In April 2018 researchers from Nigeria published their review of the scientific literature to assess the effectiveness of honey for acute cough in children. Results showed that honey reduced cough frequency. Honey was seen to have a similar effect as dextromethorphan in reducing cough frequency but was better than diphenhydramine. Giving honey for up to three days appeared to be more effective in relieving cough symptoms compared with salbutamol but was probably no better than salbutamol in reducing cough severity, bothersome cough, and impact of couth on sleep for parents and children if given for more than three days. In addition, there was probably little or no difference between the effects of honey and bromelin mixed with honey in reducing couth frequency and severity.
Oduwole O et al. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Apr 10;4:CD007094