The ban on the consumption of honey in children under twelve months of age is a response to the possible presence of spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for infant botulism, a serious complication that can cause serious clinical symptoms in this group. El País, citing clinical studies and recommendations from health organizations, points out that this traditional remedy continues to be used in many households to relieve night coughs in adults and children over one year old, although clear and serious limits must be placed on this habit.
El País explains that, despite its accessibility and tradition, honey focuses its therapeutic indication on the relief of mild symptoms of respiratory infections such as cough associated with a cold, provided the patient does not belong to a risk category or has alarm symptoms. The publication warns that honey is not without risks and that it should never replace professional medical care, especially if symptoms persist, worsen or manifest in people with pre-existing medical conditions.
As reported in the media, clinical evidence shows a moderate beneficial effect of honey in relieving coughs and throat irritation, due to its ability to form a viscous film that protects the mucous membrane. Research reviewed by El País shows that administering a small dose before bedtime can relieve nighttime discomfort in some patients, although this improvement is usually limited and temporary.
However, El País clarifies that these benefits only apply to mild viral infections and in no way justify the indiscriminate use of honey. Health facilities insist that the risk of self-medication is that it can mask serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever or chest pain. If these signs are present, the unanimous recommendation is to see a specialist, as treatment alone within the family can delay the diagnosis of potentially serious illnesses.
The media emphasizes that, despite repeated warnings from the medical community, the habit of resorting to honey increases in times of high viral circulation, which is linked to the increase in the prevalence of colds and flu. El País points out that this phenomenon gives rise to a false perception of safety regarding the use of natural remedies, without taking into account the risks associated with their administration in certain groups or their use as an alternative to proven treatments.
Regarding patients with metabolic diseases, El País points out that consuming honey can have a negative impact on glucose levels due to its high concentration of sugar. Clinical guidelines allow its use only under medical supervision and with individual control in cases of diabetes or other metabolic disorders in order to avoid health complications in this segment.
The article addresses the need for continuous monitoring in the treatment of respiratory problems and emphasizes that the benefits of honey are only intended as a complementary measure and never as an alternative to medical examination. El País emphasizes the importance of health control and surveillance, since any delay in the treatment of respiratory diseases masked by home treatments can lead to adverse consequences.
According to El País, health authorities and the media themselves emphasize that honey should be reserved for specific situations, its use limited to mild cases and always under professional guidance. Both the scientific evidence and the experts interviewed agree that they advise against widespread use of the product and insist on its absolute contraindication in infants under one year of age. This guideline takes into account the vulnerability of this group and the seriousness of childhood botulism, an infection that can be prevented by avoiding the consumption of honey in children under this age.
El País also emphasizes that the scientific community believes that honey may play a minor role, limited to the temporary relief of the symptoms of mild respiratory infections. It is not intended to replace medication or a proper diagnosis. The key recommendation is to adapt the use of this home remedy to strict safety parameters and to always prioritize professional assessment and follow-up in cases of doubt or unusual clinical manifestations.
In summary, the reports and opinions collected by El País and medical authorities suggest that, despite its historical popularity, honey is only safe within narrow limits and should not be used indiscriminately, especially in children under twelve months of age or patients with metabolic diseases where the harm may outweigh the potential benefit.
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