Eucalyptus honey is often used with great effectiveness to treat coughs and colds as well as upper respiratory infections; some studies have shown it to be more effective than cough syrups for sore throats, the menthol-like properties of eucalyptus makes it an excellent decongestant, and it has strong expectorant power to clear mucus. Some believe that eucalyptus honey may eventually be proven as a first-line treatment for more serious respiratory diseases.