The dreaded cold. Seemingly, there is nothing to about it but self-medicate and complain. We want the suffering to end. Turns out, that hot toddy that Aunt Mary always tells you to take actually might work.
Hot Toddy & The Common Cold
While we know there really isn’t a cure to the common cold and we have to let the virus run its course, we do know there are proven remedies that work. And some of these are old wives’ tales, or, in the case of the hot toddy, drunk Aunt Mary tales, actually have a basis in science.
First, what is a hot toddy? A shot of whiskey, with honey and lemon, and hot water. The water is best poured over a silver spoon to stop the glass from breaking. Sometimes ginger or cinnamon and other spices are added, but the classic version goes without.
So does it actually help? Research suggests that a hot drink in itself relieves symptoms of running nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness. (1) Add in the other ingredients of honey, lemon, and yes, even whiskey, and the result is relief.
Lemon
Lemon is a staple of cough and cold medication. This is because lemon is rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is useful in treating colds. A systematic review showed that regular intake of Vitamin C shortened the duration of a cold and the severity. (2)
Honey
As with lemon, honey is considered an effective treatment for the cold. The World Health Organization views honey as a demulcent, or substance that coats the throat and relieves inflammation or irritation. The sugar content stimulates saliva production and swallowing, which interferes with the cough reflex and coating the nerves that trigger the cough reflex. (3) One study also shows that honey reduces nighttime coughing and improves sleep. (4) While you certainly won’t give your child an alcoholic hot toddy, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends honey as a treatment for cough in children over 1 year. (5)
Whiskey
Alcohol may suppress the cough reflex and have a sedative effect. (3) However, it is important to note that alcohol can be dehydrating, and too much of it can have worse effects than the cold itself. It also may lower immune system function, which might worsen cold symptoms.
Swap whiskey for tea. Lemon and ginger tea, green tea, honey, and lemon tea might all reduce the symptoms of cough and cold.
How To Make A Hot Toddy
There are many different varieties and ways to make the hot toddy. A traditional recipe includes:
- 3/4 cup water
- 25-50 ml of whiskey
- 3 tsp honey
- splash of lemon juice
- lemon wedge
Directions:
- Boil the hot water in a kettle or saucepan.
- Mix whiskey, honey, lemon juice in a heat-proof container.
- Pour hot water over top and mix together.
- Add a lemon wedge.
- Optional: add a cinnamon stick for flavor and additional antioxidants.
To make a non-alcoholic version, swap the whiskey for lemon ginger, honey, and lemon, green, or chamomile tea.
So, your drunk Aunt Mary was right. The ingredients in a hot toddy may actually be able to reduce your cold and cold symptoms. Just maybe don’t follow Aunt Mary’s lead and keep the alcohol to a minimum. You’ll thank yourself later.
