Is it advisable to use warm wine mixed with honey to treat a cold?

When the cold season arrives, many people turn to familiar folk remedies to alleviate the discomfort of a cold or flu. Among them is a hot toddy, a warm drink made with honey, lemon, and a little whiskey.

Hot drinks have long been used as a remedy to help treat colds and flu - Photo: Caringseniorservice

Hot toddy, also known as hot whiskey in Ireland, and sometimes called Southern cough syrup in the Southern United States, is typically a mixed drink made from alcohol and water with honey (or, in some recipes, sugar), lime, and spices, and is served hot.

This drink is not unfamiliar to Vietnamese people and is widely touted as a "remedy" to relieve coughs, soothe sore throats, and dispel chills. But does a glass of hot wine mixed with honey really cure a cold, or does it only provide temporary relief?

Hot drinks have long been used as a remedy for colds and flu. A 2008 study of 30 people with colds showed that drinking hot beverages significantly reduced sore throats, chills, and fatigue compared to drinking at room temperature.

The warmth from the water can thin mucus, helping to clear the airways and relax the body. This is also why hot tea or hot broth is always recommended when the body is fighting respiratory illnesses.

Considering each ingredient of the hot toddy individually, several real benefits are noted. Lemons are a natural source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports immunity. A 2013 study showed that vitamin C supplementation can shorten the duration of a cold and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Although there is no direct evidence that lemons relieve sore throats, supplementing with vitamin C in general has a protective effect against pathogens.

Honey is also a prominent ingredient with well-researched effectiveness. Studies show that honey has cough-soothing properties comparable to some over-the-counter cough medicines.

Honey forms a coating on the throat lining, reducing irritation and suppressing the cough reflex, while also possessing mild anti-inflammatory properties. This explains why honey is often recommended for people with sore throats or persistent dry coughs.

Many people also add ginger to hot drinks to take advantage of its natural anti-inflammatory and warming properties. Ginger helps soothe sore throats and improve discomfort from nasal congestion. Overall, the alcohol-free ingredients in hot toddies have some evidence supporting symptom relief.

However, the most controversial ingredient is alcohol. While a small amount of alcohol may create a feeling of warmth and relaxation, experts warn that it is not a safe choice when you are sick.

According to Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, hot water, honey, and lemon can be helpful, but alcohol is not. He emphasizes that he would "never recommend alcohol when you're sick," even in a hot toddy recipe.

Alcohol can make you sleepier than necessary and cause excessive sedation, which is especially dangerous if you are taking cold and flu medications containing sedatives like Benadryl. This combination increases the risk of falls or alters the metabolism of the medication in your body.

People over 65 should be especially cautious because the metabolism of drugs and alcohol is slower. Alcohol can also weaken the immune system and slow recovery, counteracting the goals of using a hot toy.

Avoiding alcohol and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help you recover from illness faster - Photo: Keck Medicine

Furthermore, alcohol is a major dehydrating agent. When the body is dehydrated, mucus thickens, the throat becomes drier, and symptoms such as nasal congestion, dry cough, or headache can worsen. Nutrition expert Joan Blake likens drinking alcohol when sick to "pouring water into a leaky bucket": the more the body tries to rehydrate, the faster the alcohol causes dehydration.

People with colds also tend to eat less. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar to drop, leading to dizziness or fatigue; this is especially dangerous for people with diabetes or prediabetes.

Blake recommends that patients supplement their diet with small amounts of easily absorbed sugar, such as electrolyte water or diluted fruit juice, to maintain energy levels while their bodies recover.

Suggested drinks if you have a cold.

If you like the idea of ​​a hot toddy but want to avoid alcohol, experts offer some alternatives. You can keep the honey and lemon, add ginger, and replace the whiskey with some warm, non-alcoholic cider to maintain a pleasant flavor. Chamomile tea is also recommended as it helps relax and support sleep.

Regarding food, a 2010 study showed that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the number of days with moderate to severe cold symptoms by 20%. Chicken soup is a classic dish because it replenishes fluids and provides essential nutrients during times of weakness.

Experts emphasize that the key to overcoming a cold remains staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating a healthy diet. Most colds last from three to seven days. If symptoms worsen, persist, or you experience difficulty breathing, contact a healthcare professional for prompt assistance.

Sipping on a hot toddy might provide momentary comfort, but it's not an ideal choice when you're sick. A cup of hot tea with honey, lemon, and ginger, without alcohol, is safer and offers more obvious benefits to the body.

During days when your body is tired from illness, sometimes simple things like getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and staying warm are the most effective "remedies."

MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-nen-dung-ruou-nong-pha-mat-ong-de-chua-cam-lanh-20251212005550217.htm