By Julianne Jardine | Adapted for Buzz About Town, March 2026
There is something timeless about honey. It sweetens tea, brightens toast, and adds a little comfort to everyday routines. Americans clearly appreciate it, too. USDA reports that U.S. honey production totaled 134 million pounds in 2024.
Beyond its flavor, honey has a few qualities that make it especially interesting. One of the best-supported benefits is its ability to help soothe coughs, particularly in children over age 1 with a common cold. Research reviewed by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests that honey may help reduce cough frequency and improve sleep.
Honey also contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, which is one reason it continues to be studied by researchers. That does not make it a miracle food, but it does mean honey offers more than simple sweetness alone.
At the same time, it helps to keep expectations realistic. Honey is still a form of added sugar, so moderation matters. Federal dietary guidance recommends limiting added sugars overall, and honey fits best as a small pleasure in an otherwise balanced diet.
A drizzle in yogurt, a spoonful in tea, or a touch in a favorite recipe can be a lovely way to enjoy it. Just remember one important safety rule: never give honey to a child younger than 1 year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Honey may not be a cure-all, but it has certainly earned its place as one of nature’s sweetest staples.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Originally published in The Buzz Book Spring 2026, Health and Wellness Focus Section