Buzz
While there is no definitive cure for the common cold, certain measures can help temporarily alleviate its symptoms. A hot toddy, a warm drink made with alcohol, water, honey, and herbs, is a popular home remedy for colds. Similarly, hot tea mixed with a small amount of alcohol can also provide relief. However, it’s important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when ill, as it can lead to dehydration and worsen your condition.
Steps
Mix Alcohol and Lemon
Prepare a hot toddy. This is a widely used remedy for cold relief. Pour 30 ml of whiskey and 1-2 tablespoons of honey into a cup, then squeeze in the juice of 3 lemon slices. Add 240 ml of boiling water and stir well. Insert 8-10 cloves into a lemon slice and place it in the cup.
- Both honey and lemon possess antibacterial properties, which can help treat bacterial respiratory infections that often follow a viral cold. Secondary bacterial infections are a common complication after a cold.
Prepare a tonic with honey, ginger, lemon, and a splash of whiskey. Peel a 2.5 cm piece of ginger, finely chop it, and add it to 240 ml of water along with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil in a pot, then strain it into a cup. Add 30 ml of whiskey and stir well. Drink the tonic while it’s still warm.
Make a cough syrup with corn whiskey. If you’re suffering from a cough or sore throat, try this soothing remedy. Combine 60 ml of corn whiskey and the juice of half a lemon in a cup. Microwave for 45 seconds to heat it up. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, stir well, and microwave for another 45 seconds. Drink the syrup while it’s warm.
- For a milder version, you can add 60–120 ml of water to the syrup.
- Limit yourself to one cup; otherwise, your throat and nose may become irritated, potentially worsening congestion.
Mix up a cup of Gaelic punch. Combine the zest of 6 finely grated lemons with 12 tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, then mix again and add 250 ml of boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Strain the mixture, then pour in 750 ml of whisky, followed by 4 cups of water. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top and add 6 thin lemon slices, each studded with 4 cloves. Serve hot.
Enjoy alcohol-infused teas
Brew tea with hot alcohol. Traditional hot toddies can also be enhanced with rich tea flavors. Start by boiling 240 ml of water and adding ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, 3 whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, and 2 bags of green or orange tea. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Reheat the tea in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Pour 30–60 ml of whiskey into the cup. Stir well with a spoon and enjoy while warm.
Berry-infused tea with rum. A warm, rich beverage blending herbal tea and alcohol, perfect for soothing cold symptoms. Steep a berry-flavored herbal tea bag in 180 ml of boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Discard the tea bag, then add 45 ml of white rum, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir well and garnish with a twisted lemon peel or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Try making Chai tea with whisky. This delightful drink combines traditional Chai tea with a hint of whisky. To prepare, mix 16 crushed cloves, 1 teaspoon of ginger, 8 crushed cardamom pods (seedless), 20 ground black peppercorns, a pinch of nutmeg, and 2 crushed cinnamon sticks. Simmer 1 liter of milk in a medium-sized pot. Add the spice mixture and stir well. Let the milk and spices infuse for 10 minutes.
Understand the risks
Drink in moderation. Using alcohol as a remedy for colds cannot replace modern medicine or adequate rest. Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to long-term liver damage and worsen cold symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing. It's best to use these remedies sparingly.
Note that alcohol can weaken the immune system. Excessive drinking can impair your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. When you're already sick, your immune system is already compromised. This means drinking alcohol while ill can slow down your recovery.
Understand that alcohol can dehydrate you. When you're sick, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is crucial; it helps alleviate sore throats and nasal congestion. Certain beverages like alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you, worsening symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing.
Check for interactions between medication and alcohol. Many cold medications can have adverse reactions when mixed with alcohol. Combining them may lead to dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Always read the instructions and check warning labels on medications. Common cold medications that should not be taken with alcohol include:
- aspirin
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- naproxen (Aleve)
- cough syrups (Robitussin Cough, Robitussin A-C)
- azithromycin (Azomax, Zithromax)
Avoid treating colds with alcohol if you have asthma. Asthma patients may experience attacks after catching a cold. Studies show that certain additives in alcohol can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Opt for non-alcoholic remedies to ensure safety.
- One exception: pure ethanol has shown some therapeutic benefits in treating asthma.
Advice
- Most alcoholic beverages used as cold remedies are effective due to the blend of herbs, lemon, honey, and spices rather than the alcohol itself. You can omit the alcohol and still achieve similar benefits without the risk of intoxication.
- Drink plenty of water. This keeps you hydrated and reduces the risk of dizziness from alcohol consumption.
- Consider other home remedies like getting ample rest and eating chicken soup.
- Avoid using alcohol as a sleep aid. Drinking too close to bedtime can disrupt REM sleep, a critical phase, and push you straight into deep sleep.
Warnings
- Always read all warnings on medication labels before taking any drugs. Combining medication with alcohol can lead to severe consequences.
- Do not use alcohol as a treatment for children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who prefer not to consume alcohol.
