Hilary Jones backs Manuka honey for sore throats amid Stratus, Nimbus

GP and television doctor Hilary Jones has recommended Manuka honey as a soothing home remedy for sore throats associated with two recently identified Covid variants circulating in the United Kingdom this autumn, echoing NHS guidance that a spoonful of honey can help relieve a razorblade-like throat. The recommendation comes as the UK Health Security Agency has reported the spread of variants nicknamed Stratus and Nimbus.

Dr Jones, a practising GP and broadcaster, said he favours Manuka honey for its texture and reported antibacterial qualities. "I recommend Manuka honey as this particular variety has a soothing texture and unique measurable antibacterial qualities that can help calm sore throats and support a faster recovery with no sideeffects whatsoever except a lovely taste in the mouth," he said. He pointed to methylglyoxal, or MGO, a compound found in higher concentrations in Manuka honey, as a key component behind its antimicrobial profile.

Laboratory studies cited in the coverage suggest MGO has antibacterial and antimicrobial effects and may impede the SARS-CoV-2 virus under lab conditions. The reporting did not present clinical trial evidence demonstrating that Manuka...