Honey with mulathi, or licorice root, is a traditional combination for cough and sore throat. Honey has genuine evidence for soothing a cough, particularly at night in children over one year, and licorice coats and soothes an irritated throat.

What It Is Used For

Dry, tickly cough
Sore throat and hoarseness
Throat comfort during a cold
Traditional use in herbal syrups and lozenges

Common Side Effects

Effect on blood sugar from the honey and syrup base
Fluid retention and raised blood pressure from regular licorice
Low potassium with heavy licorice use

Precautions

Honey must never be given to a baby under one year old because of the risk of infant botulism. Regular licorice is not suitable for people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or in pregnancy. A cough lasting more than two to three weeks, or one with blood, fever, breathlessness or weight loss, needs a doctor.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.