Buket YANIK, Yasemin KAPLAN SAY, Betül ALBAYRAK, Cenk AYPAK
Academic Journal of Health - 2026;4(1):12-17
Introduction and Aim: Cough is a common symptom for which adults frequently use traditional remedies such as herbal tea and honey, often before seeking professional medical care. However, data on their use in adult primary care populations are limited. To assess the prevalence and patterns of herbal tea and honey use among adults presenting with a cough in a primary care setting. Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 235 adults aged >=18 years at a family health center in Ankara, Türkiye. Participants completed a structured face-to-face questionnaire on their use of herbal tea and honey for cough relief. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: Of the participants, 87.6% used herbal tea or honey for their cough. All used herbal tea, and 68.9% used both honey and tea. Usage was higher among younger and more educated individuals. The most frequently used herbs were linden, mint, and ginger. Most participants (63.1%) used remedies before seeking medical care; easy access was the main reason cited. Conclusion: Herbal tea and honey are widely used for cough in primary care. Physicians should be aware of this practice and guide patients on safe and effective use.
