Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey for Cold Symptoms

Honey can help to quiet a cough and soothe a sore throat. Cinnamon is believed to clear congested airways. Together, they make a popular home remedy for cold and flu symptoms. But, despite lots of anecdotal reports, there isn't any scientific evidence showing that honey and cinnamon can fully cure a cold.

It doesn't hurt to use moderate amounts of cinnamon and honey if you find it helps. A popular method is adding a tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon to hot water. As with most remedies, this one is best used in moderation, as excessive cinnamon or honey may do harm than good in some people.

Does It Work?

There is no evidence that honey or cinnamon, taken together or separately, can cure a cold. There also isn't research showing these ingredients can shorten the duration of a cold or prevent one from starting in the first place.

That said, there is some evidence that cinnamon and honey could ease certain cold symptoms. For generations, the two have been mixed together to create a homemade remedy for symptoms like sore throat, cough, congestion, and other cold symptoms.

The common cold is a respiratory infection caused by hundreds of different viruses. Colds typically last seven to 10 days and go away independently. There is no known medication or herbal remedy that effectively cures the cold.

Possible Benefits

Both cinnamon and honey contain anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that may help ease cold symptoms while your body fights off the virus.

Evidence suggests honey may:

• Soothe a sore throat: Honey can be used to soothe a sore throat, but exactly how it works is unclear.
• Reduce throat pain: In a study of people who had tonsillectomies, those treated with honey required less post-operative opioid pain medication than the control group.
  
• Improve sleep: Honey has been shown to improve sleep in children with a cough.
• Fight viruses: Bioactive compounds in honey may protect against certain types of respiratory infections, but there is no clear evidence that honey itself can cure or prevent colds.

Evidence suggests cinnamon may:

• Thin phlegm: Cinnamon may act as an expectorant, making it easier to cough up mucus and clear your airways.
• Open airways: Compounds in cinnamon might help open up airways, which could relieve shortness of breath.
• Fight viruses: In lab studies, cinnamon extracts have shown potential to protect against some viral infections, such as COVID-19, but there is no evidence it can prevent or cure cold.

Although the combination of cinnamon and honey has been used for centuries to treat cold, no studies have set out to prove whether the mixture is truly effective for this purpose.

Mixing Cinnamon and Honey for a Cold

The most basic cinnamon and honey recipe is one used frequently in traditional Persian medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It involves mixing one part cinnamon into four parts honey. Take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day for three to four days.

To make a batch big enough for one full course of treatment, combine:

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey

To mix up a batch for the entire household, multiply the recipe by the number of people. For example, a family of four would use 1 cup of honey and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon. Store the mixture in a closed jar at room temperature.

If you prefer, this recipe works well as a tea. Simply add a teaspoon of the cinnamon and honey mixture to a cup of hot water or herbal tea and sip for added hydration. The hot water can also help thin mucus and soothe an irritated throat.

Who Shouldn't Use It?

Consult your healthcare provider before taking large amounts or supplements of cinnamon, or any herbal remedy, as they can have risks and side effects.

Cinnamon is safe in small, food-level amounts but may cause allergic reactions. Certain types of cinnamon, like Cassia cinnamon, contain a compound called coumarin that can thin the blood and harm the liver in high doses.

If you have a clotting disorder, liver issues, or take blood thinners, talk to your provider about safe cinnamon use. The same goes for people who are pregnant; cinnamon compounds like cinnamaldehyde may trigger uterine contractions and increase the risk of preterm labor.

Honey is generally considered safe. Although, people who have pollen allergies or severe seasonal allergies (hay fever) should avoid raw, unprocessed honey, as it can contain traces of pollen from the local environment.

Summary

A mixture of honey and cinnamon is a much-touted cure for the common cold. Despite centuries of anecdotal evidence suggesting it works, no scientific evidence supports these claims.

Individually, these kitchen staples show promise for easing cold symptoms. Research shows honey can help to relieve sore throats and coughs. Cinnamon may help open airways and thin mucus, at least theoretically. These purported benefits are based on laboratory research. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Honey and cinnamon are generally considered safe. Though, cinnamon and honey are best used in moderation, especially if you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or take certain medications.