Got a nagging cough from your winter cold? New research has shown that one of the SuperFoods is better than cough syrup for an annoying nighttime cough.

A nighttime dose of honey was shown to be more effective than the over-the-counter cough medicine dextromethorphan to help quiet an annoying cough and help improve sleep in children above the age of two. A recent study from the Pennsylvania State University compared using a dose of cough medicine versus two teaspoons of buckwheat honey versus no treatment in 105 children who had a cough related to a viral upper respiratory infection. The researchers, led by Dr. Ian M. Paul, found that the buckwheat honey provided the best relief from cough. The honey was even better than the cough suppressant medication—dextromethorphan.

Dextromethorphan is the most commonly used, over-the-counter, cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan is the “DM” in Robitussin DM. It is also commonly found in some of the preparations of Nyquil, Vicks, Triaminic, and Delsym. Dextromethorphan is in the narcotic family and can have serious side effects, especially in children. It can cause muscle weakness, severe allergic reactions, hallucinations, and even mental changes. Death has even been reported when overly high doses have been given to children accidentally. Personally, dextromethorphan makes me feel cloudy and can affect my thinking, even more than 12 hours after a dose.

On the other hand, honey is a well-regarded alternative treatment for cough that is even endorsed by the World Health Organization. It is thought that honey soothes the throat and has antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The best honeys are dark honeys like buckwheat honey that have higher levels of phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. Finally, honey is considered safe; however, honey should not be given to infants under the age of one due to a risk for a severe illness.

So, the next time you are trying to manage a nasty cough, try a couple teaspoons of honey at night to help ease the cough and get some sleep.