It Turns Out a Hot Toddy May be a Valid Flu or Cold Remedy

Typically, the Smithsonian Magazine writes pretty skeptically about fake science, so when they wrote an article that a hot toddy may be a good remedy for colds and the flu, it's time to take this claim seriously.

What's a hot toddy? I always thought this drink originated in the Southern U.S. The hot toddy, sometimes called a totty, is popular in the southern states, but it actually came from Haiti and was imported by the British during the colonial period.

The recipe for a hot toddy varies, but this is a basic one:

• Shot of whiskey
• Teaspoon of honey
• Squeeze of lemon

Top this drink off with hot water.

Some other spices some add to this spirited drink could include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These days, many people make the drink with sweeter bourbon instead of whiskey.

Now, doesn't this hot toddy look soothing?

Image Source: Wikipedia

Is a Hot Toddy Truly Medicinal?

It turns out that this traditional drink may actually help with typical symptoms of a cold or flu. If nothing else, it can take the edge off. The caution here is that while ONE hot toddy can help, nobody suggests drinking several of them at a time. It's one of those remedies that provides diminishing returns.

The Mayo Clinic does say that warm liquids can provide soothing comfort, but I could find them suggesting this particular warm liquid. Eh, what do a bunch of boring doctors know? Let's go back to the Smithsonian.

Here we go:

• The lemon provides Vitamin C.
• The combination of lemon juice and honey can help ease congestion, break up mucus, and stave off dehydration.
• The spices and honey can help stimulate saliva which can comfort a sore throat, and also saliva contains natural antiseptic properties.
• The whiskey can ease stress and possibly help you sleep.
• Alcohol also dilates blood vessels, so in small doses, it can help the body fight diseases -- in this case, more is NOT better.

Anyway, if you tolerate modest amounts of alcohol and have a cold or mild case of the flu, a hot toddy might be just what the doctor ordered.

If You Don't Drink Alcohol....

You can still make a very good version of this drink by substituting the whiskey or bourbon with non-alcoholic drinks. Some suggestions include tea, apple juice or cider, and even cranberry juice or lemonade. For instance, you might make an apple juice version of this classic drink for children.

What Are Your Effective Home Remedies for Colds and the Flue?

Please add to the discussion with your own versions of a hot toddy or other home remedies. If you like this post, I always appreciate a vote and/or a resteem. I almost always reply to comments and give constructive comments a vote.

TO YOUR HEALTH