also stresses the importance of reading labels carefully, since many cough remedies include added ingredients such as decongestants or painkillers, increasing the risk of taking more than intended when combined with other medications.

On the other side of the debate stands honey and lemon, a remedy passed down through generations. Honey has long been recognised for its soothing qualities, coating the throat and reducing the irritation that can trigger coughing fits. Lemon provides vitamin C and a refreshing sharpness, though its role is more about flavour and hydration than directly treating symptoms. According to Professor Smith, honey is one of the most genuinely effective natural options available. Research has shown that it can reduce the frequency and severity of coughing, particularly at night, and may even work better than some over the counter syrups for children over one year old.

Hydration is another key factor. Warm drinks, whether they include honey and lemon or not, help thin mucus and keep the throat comfortable. The ritual of making a warm remedy can also have a calming psychological effect, which plays a subtle but meaningful role in easing symptoms. For many people the combination of cosy warmth, natural sweetness and gentle throat coating makes the homemade drink feel instantly comforting.

So which is better. The answer depends on what kind of relief you are seeking. Cough medicines may help in certain situations, especially when sleep is disrupted, but their benefits are limited. Honey and lemon, meanwhile, offer a simple, effective way to soothe irritation with fewer ingredients and fewer side effects. Most importantly, both approaches work best when paired with rest, hydration and patience.

For most winter coughs, the body simply needs time. Whether you choose pharmacy shelves or kitchen cupboards, the goal is the same: easing discomfort while your airways recover.