Honey and lemon is as good a treatment as over-the-counter products, according to a review by the Royal College of Surgeons.

Research shows that despite impressive advertising campaigns, these medicines may actually provide very little relief from a common cough.

Professor Susan Smith from the Royal College of Surgeons joined Jonathan Healy today to discuss the research.

Data from 29 trials involving 4835 adults and children with acute coughs was examined to determine the effectiveness of various types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications used at different dosages when compared with a placebo.

The majority of the trials of adult medications showed either no benefit or variable results.

A limited number of trials showed benefits including a trial in both children and adults which favoured active treatment with mucolytics over placebo and a trial in children indicated that natural honey was more effective.

Professor Smith said: “There is a high prevalence of coughs and colds at this time of year and patients often buy over the counter medications to alleviate their symptoms. However, our study has found little evidence to support expenditure on these over the counter medications for coughs and some of these medicines can occasionally result in adverse side-effects.

You can listen to her interview here: