Can a hot toddy really help relieve cold symptoms? Experts say yes — sort of (2024)
The folkloregoes that a hot toddy– the alcoholic drink composed of hot water,lemon juice, honey and whiskey or rum or brandy – can soothe your sore throat or clear your winter cold-induced congestion.
And many people are believers.
SarahBelizaire-Butler, 39, a company director at BB Comms from London who lives in Madrid, told USA TODAY her Irish grandfather got her into the remedy.
"I remember him teaching me how to make one when my mum had a cold, and it seemed to work for her," she said. "When my husband is sick and I don’t know how to help, I make a hot toddy, and within an hour or so he’s feeling brighter."
Belizaire-Butlersaid she's not sure whether it's the whiskey or the honey or the fact that a warm drink makes you feel better from the inside out, but it "always seems to do the trick."
Her grandfather believed that whiskey had healing properties beyond colds, she added, noting he used to dab whiskey on her gums while she was teething (a practice banned by U.S. public health agencies and not recommended by the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics).
Michelle Plett, 37, a creative director from Toronto, was living in the U.K. when a friend from Colorado suggested she try a hot toddy to help with a cold.
"(They)got me hooked because it worked," Plett told USA TODAY. "I have evolved my recipe, but I boil lemons and ginger, then let simmer for 20 minutes. I then add honey and a little whiskey, and voila!"
She uses toddys for "any sort" of cold or flu and finds it helps with decongestion. She also sleeps well after drinking one, which she says helps her heal.
But can the drink really help with symptoms of thecommon cold?The answer is yes– to a degree –according toexpertsof the co*cktail and medical variety.
GabeUrrutia, a Bacardi Single Malts ambassador, told USA TODAY that the ingredients that make up a hot toddy can help you feel better – though he doubts a doctor would prescribe the drink as a "cure-all."
"The honey for a sore throat soothes the ache, and the lemon gives you a good dose of vitamin C," Urrutia said."I know some of the stories I’ve heard of grandpa’s old cough medicine sometimes included honey and lemon. The aromas are comforting;the warmth gives you a sense of solace, as well."
The combined factors, Urrutia believes, could help you feel better.Eric Ascher, a doctor practicing family medicine atLenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said that while a hot toddy does havemedicinal properties, they don't come fromthe alcohol.
"Hot toddies, as the name implies, are served hot. Heat does wonders for someone when sick. A hot beverage can soothe the throat and can provide someone who has shaking (with)chills the feeling and comfort of a warm hug," Ascher said.
The heat also helps to break down and thin out mucus to help clear it from the body.
Ginger Hultin, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics andownerofChampagneNutrition, echoesAscher's point that "heat and hydration" are soothing.There also might be antimicrobial aspects of honey that could help with a cold, but Hultin warns "alcohol can irritate the tissues in the throat."
Not to mention that alcohol can depress the immune system and cause dehydration.
"Alcohol causes many changes to occur at a cellular level in our body. When our body is fighting illness, adding another variable like alcohol is not encouraged," Ascher said. "We prefer to filter the toxins already in our body when we are ill and not add unnecessary excess."
Instead, try ahot cup of herbal tea with lemon and honey – minus the booze, Hultin advises.
Yes. The alcohol can help clear mucus by dilating blood vessels in the upper body. The steam from the hot water might also help to clear congestion. Whiskey might also cause drowsiness, helping you to get more rest.
Adding spices, such as ginger, to a hot toddy may also have benefits. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that alcohol can help with the symptoms. Doctors often recommend that people avoid drinking alcohol when they have a cold or flu.
Can Hot Toddies Really Cure Colds? While Hot Toddies have been used for generations as a natural way to combat cold symptoms, there is no definite research to prove that they can replace that bottle of cold medicine once and for all. They do, however, certainly provide comfort.
Best consumed in small doses and infrequently, Hot Toddies can only be served as as medicine to those 21 and over, should not replace a medical professional's advice, and are best followed by a tall glass of water, some herbal tea, and plenty of rest and TLC.
Irish whiskey, known for its gentle, fruity notes, or wheated bourbons like Maker's Mark, which are milder and sweeter, are ideal choices. These types of whiskey, combined with honey's natural soothing properties and lemon's refreshing tang, create a hot toddy that's both comforting and kind to a sore throat.
Experts say yes — sort of. The folklore goes that a hot toddy – the alcoholic drink composed of hot water, lemon juice, honey and whiskey or rum or brandy – can soothe your sore throat or clear your winter cold-induced congestion.
Is Whisky Or Brandy Good for A Cold? Yes, both brandy and whisky are helpful for getting rid of a cold. Brandy is one of many red wine types, but includes distillation, not just fermentation. Whisky is distilled from grain mash--often a combination of barley, corn, and wheat.
It can harm the liver if consumed in excess. Because it includes ethanol, it may have an adverse effect on a pregnant woman's lipid metabolism. It causes the liver to store fat, which interferes with the liver's regular operation. It can lead to rising blood pressure and hypertension.
But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did a study in 2007 that nailed down the numbers with the magic of the scientific method.
And it's been shown to be effective and safe for both children and adults," says Dr. Mattke. Adding honey to warm water or tea, or just a spoonful of honey itself can help with coughs. "It has been shown to be more effective than over-the-counter cough medications," she says.
Myth: Alcohol's decongestant properties can help treat cold symptoms. Alcohol is rumored to work as a decongestant, but actually, the reverse is true. Small amounts of alcohol can cause vasodilation — a widening of blood vessels — which can worsen a runny nose or congestion.
Excessive alcohol use can decrease the expression and activity of CFTR channels, leading to reduced airway surface hydration and impaired mucus clearance. This suggests that CFTR dysfunction plays a role in the compromised lung defense against respiratory pathogens in individuals who drink alcohol excessively.
The ingredients in a hot toddy have been shown to have cough-suppressing properties. Alcohol isn't needed in the recipe to experience these benefits. Consuming warm water, lemon, and honey is the key to symptom relief. Additional items can be added to taste, such as tea, clove, and ginger.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of consuming Palm Toddy in moderation to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases are less likely to occur when a Palm Toddy is consumed. Neera contains potassium, which can decrease blood pressure and improve heart health.
That said, hot toddies might work to ease some of your symptoms, helping you relax, explains . The mix of hot water, lemon, and honey is soothing on a scratchy, dry throat. And sticking to just one serving of booze, such as 1.5 ounces of liquor, may help quash any aches or pains.
Brandy, with its warming properties, is often considered a traditional remedy for cold symptoms. When consumed in moderation, brandy can help relax the muscles, providing relief from the aches and pains associated with a cold. Yes, you should drink a lot of water.
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