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From Cough Relief to a Global “Honey Craze”: Honey Becomes a Leading Product in the Health Industry

By Grant Fang

January 6, 2026
6:04 pm
Los Angeles, CA

Drinking a cup of hot water with honey when you have a cold, cough, or nasal congestion is a home remedy many people have known since childhood. Now, this practice is gradually gaining scientific backing. In August 2020, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) indicated that honey was superior to conventional treatments in relieving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. The study suggested that honey is inexpensive and readily available, and in some cases, could replace antibiotics, helping to slow the spread of antibiotic resistance. This research was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford in the UK. They pointed out that upper respiratory tract infections are one of the most common reasons doctors prescribe antibiotics, but these infections are mostly caused by viruses, making

In August 2020, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) indicated that honey was superior to conventional treatments in relieving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. The study suggested that honey is inexpensive and readily available, and in some cases, could replace antibiotics, helping to slow the spread of antibiotic resistance.

This research was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford in the UK. They pointed out that upper respiratory tract infections are one of the most common reasons doctors prescribe antibiotics, but these infections are mostly caused by viruses, making antibiotics ineffective and inappropriate. In contrast, honey has almost no side effects and reduces the long-term health risks associated with antibiotic overuse.

The study found that honey’s most significant effect was in reducing the frequency and severity of coughs, with particularly strong evidence in children. The researchers also emphasized that more high-quality placebo-controlled trials are needed to further confirm its efficacy in adults.

The Overlooked “Strange-Tasting Honey”

In fact, before modern medicine focused on honey, humanity had already recognized its medicinal properties. The earliest records of honey date back to 6000 BC, and traditional medical texts from around the world mention its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects.

However, even in New Zealand, a country with a long history of beekeeping, a type of honey that later became popular worldwide—Manuka honey—was long unpopular.

When Peter Molan, a now-retired New Zealand scholar and scientist, began studying the medical value of honey more than 40 years ago, locals would even discard Manuka honey. “This honey has a strong taste, and most people didn’t like it,” Molan recalled.

It was Molan’s research that changed this fate. He discovered that, unlike ordinary honey, Manuka honey possesses remarkably stable antibacterial properties. Subsequent research also showed that it may aid in wound healing and, to some extent, support immune system function. Although some of its health benefits still require more rigorous scientific verification, this discovery quickly attracted global attention.

From the Laboratory to a Billion-Dollar Industry

Concepts such as “natural antibacterial” and “no antibiotics needed” quickly propelled Manuka honey beyond the realm of traditional food and into the global health industry. Celebrity endorsements further boosted its popularity; endorsements from tennis star Novak Djokovic and Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, among others, have given it the label of a “high-end health product.”

This trend is particularly evident in China. With the public’s increasing concern for food safety and natural health products, Manuka honey quickly became popular among affluent consumers. Data shows that seven years ago, China imported almost no New Zealand honey; by 2014, mainland China, along with Hong Kong, had become the second-largest export market for New Zealand honey, importing approximately 1,500 tons that year, the vast majority of which was Manuka honey.

In high-end supermarkets in Shanghai, a 500-gram jar of Manuka honey selling for over a thousand RMB is not uncommon. Market researchers point out that unlike luxury goods, consumers buy Manuka honey not for ostentation, but as a high-value health food for long-term consumption, similar to the perception of ginseng in East Asian culture.

Counterfeiting, Regulation, and the “Gold Rush”

The surge in demand also brought problems. High prices and short supply led to Manuka honey being plagued by counterfeiting. To address this, the New Zealand honey industry established the “Unique Manuka Factor” (UMF) certification system and set up testing laboratories in multiple locations, including China, to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product.

At the same time, the huge demand from the Chinese market also put pressure on production. New Zealand honey companies continuously expanded their apiaries, even transporting beehives to remote areas, sometimes requiring helicopter transport of equipment. Moran described this phenomenon as “a gold rush in progress.”

Although other countries have attempted to replicate this success, industry insiders generally believe that, due to ecological constraints, truly sustainable Manuka honey remains highly dependent on the unique environment of New Zealand. Honey vs. Antibiotics: A Choice for Our Time

This all takes place against a backdrop of deep global anxiety about antibiotic overuse. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 700,000 people die each year from infections related to antibiotic resistance; if no action is taken, this number could rise to 10 million per year by 2050.

In this context, researchers at Oxford University suggest that prioritizing honey over antibiotics for common upper respiratory symptoms such as colds, coughs, and nasal congestion is a practical approach. This could not only alleviate symptoms but also help reduce unnecessary medication use.

As the old saying goes, “Every medicine has its side effects.” When a glass of honey water can relieve a cough, humanity may be relearning to find a more rational balance between modern medicine and traditional natural remedies.

Source: BBC