Dark Honey

Dark honey

Dark honey is at the heart of the Zarbee’s® story. Our founder, Dr. Zak Zarbock, was inspired by its 8,000-year-long history of use for supporting eye, throat, respiratory health, and even fatigue, constipation, and skin health.1* After reading scientific studies supporting dark honey’s ability to calm coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants,* Dr. Zarbock created our first cough syrup for children.2

Thanks to clinical support for honey’s effectiveness, it is widely recommended by leading health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the 2017 CHEST Expert Panel Report as a treatment for cough.3-5

Both the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that honey should not be given to infants under 1 year to prevent infant botulism.6-8

Properties and mechanism of action

Recent studies have shown that honey has a number of beneficial properties that support overall health and well-being.9,10 The exact mechanism of action of honey as cough relief is currently unknown; however, it contains a wide range of compounds which may be responsible for its health supporting benefits—including high concentrations of flavonoids and other polyphenols, which act as antioxidants.6,10,11*
The calming property of honey is considered one of the key components in its demulcent action, which soothes the mucous membranes and may diminish irritation that causes cough reflex.* It also has properties that may provide immune support.12*

Scientific support

In 2018, a systematic review and meta-analysis found honey to be effective in relieving cough symptoms associated with hoarseness, dry throat, or irritants* compared to doing nothing.2

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ingredient details are provided as general information and are not intended to be associated with any specific Zarbee’s® products.

REFERENCES: 1. Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F. Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research. Pharmacognosy Res. 2017;9(2):121-127. 2. Oduwole O, Udoh EE, Oyo-Ita A, Meremikwu MM. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;4(4):CD007094. 3. Cough and cold remedies for the treatment of acute respiratory infections in young children. World Health Organization. Published 2001. Accessed July 6, 2021. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/66856 4. Fashner J, Ericson K, Werner S. Treatment of the common cold in children and adults. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(2):153-159. 5. Malesker MA, Callahan-Lyon P, Ireland B, Irwin RS; CHEST Expert Cough Panel. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment for acute cough associated with the common cold: CHEST Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2017;152(5):1021-1037. 6. Tietze KJ. Honey for cough: evidence is limited. Pharmacy Today. 2015;21(4):24. 7. Botulism. World Health Organization. Published January 10, 2018. Accessed July 6, 2021. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/botulism 8. Prevention. Many cases of botulism are preventable. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated June 1, 2021. Accessed July 6, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/prevention.html#anchor_1491857426143 9. Mandal MD, Mandal S. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154-160. 10. Alvarez-Suarez JM, Giampieri F, Battino M. Honey as a source of dietary antioxidants: structures, bioavailability and evidence of protective effects against human chronic diseases. Curr Med Chem. 2013;20(5):621-638. 11. Barker SJ. Honey for acute cough in children. Paediatr Child Health. 2016;21(4):199-200. 12. Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda L, Berlin CM Jr. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(12):1140-1146.