Why You Should Use Honey for Coughs, Not Antibiotics New guidelines from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend that honey and other over-the-counter medicines should be used at the first sign of coughs. The guidelines dissuade the use of antibiotics, as they do little to remedy the symptoms. Most coughs clear up on their own within two to three weeks. The overuse of antibiotics is leading to antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Try a hot drink with honey, lemon and ginger to combat a pesky cough. Take a cough medicine containing pelargonium, guaifenesin or dextromethorphan. And get plenty of bedrest!