Swap regular fries for these delicious, and nutritious, potato wedges
These crispy sweet potato wedges come out Cajun spicy and sweet. Don’t tell anyone but they’re also really healthy. They’re loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients and are a great source of beta-carotene. Another plus? As complex carbs, they digest slowly and raise blood sugars gradually — keeping you from a spike and drop-off.
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges (about 8 wedges per potato)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, oil and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to evenly coat wedges.
Spread the wedges in a single layer on one (or two, if needed) ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 30 minutes or until crispy and brown on one side.
Flip fries over and bake for another 30 minutes or until the wedges are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredient health benefits
Sweet potatoes: These root veggies are beloved the world over for their flavor and versatility. But did you know there’s more to sweet potatoes than … well, just being sweet? They’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. These nutrients help support many aspects of your overall health, including your immune system, metabolism, blood pressure and vision. Sweet potatoes also have carbohydrates and fiber to fuel your cells and promote healthy digestion.
Olive oil: This cooking oil is one of those ingredients that’s actually worth the hype. Olive oil is full of unsaturated fats and polyphenols. These compounds support your heart and fight inflammation that can harm your cells. Vitamin E and vitamin K, also known as fat-soluble vitamins, maintain radiant skin and strong bones. Olive oil also elevates your good “HDL” cholesterol while lowering your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. And powerful antioxidants suppress free radicals, damaging little particles that harm your cells in ways that can lead to cancer. While all olive oil has these benefits, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality, so don’t hesitate to pick some up if it fits within your budget!
Cabbage often—and unfairly—gets overlooked, with flashier veggies and protein-dense superfoods getting all the attention. But as far as nutritional food options go, the leafy green is pretty hard to beat. A staple in different cuisines (American coleslaw! Middle Eastern malfouf! Chinese suan la bai cai!), cabbage has been a longtime favorite amongst global chefs.
“Much of this stems from its versatility,” Woldy Reyes, chef and author of the cookbook In the Kusina: My Seasonal Filipino Cooking, tells Vogue. “We are seeing a growing trend of chefs utilizing it as a centerpiece, such as cabbage steaks, rather than as a side dish. The culinary appeal has never been stronger.”
“Its popularity stems from its ability to transform,” adds Tatiana Mora, chef of plant-based Michelin star restaurant Mita. “It can be eaten raw, fermented, steamed, roasted, or sautéed, consistently providing flavor, texture, and nutrition. I love it because it is a noble vegetable that grows easily, keeps well, and can be used almost entirely, making it perfect for a conscious and respectful approach to cooking.”
It’s accessible, easy to cook, and delicious. Here are all the reasons cabbage deserves a seat at your table (get it?) in 2026.
What is cabbage?
Cabbage is a leafy green that is part of the brassica plant family (which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale), says Amy Shapiro, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition. It comes in several varieties, but the most common ones you’ll see are green, red (or purple), and savoy. What makes cabbage different from other leafy greens is its density and durability. “It’s heartier, stores longer, and holds up well to cooking, fermenting, and shredding,” Shapiro says. “Nutritionally, it shares many benefits with other cruciferous vegetables, but it’s often milder in flavor and more versatile across cuisines.”
The Benefits
Besides its versatility, one of the main benefits of cabbage is its many nutrients. Shapiro lists other main benefits of the leafy green:
Supports Gut Health
Shapiro says that, because cabbage contains fiber and other compounds that support digestion, eating this leafy green can benefit the gut bacteria and boost gut health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cabbage is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that studies have shown can reduce inflammation, she says.
Boosts Heart Health
Along with fiber, cabbage has potassium, which supports healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Cabbage also has vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting (and bone health). Shapiro points to red cabbage in particular, which she says contains antioxidants called anthocyanins that studies have shown can improve brain and heart health.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Cabbage is low in calories and carbs while being high in fiber, which can help stabilize glucose levels in the body.
Cabbage often—and unfairly—gets overlooked, with flashier veggies and protein-dense superfoods getting all the attention. But as far as nutritional food options go, the leafy green is pretty hard to beat. A staple in different cuisines (American coleslaw! Middle Eastern malfouf! Chinese suan la bai cai!), cabbage has been a longtime favorite amongst global chefs.
“Much of this stems from its versatility,” Woldy Reyes, chef and author of the cookbook In the Kusina: My Seasonal Filipino Cooking, tells Vogue. “We are seeing a growing trend of chefs utilizing it as a centerpiece, such as cabbage steaks, rather than as a side dish. The culinary appeal has never been stronger.”
