Myth-buster
In the largest trial yet of Manuka honey for children's tonsillectomy pain, 5 ml six times a day failed to outperform standard care across 400 patients.
This well-designed, double-blind trial found no benefit from honey for pain, painkiller use, or recovery — and even reported vomiting as a side effect — making the once-popular home remedy a contested option at best.
Researchers gave 400 children either Manuka honey or a placebo alongside normal painkillers after tonsillectomy, tracking pain scores for at least 7 days. All groups showed nearly identical pain trajectories, and honey did not reduce the need for stronger pain meds or prevent hospital return visits. The only clear effect was more vomiting in the honey group, suggesting the sweet remedy carries a trade-off without the expected payoff.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Manuka Honey for Reduced Postoperative Pain Score — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- n = 400
- 2025-05-05
- Anaesthesia
- PubMed: 40321015
- DOI: 10.1111/anae.16619
- Full study breakdown →
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