Honey may be better at treating colds than over-the-counter medicines, researchers say

A new study suggests that honey is a good alternative for relieving symptoms of colds and coughs.

Honey has been used as a home remedy for years and studies have proven that it can kill bacteria.

But physicians from Oxford University wanted to determine how effective honey is at treating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

After analyzing existing evidence they found that honey was superior to usual care like some over-the-counter medicines.

The study was published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

The authors say more research is needed on the subject but that doctors should consider recommending honey to patients instead of antibiotics, which can have side effects and lead to resistance if overused.