Zarbee’s dark honey is a popular natural cough syrup used by many parents to help soothe sore throats and coughs in babies and children. It contains dark honey, which is thought to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there are some concerns about whether dark honey is actually safe to give to babies under one year old. In this comprehensive article, we will examine the evidence on both sides to help parents make an informed decision about using Zarbee’s dark honey.
What is Zarbee’s dark honey?
Zarbee’s Naturals is a brand that specializes in natural health products for children. Their dark honey cough syrup contains just two ingredients – dark honey and water. The dark honey is sourced from New Zealand’s remote forests and is minimally processed to retain all of its natural benefits.
According to the company, the medicinal honey soothes sore throats, calms coughs, and helps improve sleep when your child is fighting a cold. The honey coats the throat and provides a protective layer to soothe irritation. The syrup is designed for children 12 months and older.
What are the potential benefits of honey for coughs?
Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs. Both in folk medicine and scientific studies, honey demonstrates the following properties that can aid cough relief:
Antimicrobial effects
Honey has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. This helps fight infection and inflammation that causes coughing. The antiseptic properties come from hydrogen peroxide produced enzymatically in the honey.
Coats and soothes the throat
Honey forms a protective film over the throat and vocal cords. This layer can reduce throat irritation and coughing caused by inflammation. The film also aids in retaining moisture and acts as a barrier against additional damage.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Research shows honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce swelling in the respiratory tract and soothe coughs. Compounds like flavonoids are thought to contribute these anti-inflammatory effects.
Helps promote restful sleep
Several studies found honey improved sleep quality in children with upper respiratory tract infections. This is likely because honey soothes coughs and throat pain that can disrupt sleep. Better rest supports immune system recovery.
May suppress cough reflex
Some research indicates honey can activate sensory nerves in the throat that suppress cough reflexes. This helps provide immediate cough relief. However, more research is needed to confirm this mechanism of action.
What does research say about honey for children’s cough?
There have been several clinical studies examining the efficacy and safety of honey for treating cough symptoms in children:
Reduces cough frequency
Multiple studies found honey decreased cough frequency and severity, often showing greater improvements than conventional cough medication ingredients. For example, one study gave children aged 1-5 either honey, dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), or no treatment 30 minutes before bed. Cough frequency was significantly reduced with honey but not the other treatments.
Improves sleep quality
In the study mentioned above, parents rated their children’s sleep quality as significantly better when they received honey. Other studies also report honey improves restful sleep when a child has an upper respiratory infection.
Safe for ages 1 and up
Clinical research has found honey effective and safe for children aged 1 year and older for reducing cough from upper respiratory infections. Studies typically use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey before bedtime. Honey should not be given to infants under 1 due to risk of infant botulism.
May work as well as OTC cough medicine
Some studies comparing honey to common over-the-counter cough ingredients like dextromethorphan or diphenhydramine found similar improvements in cough frequency between the groups. More research is needed, but honey may provide comparable benefits for cough and sleep.
What are the risks of honey for babies under 1?
While honey has proven cough-soothing effects in older children, it is not considered safe for infants under one year due to the risk of infant botulism. Here are the details on this serious illness and why babies should avoid honey:
Spores of C. botulinum bacteria
Raw honey can contain dormant spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. While harmless to older children and adults, these spores can colonize the immature digestive tract of infants and become activated, releasing botulinum neurotoxin.
Weak immune system
Babies under 12 months have an immature gastrointestinal and immune system. They lack enough beneficial gut flora and antibodies to block the germination and multiplication of C. botulinum bacteria.
Can cause infant botulism
In susceptible infants, ingesting the botulinum neurotoxin causes infant botulism. This serious illness manifests as muscle weakness and difficulty feeding and breathing. Without prompt treatment, it can be fatal in severe cases.
Honey is main dietary source
Honey is the most common source of C. botulinum spores linked to infant botulism. For this reason, reputable health organizations strongly warn against giving honey to babies under one year old.
Safety tips if giving honey to babies over 1 year
Although honey is not recommended for children under one year old, here are some tips for safely using medicinal honey in babies over one year:
Choose a reputable brand
Purchase medicinal honey from a trusted brand that specifies testing for C. botulinum spores. This ensures quality control. Zarbee’s, for example, states their honey is “closely monitored for purity.”
