Warm milk and honey for your sore throat

Warm milk and honey for your sore throat


By Marie Anne Vion

Published on: Monday, November 20, 2023, Updated on: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Warm milk and honey are among the traditional remedies people turn to when their throat feels sore. But is this combination really effective, and how should it be prepared? With the soothing texture of honey and the comfort of a warm drink, this ritual can help to temporarily relieve discomfort. Discover its benefits, the best ways to prepare it and the precautions you should be aware of.

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In brief

  • Warm milk with honey can provide a soothing sensation when your throat is sore, particularly thanks to the honey’s soft, comforting texture

  • To make it, add one or two teaspoons of honey to lukewarm milk, rather than boiling milk, to avoid further irritating a sore throat and to minimise the breakdown of certain compounds in the honey caused by heat

  • Honey is high in sugar and must never be given to children under 1 year of age. 

Why can warm milk and honey soothe a sore throat?

Honey, for a soothing sensation

Thanks to its thick, viscous texture, honey remains in contact with the throat’s mucous membrane for a short while. This coating, or demulcent, effect can help to temporarily soothe feelings of irritation and dryness.

Honey to soothe a cough

Scientific evidence [1; 2] suggests that honey may help to reduce the frequency and intensity of the cough associated with common upper respiratory tract infections. Thanks to its smooth, soothing texture, it can also provide a soothing sensation when the throat is sore, particularly when suffering from a cough.

A warm drink for throat comfort

Drinking enough fluids helps to maintain good hydration when the throat is sore. Drunk lukewarm rather than very hot, milk with honey also provides a comforting sensation of warmth and allows you to consume honey in a mild and pleasant form.

What is the role of milk?

Milk mainly adds creaminess to the drink and provides a mild base for diluting the honey. However, current scientific evidence does not support any specific effect of milk on a sore throat. In this combination, the benefit of milk therefore lies primarily in the comfort and enjoyment it provides when consumed.

What is the recipe for warm milk with honey for a sore throat?

The recipe for a cup of warm milk with honey is very simple:

  1. Heat 200 to 250 ml of milk in a saucepan, without bringing it to the boil.

  2. Leave the milk to cool for a few moments so that you can drink it comfortably.

  3. Add one or two teaspoons of honey, then stir until completely dissolved.

  4. Sip it slowly, particularly in the evening, to enjoy a gentle, comforting drink when your throat is sore.

Find out more

Warm milk with honey can easily be personalised with spices or other ingredients. It’s a chance to vary the flavours while still enjoying a gentle, comforting drink when your throat is sore.

  • Milk, honey and ginger: steep a few thin slices of fresh ginger in the milk for a few minutes, then strain. Once the drink has cooled to lukewarm, add one or two teaspoons of honey. Ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy flavour, which is particularly welcome during the cold season

  • Milk, honey and cinnamon: add a pinch of ground cinnamon to hot milk, stir and allow to cool slightly before stirring in the honey. Its sweet and spicy notes make this a particularly pleasant combination during winter

  • Golden Latte with honey : this Ayurvedic-inspired drink combines milk or a plant-based milk with turmeric, accompanied, depending on the recipe, by ginger, cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper. Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, is the subject of extensive research into its effects on inflammatory mechanisms. However, these findings mainly relate to 5 supplementation and cannot be directly applied to the quantities used in a Golden Latte [5]

  • Milk, honey and lemon: lemon is a natural source of vitamin C, a micronutrient that contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system [4]. As its acidity can cause the milk to curdle, add a small amount of juice gradually while the milk is lukewarm. For a simpler combination, opt for a herbal tea or lukewarm water with honey and lemon.

  1. Please note

    Avoid adding honey to boiling milk. High heat can alter some of its temperature-sensitive compounds [3].

What natural remedies are there for looking after your throat and getting ready for winter?

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash

Organic Throat-Soothing Chewables 45 g – Food supplement

Organic Soothing Throat Lozenges 45 g – Food supplement

Organic Soothing Throat Lozenges combine honey and propolis with organic marshmallow extract, rich in soothing mucilage, as well as organic essential oils of lemon and peppermint. This combination soothes the throat and promotes comfort in the pharynx, while providing an intense sensation of freshness. 100% natural and made in France, these minty and lemony-flavoured sweets are easy to carry with you wherever you go.

Directions for use : Allow one sweet to dissolve in the mouth. Take 5 sweets per day for a maximum of 7 days.

Precautions: This food supplement is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake and avoid prolonged use. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years of age, or people with an allergy to bee products, nor for those with a history of epilepsy, convulsions or neurological conditions. If you have a blockage of the bile ducts (stones), gastro-oesophageal reflux or liver or pancreas disorders, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Do not take this product at the same time as medication; allow at least 1 hour between doses. People with high blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure. Keep out of reach of children.

Discover Organic Soothing Throat Lozenges 45 g – food supplement

Organic Propolis Extract – 20 ml – Food supplement

Organic Propolis Extract – 20 ml – Food supplement

The Organic Propolis Extract is a true treasure from the hive, made from propolis, a natural substance produced by bees to help protect their environment. Alcohol-free, sugar-free and preservative-free, this organic liquid extract guarantees a polyphenol content of 12 mg/ml and concentrates the various compounds naturally present in propolis.

