Take a spoonful straight, as often as you need, to relieve the irritation. In between, keep up your liquids with a steaming cup of tea sweetened with honey. For added vitamin C, try mixing in orange, grapefruit or lemon juice. Honey, nature's soother, is more than just sweet. A recent review of scientific literature revealed that honey contains antioxidants and, although in trace amounts, a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Honey contributes to a persons overall intake of recommended nutrients.
Sweeteners, such as refined sugar, offer no additional nutrients. Be aware, of course, that honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age. Honey is a safe and wholesome food for older children and adults. Eating honey regularly, not just when colds and flu strike, makes good nutritional sense. There are approximately 300 varieties of honey in the United States.