Use pasteurized honey when possible
Pasteurization kills any possible C. botulinum spores in honey by heating briefly to 161°F. Look for raw honey that is gently pasteurized to retain benefits. Do not give raw, unpasteurized honey.
Follow dosing instructions
Carefully follow age-appropriate dosing guidelines on the product label. Do not exceed recommended amounts. Usual doses for babies over 1 year are 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Dilute with water if needed
You can dilute the honey with a small amount of water if your baby has trouble swallowing the sticky consistency. But do not significantly dilute or benefits may be reduced.
Consult your pediatrician
Discuss using medicinal honey with your baby’s doctor to address any safety concerns or pre-existing conditions that may make honey unsuitable.
Is Zarbee’s dark honey pasteurized?
Zarbee’s dark honey cough syrup contains raw, unpasteurized honey. On their website they state: “Our honey is minimally processed, ensuring that it retains all of its natural benefits.”
While pasteurization kills any possible C. botulinum bacterial spores, it can also destroy some of the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen in raw honey that contribute to its medicinal effects.
Since Zarbee’s is not pasteurized, it should never be given to infants under one year due to the risk of infant botulism. Older children and adults can safely consume raw honey products like Zarbee’s.
Zarbee’s honey warnings and cautions
Here are some important safety warnings and precautions to consider when using Zarbee’s Naturals honey products according to their website and product labels:
Not for infants under 1 year
Zarbee’s dark honey cough syrup states clearly it is for children 12 months of age and older. Like any raw honey, it could be contaminated with C. botulinum spores and should never be fed to babies under 12 months.
Choking hazard warning
The FDA requires a warning that honey products can pose a choking hazard to children less than 4 years old. Honey is thick and sticky and can coat the throat. Always supervise use in young children.
Contains tree pollen allergens
The honey may cause reactions in people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree pollen. Discontinue use if your child develops any concerning symptoms like worsening cough or difficulty breathing.
Not a standalone treatment
Zarbee’s products containing honey are intended as a complementary therapy alongside standard medical care directed by a pediatrician. Do not attempt to treat serious illnesses like asthma or bronchitis without medical oversight.
Limit daily dosage
Follow instructions carefully and do not exceed recommended doses. Too much honey may cause adverse effects like headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
Expert opinions on giving honey to babies
Due to the risks in infants under one year, expert opinions universally agree honey should be avoided. But recommendations loosen for babies over 12 months. Here are guidelines from trusted health authorities:
FDA & CDC: Avoid giving honey before 1 year
Both the FDA and CDC strongly warn against giving any type and form of honey to children less than one year old due to infant botulism risk.
WHO: Only medical honey for over 1 year olds
The World Health Organization states that honey products can be considered for cough treatment in babies over 12 months but specifically recommends only medical grade purified honey. They advise against non-purified store-bought honey.
UK NHS: Discourage honey use under 2 years old
The UK National Health Service discourages parents from giving any honey to children under 2 years old due to the small risk of infant botulism.
Canadian Pediatrics Society: Avoid under 1 but okay over 1 year
The Canadian Pediatrics Society states that honey should not be fed to babies under 12 months old. However, they note that honey may help coughing children over 1 year old. They recommend consulting a doctor before using.
Key takeaways on Zarbee’s honey safety for babies
Based on the research, here are some key conclusions parents can take away on the safety profile of Zarbee’s dark honey for babies:
– Zarbee’s honey should never be given to infants under 1 year old due to risk of botulism poisoning. No exceptions.
– For babies older than 1 year, Zarbee’s dark honey may provide relief from cough and sore throat when used carefully. Follow dosing instructions.
– Consult your pediatrician before using medicinal honey like Zarbee’s in children under 2 years old to address safety concerns.
– Raw, unpasteurized honey does carry a small risk of bacterial spores. Use caution when giving to compromised or high-risk children.
– For maximum safety, try to find pasteurized medicinal honey products for babies over 1 year old. But unpasteurized has more medicinal benefits.
– Always supervise young children closely when consuming honey products to prevent choking hazards.
The verdict
While honey has demonstrated medicinal benefits for coughs in older babies, parents should heed warnings to avoid giving any honey to infants under one year old due to the danger of infant botulism poisoning. For children over one year, raw honey like Zarbee’s can be used carefully for coughs and sore throats, but pasteurized honey may offer more peace of mind regarding safety. When in doubt, consult your pediatrician on using honey medicinally in babies.