“Its popularity stems from its ability to transform,” adds Tatiana Mora, chef of plant-based Michelin star restaurant Mita. “It can be eaten raw, fermented, steamed, roasted, or sautéed, consistently providing flavor, texture, and nutrition. I love it because it is a noble vegetable that grows easily, keeps well, and can be used almost entirely, making it perfect for a conscious and respectful approach to cooking.”
It’s accessible, easy to cook, and delicious. Here are all the reasons cabbage deserves a seat at your table (get it?) in 2026.
What is cabbage?
Cabbage is a leafy green that is part of the brassica plant family (which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale), says Amy Shapiro, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition. It comes in several varieties, but the most common ones you’ll see are green, red (or purple), and savoy. What makes cabbage different from other leafy greens is its density and durability. “It’s heartier, stores longer, and holds up well to cooking, fermenting, and shredding,” Shapiro says. “Nutritionally, it shares many benefits with other cruciferous vegetables, but it’s often milder in flavor and more versatile across cuisines.”
The Benefits
Besides its versatility, one of the main benefits of cabbage is its many nutrients. Shapiro lists other main benefits of the leafy green:
Supports Gut Health
Shapiro says that, because cabbage contains fiber and other compounds that support digestion, eating this leafy green can benefit the gut bacteria and boost gut health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cabbage is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that studies have shown can reduce inflammation, she says.
Boosts Heart Health
Along with fiber, cabbage has potassium, which supports healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Cabbage also has vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting (and bone health). Shapiro points to red cabbage in particular, which she says contains antioxidants called anthocyanins that studies have shown can improve brain and heart health.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Cabbage is low in calories and carbs while being high in fiber, which can help stabilize glucose levels in the body.
You’re taking cough syrup and lozenges in an attempt to get some relief. But what about using honey for sore throat symptoms? Does this natural home remedy actually work to soothe a sore throat and cough?
In addition to having other symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, you may develop a cough.
Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate a cough.
“Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it’s a wet or dry cough.”
Is it safe for children?
Giving honey to a child under 1-year-old isn’t recommended, warns Dr. Rainbolt.
“There’s concern for an infant botulism, a serious illness that’s caused by Clostridium botulinum,” she continues. “While it’s a rare occurrence, honey can contain spores that cause botulism. It attacks the body’s nervous system and children under one are more vulnerable.”
How to use for a sore throat
Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat.
You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.
“You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well,” says Dr. Rainbolt.
So, how often can you use this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.
And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar.
“If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”
And can you use both honey and traditional cold medicine?
Yes, says Dr. Rainbolt.
“If it seems like the honey isn’t helping on its own, then you can certainly do both honey and medication, if medicine is something that you are able to take,” she notes.
Is honey safe to use?
Honey can be a helpful tool for those who can’t take traditional cold medications — for example, children under 6 years old or individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Overall, honey can be a good way to help soothe your sore throat and cough. It doesn’t come with some of the side effects that over-the-counter medications have like drowsiness.
So, can you just buy any honey you see on the grocery store shelf?
Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. It also improves honey’s texture and color, while extending its shelf life.
Dr. Rainbolt also mentions that some people think using local honey, which tends to be unpasteurized or raw, can come with extra benefits.
“There’s a thought that if you use local honey, you are exposed to some of the area’s natural allergens in a positive way,” she explains. “The idea is that it will help with allergies you have.”
The next time your throat starts to tickle, reach for honey and see if it helps.
“Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old,” says Dr. Rainbolt. “Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it’s been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It’s a nice alternative.”
If you’re stressed and sore, you may think there’s nothing you can do but take some over-the-counter pain relievers and plow through your day. But licensed massage therapist, Victoria Bodner, LMT, says you don’t have to grin and bear it.
Massage is a great tool for relaxation, pain relief, easing muscle tension and more, says Bodner. Learn more about the common types of massage and their benefits.
What is massage therapy?
Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support wellness.
Types of massage therapy
Massages come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the offerings you might find on a massage therapy menu.
Swedish massage
Feeling stressed? A Swedish massage is the classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish massage is typically a full-body massage that uses a gentle touch. It’s a good pick for people new to massages. “It can help calm your nervous system. Swedish massage is also a good avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional state of mind which can directly impact your muscles,” says Bodner.
Deep tissue massage
Your muscles can get tight from repeated use — even from something less active like sitting, driving or hunching over your laptop. “Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness,” Bodner says. It’s good for people with injuries, general muscle tightness and chronic muscle pain.
Sports massage
Sports massages are similar to deep-tissue massages, but they zero in on the muscles that take a beating when you play sports or do another repetitive physical activity. “Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person,” Bodner says. “A massage therapist with experience in sports massage can get in there to break up muscle tightness and address sports injuries.”
