Fourteen randomised controlled trials that compared outcomes in patients with upper respiratory tract infections, treated either with honey or with usual care, were included in this meta-analysis. Nine studies were in children and five in adults. A variety of honey preparations, including some honey containing proprietary syrups in a couple of studies, and honey mixed with coffee or milk in other studies, were compared with various comparator treatments, including diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), dextromorphan (a cough suppressant), paracetamol, salbutamol, and prednisone. Cough frequency and cough severity were commonly used measures of treatment efficacy. Overall it appeared that honey was better for treatment of URTIs than "usual treatment" and this benefit resulted in a 1-2 days shorter duration of symptoms.