Honey might be more effective in relieving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) than commonly prescribed treatments such as antihistamines, expectorants and pain relief, researchers say.  

They say the results will give relief to GPs who often feel pressure to prescribe something to patients, with honey being a better option than antibiotics.

The research team from the University of Oxford in the UK say while honey was a frequently used lay remedy that was cheap, accessible, familiar to patients and safe except in those with allergy, there has been limited evidence of its clinical use to date. 

In their systematic review and meta-analysis, they drew data from 14 clinical trials involving more than 1700 participants comparing usual care against honey or preparations with honey as an ingredient.