Trigger point massage
A knot in your neck or a tight spot in your back is known as a trigger point. “A trigger point is a tiny muscle spasm or tight spot in the tissue,” Bodner explains. In a trigger-point massage, the massage therapist uses focused and direct pressure to target those spots. This increases blood flow to the areas, helping them release. This type of massage can also be helpful for people with chronic pain.
Myofascial release
The fascia is a web of connective tissue under the skin. “It supports the muscles and allows us to move freely,” Bodner explains. When you get a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia to work out tension and tightness. “It’s a form of deep stretching often used together with other therapeutic massage techniques,” she says. “It’s great for opening up tightness in your neck, shoulders and your upper and lower back.”
Lymphatic massage
Lymphatic fluid has several important functions, including maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products from the body. Lymphatic massage uses a gentle touch to help lymphatic fluid flow more freely through the body. “Lymphatic massage is great for people with inflammation — including people with illnesses like arthritis, as well as people who have had mastectomies, which often involve removing the lymph nodes,” Bodner says.
Prenatal massage
Prenatal massages are great for helping moms-to-be relax and can help address the aches and pains of growing a baby. “Prenatal massages are wonderful for taking pressure off the hips and can help with swelling in the feet and legs,” Bodner says. “And when mom is relaxed and feeling well, the baby benefits, too.”
Health benefits of massage
Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but has been noted to help those who various conditions like cancer, heart disease, stomach problems and fibromyalgia. You should make sure you talk to your therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.
Reduces stress and anxiety
That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety.
Improves sleep
Getting a massage can decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters known to stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive heart failure.
Lessens pain and muscle tension
A variety of studies have looked into how massage may help lessen pain like acute back pain, neck pain, headaches and knee pain. The results show that relief may be short-term, rather than long-term and in some cases receiving a 60-minute massage multiple times per week had better results than fewer or shorter massages.
Improves immune function
Can a massage boost your immune system? A study suggests that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, which work to combat viruses.
Relieves constipation
A study shows that for those dealing with constipation after surgery, an abdominal massage may help with bowel movements.
Lessens fibromyalgia symptoms
From sleep, memory and mood, studies have shown that using massage over the course of five weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue.
Relieves cancer pain
For people undergoing cancer treatments, the physical and emotional toll is great. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life. There have been a variety of studies, some that say massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain and others that show a positive impact.
Who should try massage therapy?
Many of us can benefit from a massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain and more. If you have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist. For those who are pregnant, a prenatal massage can help alleviate pain and swelling.
“There are so many good reasons to see a massage therapist,” Bodner says.
Not sure what type of massage is right for you? You don’t have to zero in on the perfect massage before booking an appointment. In fact, massage therapists often mix and match techniques to address your unique concerns.
“The different types of massage aren’t exclusive from one another,” Bodner says. “A massage therapist uses a combination of techniques to help you relax, get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.”
Swap regular fries for these delicious, and nutritious, potato wedges
These crispy sweet potato wedges come out Cajun spicy and sweet. Don’t tell anyone but they’re also really healthy. They’re loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients and are a great source of beta-carotene. Another plus? As complex carbs, they digest slowly and raise blood sugars gradually — keeping you from a spike and drop-off.
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges (about 8 wedges per potato)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, oil and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to evenly coat wedges.
Spread the wedges in a single layer on one (or two, if needed) ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 30 minutes or until crispy and brown on one side.
Flip fries over and bake for another 30 minutes or until the wedges are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredient health benefits
Sweet potatoes: These root veggies are beloved the world over for their flavor and versatility. But did you know there’s more to sweet potatoes than … well, just being sweet? They’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. These nutrients help support many aspects of your overall health, including your immune system, metabolism, blood pressure and vision. Sweet potatoes also have carbohydrates and fiber to fuel your cells and promote healthy digestion.
Olive oil: This cooking oil is one of those ingredients that’s actually worth the hype. Olive oil is full of unsaturated fats and polyphenols. These compounds support your heart and fight inflammation that can harm your cells. Vitamin E and vitamin K, also known as fat-soluble vitamins, maintain radiant skin and strong bones. Olive oil also elevates your good “HDL” cholesterol while lowering your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. And powerful antioxidants suppress free radicals, damaging little particles that harm your cells in ways that can lead to cancer. While all olive oil has these benefits, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality, so don’t hesitate to pick some up if it fits within your budget!
You know exercise builds muscles, strengthens bones, keeps your heart healthy and your mind sharp. But it also does something that you might not think much about: It helps keep your immune system — your internal defenses against infection — in tip-top shape.
