Can Cinnamon and Honey Cure the Common Cold?

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 the honey-and-cinnamon cure actually works.

This article discusses cinnamon and honey for the common cold. It explores the science behind this centuries-old cure for colds and flu. It also explains how honey and cinnamon may or may not help you feel better when you have a cold.

What Is the Honey and Cinnamon Cure?

For generations, cinnamon and honey have been mixed together to make a homemade cure for the common cold, sore throats, allergies, and other minor ailments.

Used in Traditional Persian Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, the basic recipe is simple: Mix 1 part cinnamon into 4 parts honey. Take 1 teaspoon 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.

Possible Benefits

This cinnamon and honey syrup is said to be a cure-all for health issues like:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Bad breath
• Common Cold
• Cough
• Diabetes
• Digestive disorders
• Heart disease
• Infections 
• Skin conditions
• Sore throats
• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Wounds

However, there is little or no research to support these claims.

Does It Cure the Common Cold?

Despite what your grandma may have told you, no scientific evidence supports the claim that cinnamon and honey can cure the common cold.

The common cold is a respiratory infection caused by hundreds of different viruses. Colds typically last seven to 10 days and go away independently.

Both cinnamon and honey contain antioxidants and other nutrients that may help to ease cold symptoms. They both appear to have antiviral properties as well.

However, no studies show that either honey or cinnamon, taken together or separately, can cure a cold, flu, or other virus. There also isn't research showing these ingredients can shorten the duration of a cold or prevent one from starting in the first place.

Honey Eases a Cough

Although honey won't cure a cold, it may relieve certain common cold symptoms. Research shows honey may help relieve coughs and soothe a sore throat.

Several studies have evaluated the effect of honey on a cough in children in comparison to a placebo, an antihistamine (diphenhydramine), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and an asthma medication (salbutamol).

According to a review of published studies, honey was found to be:

• More effective than antihistamines and no treatment for suppressing a cough
• Equally effective as dextromethorphan for suppressing a cough
• More effective than salbutamol or a placebo for reducing the duration of a cough

In other studies, honey improved sleep in children with a cough. Honey was also rated more favorably than cough medication among parents.

Honey Soothes a Sore Throat

Honey can also be used to soothe a sore throat, but exactly how it works is unclear. Honey is known to have many beneficial compounds that may fight infections, ease pain, and promote healing.

One study found honey can help to relieve strep throat and other bacterial infections. Researchers suggest this is due to honey's antibacterial properties.

Additional research found honey helps to reduce throat pain following a tonsillectomy. In the study, those treated with honey required less post-operative opioid pain medication and healed faster than the control group.

While this study is promising, the sample was very small, and more extensive clinical trials are needed.

Cinnamon and the Common Cold

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties that could theoretically help to fight the common cold.

In laboratory studies, compounds in cinnamon were shown to:

• Act as an expectorant to thin phlegm, making it easier to cough up
• Open the airways to relieve shortness of breath
  
• Prevent COVID-19 infections
• Reduce fever and chills

However, clinical trials are lacking, and there's no evidence that cinnamon can prevent or cure any illness.

Use Cinnamon With Caution

Cinnamon is generally considered safe. However, it should be used with caution as allergic reactions are possible. Certain types, specifically Cassia cinnamon, may promote blood thinning and should be used cautiously in people who take blood thinners or have clotting disorders.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you plan to take significant amounts or supplements of cinnamon (or any other herbal or natural remedy). Even natural and herbal remedies have risks and can cause side effects.

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 fight viruses, open airways, thin mucus, and bring down a fever, at least theoretically. These purported benefits are based on laboratory research. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

That said, honey and cinnamon are natural ingredients that are generally considered safe. While science hasn't proven it works, generations of grandmothers affirm it does.

It couldn't hurt to try if you have a cold, cough, or sore throat. Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon into 1/4 cup honey and take 1 teaspoon three times a day. Store in a closed jar at room temperature.