Swine flu has been all over the news as of late. Who knows how this is going to turn out? Hopefully, the illness will die out with a whimper the way bird flu and other trumped-up media illnesses have in the past. I don't know. We can only hope.
Now that we are talking about colds and flu, it's a good time to re-raise the issue of honey as an alternative to dextromethorphan-based cough medicine. A study out of Penn State found that that buckwheat honey works better as a cough suppressant than over-the-counter cough medicine.
Please note that the study at Penn State was funded by the Honey Council. However, this is a minor problem compared to the problems of DM cough medicines.
Reasons Why You Should Choose Honey of Cough Medicine:
1. Honey has other applications, therefore, it is less likely to go to waste.
2. Honey is an organic product.
3. Dextromethorphan is considered dangerous for young children. Honey is not.
4. The side effects of Dextromethorphan include:
From Wikipedia
1. body rash/itching
2. nausea
3. drowsiness
4. dizziness
5. fever
6. vomiting
7. blurred vision
8. dilated pupils
9. sweating
10. hypertension
11. shallow respiration
12. diarrhea
13. urinary retention
Honey has none of these side effects. (unless you have a honey allergy)
5. Dextromethorphan can be abused as a drug and is habit-forming. Very few people have ruined their lives on honey-binges. Winnie the Pooh is the only person who has ruined his life over honey.
6. The World Health Organization recommends honey.
7. Honey has anitoxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Related: Surprising uses for Alka Seltzer
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