For generations, honey and cloves have been popular ingredients in homemade remedies, especially during the colder months. Their warm flavor and soothing qualities make them a favorite combination when you’re dealing with an occasional cough or scratchy throat.
While this mixture may help soothe symptoms, it’s important to know that it doesn’t cure infections or replace medical treatment. If your cough is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, you should seek medical advice.
Why Honey and Cloves?
Honey has a thick, smooth texture that can coat the throat, and research suggests it may help reduce the frequency and severity of an acute cough in some people, particularly when compared with no treatment.
Cloves are aromatic flower buds that contain natural compounds such as eugenol. They have long been used in traditional cooking and herbal preparations because of their distinctive flavor and pleasant aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 8–10 whole cloves
- A clean glass jar with a lid
How to Make It
Place the whole cloves into the glass jar.
Pour the honey over the cloves until they are completely covered.
Seal the jar and let it sit for at least 24 hours so the flavors can infuse.
You can enjoy a small spoonful as desired or stir some into warm (not hot) water or herbal tea.
Helpful Tips
- Honey should never be given to children under 1 year of age because of the risk of infant botulism.
- Warm fluids can also help soothe an irritated throat.
- If you have diabetes or need to limit sugar intake, keep in mind that honey is still a form of sugar.
The Bottom Line
Honey and cloves make a comforting, flavorful homemade mixture that may help soothe an occasional cough and irritated throat. While it’s not a cure for colds or respiratory infections, it can be a pleasant addition to your self-care routine when you’re feeling under the weather.
Sometimes the simplest remedies aren’t about curing an illness—they’re about helping you feel a little more comfortable while your body recovers.
For more soothing sips, check out A Warm Homemade Drink That’s Easy to Make, and for another surprising spice secret, read Here’s Why This Simple Trick Is So Popular.