If you take time for some physical exertion each day, it helps get your body ready to attack bacteria, viruses and toxins that can sneak in and make you sick.
But how much exercise is effective? Do too little or too much, and it won’t have the best effect on your immune system.
Clinical immunologist Leonard Calabrese, DO, answers common questions about how exercise can impact your immunity and how to use your workouts to shut out a world of would-be invaders.
Q: How does breaking a sweat boost immunity?
A: If you exercise moderately on a regular basis, it tunes up the immune system in many ways. It enhances your broad-based defenses against viral infections, such as those causing upper respiratory infections.
Working out regularly also reduces the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory illnesses and metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Q: How much exercise do you need?
A: Fortunately, you don’t have to push yourself to the limit to rev up your immune system. In fact, your immune system needs less of a workout than you get with your average cardio routine.
Focus on getting 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week, and your immune system will thank you.
Q: What types of exercise are most helpful?
A: Moderate exercises, including biking or walking briskly in your neighborhood, are good ways to get your blood flowing. Swimming is also a good option for non-weight-bearing exercise for your joints.
Also try mind-body exercises such as Tai-Chi, Qi Gong and yoga, which are all options that help keep your joints flexible. These exercises also reduce chronic stress, which in itself is a powerful immune booster. These exercises can also help alleviate osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms.
Q: Can too much exercise set your immune system back?
A: Yes, though, the level to which it can slow your system down is still up for debate.
Research shows that exercising for more than 1.5 hours without refueling your body or giving it enough time to recover suppresses your immune responses for up to a few days. During that time, your cortisol levels rise, your white blood cell count drops and you’re more likely to develop a respiratory infection.
This problem usually affects elite athletes, such as marathon runners, most.
On the flip side, staying sedentary also increases your risk of infection, inflammation and chronic disease.
Q: Can exercise make an illness worse?
A: Yes, it can. This is a complex issue, but I like to tell my patients to do a “neck check.” If your symptoms are mostly of a mild cold without fever or lower respiratory symptoms, such as a productive cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, mild exercise can actually reduce congestion and may make you feel better.
If your symptoms are primarily in your lungs or you have a significant fever its better to rest until things settle down. Regardless, good hydration is important.
Physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy) places full and functional movement at the heart of what it means to be healthy. It involves treating patients of all ages with a range of illnesses and conditions, including those with back and neck problems, sports injuries, arthritis, or those recovering from strokes and operations. The focus of our treatment is exercise prescription.
Physiotherapists may be part of a multidisciplinary medical team that includes physicians, nurses, speech and language therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers among others. Alternatively, they may work from clinics or specialise in particular areas of the discipline.
Physiotherapy: The course for you?
Physiotherapy is both physically and academically demanding and an interest in working with people is an requirement, alongside strong communication skills. Visiting a local general hospital or other area where physiotherapists work will give you a good understanding of what exactly is involved.
Physiotherapy at Trinity
Physiotherapy is based in the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences in a purpose built complex at St. James’s Hospital. This complex houses other health science disciplines and allows physiotherapy students to share courses with those in the other health sciences to give a multidisciplinary approach to studying and working. The centre is about 3km from the main campus and is beside a Luas station on the line running between Tallaght and Connolly Station.
All students will have clinical placements at Trinity’s associated teaching hospitals of St. James’s and AMNCH in Tallaght, where there is an established expertise in most areas of physiotherapy. These placements allow students to gain experience in some of the specialist areas of physiotherapy including neurology, respiratory care, coronary care, orthopaedics, women’s health, care of the elderly, sports and out-patients.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
Successful completion of the course entitles you to membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, the accrediting body for physiotherapy in Ireland. Physiotherapists are sought throughout the world and you will be able to work with a wide range of conditions or to specialise, as you wish. There is also great scope for you to continue to develop your skills and expertise in areas such as sports medicine, neurology, cardiology, respiratory, research, education, management or private practice. Students may also work with a professional sports team as part of multidisciplinary athlete support.
Your degree and what you’ll study
The major objective of this four-year course is to enable you to become a competent professional with the ability to work independently with patients. There are two components to Physiotherapy: theory and clinical practice. In the first year the emphasis is on laying a foundation of theoretical knowledge and the second year introduces students to the clinical skills and procedures used by physiotherapists. Clinical sciences are taught mainly in the second and third years. In the third and fourth years students spend up to fifty percent of their time on clinical placement. In the fourth-year, students have an opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in a particular area of physiotherapy and undertake a research project.
First and second years
In first and second year as you will have approximately 20 hours of teaching each week, divided between lecture and practical classes.
