Honey is better at treating sore throats, blocked noses, coughs and congestion than conventional medicines, including antibiotics, according to a new study.

Writing in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, researchers from the University of Oxford said they would recommend honey as an alternative to antibiotics. 

As follows are some extracts from this new research:

"Honey is a frequently used lay remedy that is well known to patients.”  

“Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI’s) are the most frequent reason for antibiotic prescription. Since the majority of URTIs are viral, antibiotic prescription is both ineffective and inappropriate.”

“When clinicians wish to prescribe for URTI, we would recommend honey as an alternative to antibiotics.” 

"Honey is more effective and less harmful than usual care alternatives and avoids causing harm through antimicrobial resistance."

The research team did however sound a note of caution, pointing out that not all honey is made the same way and that it is a complex substance.

Read the full RESEARCH PAPER here.