Does honey actually help with cough and sore throat?

Honey actually does help with cough and sore throat, though it's not a miracle cure. Studies have shown it can soothe irritation and reduce cough frequency better than just water or nothing, so a spoonful when your throat's bothering you is worth trying. It works best for persistent coughs rather than acute ones, and obviously it's not a substitute for seeing someone if things get worse or don't improve.