Courses covered in the first two years include: Physiology, Anatomy, Physics, Chemistry, Pathology, and Exercise. You will also start to study various conditions and specialities frequently seen in physiotherapy, such as respiratory conditions and musculoskeletal conditions.
At the end of second year you will start clinical placements under the supervision of skilled and experienced tutors. These may be taken in hospitals, clinics, day centres or within private and community practice.
Third and fourth years
In the third year, half of the time is spent on academic studies and the other half on clinical placements in a variety of settings both within and outside the Dublin area.
In fourth year, you will undertake an investigative project and study the following subjects: sports and exercise medicine, ergonomics, professional issues and advances in physiotherapy.
End-of-year written examinations and tests in certain subjects, such as anatomy, make up the theoretical assessment structure. There are a number of submitted assignments in third and fourth years.
In addition, you will be continuously assessed during your clinical placement and will have practical exams on the skills element of the course, including your assessment of a patient while on a clinical placement.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
You’re taking cough syrup and lozenges in an attempt to get some relief. But what about using honey for sore throat symptoms? Does this natural home remedy actually work to soothe a sore throat and cough?
In addition to having other symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, you may develop a cough.
Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate a cough.
“Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it’s a wet or dry cough.”
Is it safe for children?
Giving honey to a child under 1-year-old isn’t recommended, warns Dr. Rainbolt.
“There’s concern for an infant botulism, a serious illness that’s caused by Clostridium botulinum,” she continues. “While it’s a rare occurrence, honey can contain spores that cause botulism. It attacks the body’s nervous system and children under one are more vulnerable.”
How to use for a sore throat
Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat.
You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.
“You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well,” says Dr. Rainbolt.
So, how often can you use this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.
And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar.
“If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”
And can you use both honey and traditional cold medicine?
Yes, says Dr. Rainbolt.
“If it seems like the honey isn’t helping on its own, then you can certainly do both honey and medication, if medicine is something that you are able to take,” she notes.
Is honey safe to use?
Honey can be a helpful tool for those who can’t take traditional cold medications — for example, children under 6 years old or individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Overall, honey can be a good way to help soothe your sore throat and cough. It doesn’t come with some of the side effects that over-the-counter medications have like drowsiness.
So, can you just buy any honey you see on the grocery store shelf?
Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. It also improves honey’s texture and color, while extending its shelf life.
Dr. Rainbolt also mentions that some people think using local honey, which tends to be unpasteurized or raw, can come with extra benefits.
“There’s a thought that if you use local honey, you are exposed to some of the area’s natural allergens in a positive way,” she explains. “The idea is that it will help with allergies you have.”
The next time your throat starts to tickle, reach for honey and see if it helps.
“Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old,” says Dr. Rainbolt. “Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it’s been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It’s a nice alternative.”
You’re taking cough syrup and lozenges in an attempt to get some relief. But what about using honey for sore throat symptoms? Does this natural home remedy actually work to soothe a sore throat and cough?
In addition to having other symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, you may develop a cough.
Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate a cough.
“Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it’s a wet or dry cough.”
Is it safe for children?
Giving honey to a child under 1-year-old isn’t recommended, warns Dr. Rainbolt.
“There’s concern for an infant botulism, a serious illness that’s caused by Clostridium botulinum,” she continues. “While it’s a rare occurrence, honey can contain spores that cause botulism. It attacks the body’s nervous system and children under one are more vulnerable.”
How to use for a sore throat
Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat.
You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.
“You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well,” says Dr. Rainbolt.
So, how often can you use this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.
And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar.
“If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”
And can you use both honey and traditional cold medicine?
Yes, says Dr. Rainbolt.
“If it seems like the honey isn’t helping on its own, then you can certainly do both honey and medication, if medicine is something that you are able to take,” she notes.
Is honey safe to use?
Honey can be a helpful tool for those who can’t take traditional cold medications — for example, children under 6 years old or individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Overall, honey can be a good way to help soothe your sore throat and cough. It doesn’t come with some of the side effects that over-the-counter medications have like drowsiness.
So, can you just buy any honey you see on the grocery store shelf?
Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. It also improves honey’s texture and color, while extending its shelf life.
Dr. Rainbolt also mentions that some people think using local honey, which tends to be unpasteurized or raw, can come with extra benefits.
“There’s a thought that if you use local honey, you are exposed to some of the area’s natural allergens in a positive way,” she explains. “The idea is that it will help with allergies you have.”
The next time your throat starts to tickle, reach for honey and see if it helps.
“Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old,” says Dr. Rainbolt. “Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it’s been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It’s a nice alternative.”
Healthaware 