Directions for use: Take 1 pipette (1 ml) per day. Take neat, diluted in a glass of water or mixed with a teaspoon of honey. Prolonged use (more than 3 weeks) is not recommended.

Precautions: Keep out of reach of children. Propolis is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not recommended for people allergic to bee products, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 6 years of age without medical advice. 

Discover Organic Propolis Extract – 20 ml – food supplement

Organic Eucalyptus Respire Herbal Tea

Organic Eucalyptus Respire Herbal Tea

The Organic Eucalyptus Respire Herbal Tea combines Eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, thyme, elderflower, sage and ginger in a blend that’s ideal for the colder months. Eucalyptus helps support healthy respiratory function, while ginger contributes to general wellbeing. An organic blend with fresh, aromatic and spicy notes, perfect for a warm and comforting winter treat.

Directions for use: Heat the water until it is simmering, but not boiling. For one cup, infuse 1 to 2 teaspoons of Organic Eucalyptus Respire Herbal Tea – having given it a stir first – then pour the hot water over the herbs. Leave to infuse for 7 to 13 minutes, depending on your taste, before enjoying.

Precautions: This herbal tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for children, and should be consumed as part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Discover Organic Eucalyptus Respire Herbal Tea

‘Serene Winter’ aromatherapy balm with 4 essential oils

‘Serene Winter’ Aromatherapy Balm with 4 Essential Oils

The ‘Serene Winter’ Aromatherapy Balm combines organic essential oils of Eucalyptus radiata, ravintsara, thymol-rich thyme and turpentine with camphor and menthol. Its fresh, minty scent helps clear the nose and promotes respiratory wellbeing. When massaged into the skin, it provides an invigorating and comforting sensation, ideal for relieving winter discomforts.

Directions for use: Massage into the chest, lower neck, nape of the neck, behind the ears or upper back. For children aged 6 to 10, use once a day. For those over 10, up to two applications a day are possible.

Precautions: This balm is for external use only. Do not use on pregnant women, children under 6 years of age, or people with asthma or a history of epilepsy, convulsions or allergies. Avoid applying to mucous membranes and the area around the eyes. This product contains camphor, menthol and eucalyptol. Wash your hands thoroughly after each application and, in the event of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with clean water. Keep out of reach of children.

Discover ‘Serene Winter’ Aromatherapy Balm with 4 essential oils

Precautions for use

Warm milk with honey to soothe a sore throat should be consumed in moderation, as honey is naturally high in sugar. It should never be given to children under 1 year of age [7], due to the risk of infant botulism. People with diabetes or those who need to monitor their sugar intake should take this into account in their daily consumption. If you are allergic to bee products, avoid honey and products containing it.

Milk should be avoided if you are allergic to milk proteins and can be replaced with a suitable plant-based drink if you have lactose intolerance. Finally, while this drink may provide some relief if your throat is sore, it is not a substitute for appropriate medical care. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, a high fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek advice from a healthcare professional without delay.

Expert advice

To get the most out of your honey and milk drink for soothing your throat, opt for a lukewarm drink rather than a very hot one, and add the honey after you’ve heated the milk. Its gentle, soothing texture is particularly pleasant when your throat is sore. You can also vary the flavour with a pinch of cinnamon or ginger. Finally, go easy on the honey: one to two teaspoons are enough for a cup!

Spotlight on Our Nutrition and Food Expert, Marie-Anne Vion

Marie-Anne Vion.jpg

Faced with digestive problems such as IBS and SIBO, Marie-Anne turned to nutrition and natural remedies. Passionate about wellbeing, she is now studying dietetics and nutrition. She shares her expertise through articles, offering accessible advice and insights. Impressed by the brand’s natural approach, she helps to promote a balanced diet and personal responsibility for one’s health.

Bibliography

  1. Abuelgasim, H., Albury, C., & Lee, J. (2020). Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 26(2), 57–64.

    https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336

  2. Goldman, R. D. (2014). Honey for the treatment of cough in children. PubMed, 60(12), 1107–1108, 1110.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25642485

  3. Zarei, M., Fazlara, A., & Tulabifard, N. (2019). Effect of thermal treatment on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey. Heliyon, 5(6), e01894.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01894

  4. Miles, E. A., & Calder, P. C. (2021b). Effects of citrus fruit juices and their bioactive components on inflammation and immunity: A narrative review. Frontiers in Immunology, 12, 712608.

    https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.712608

  5. Dehzad, M. J., Ghalandari, H., Nouri, M., & Askarpour, M. (2023). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Cytokine, 164, 156144. 

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156144

  6. Barboza, J. N., Da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho, C., Silva, R. O., Medeiros, J. V. R., & De Sousa, D. P. (2018). An Overview on the Anti-inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2018(1), 3957262.

    https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3957262

  7. ANSES. (2023). No honey for children under one year of age. Food and Human Nutrition.

    https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/pas-de-miel-les-enfants-de-moins-dun-an

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