The tradition of drinking whiskey, often as a hot toddy, to relieve cold symptoms is a folk remedy that has persisted for centuries. While many people swear by the remedy, medical science confirms that whiskey itself does not cure a cold, which is typically caused by a virus. The perceived benefits are primarily anecdotal and related to temporary symptom masking rather than addressing the underlying infection.
Temporary Symptom Relief Through Vasodilation
The primary way whiskey contributes to feeling better when sick is through the physiological effects of alcohol itself. Alcohol is a known vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to widen. This widening can temporarily improve blood flow to the mucous membranes, which may help relieve congestion and make breathing feel slightly easier.
Beyond the vascular effects, the alcohol also acts as a mild sedative. This soothing property can help an individual with body aches feel more comfortable and may promote drowsiness. Since rest and sleep are paramount to recovery from a cold, the mild sedative effect can be indirectly helpful by encouraging the body to slow down.
Understanding the Hot Toddy Components
When whiskey is mixed into the traditional hot toddy, the non-alcoholic components are responsible for much of the genuine relief experienced. Inhaling the steam from the warm liquid helps to loosen thickened mucus, providing a soothing effect on irritated nasal passages and the throat. Consuming any hot beverage has been shown to reduce symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.
The ingredients mixed into the hot water also offer direct therapeutic benefits. Honey is a widely accepted natural cough suppressant that may be as effective as some over-the-counter medications. Its thick consistency coats the throat, calming the irritation that triggers coughing. Lemon juice, often included for flavor, provides vitamin C, which is frequently linked to supporting immune function, although consistent evidence for curing a cold is mixed.
Serious Health Risks and Drug Interactions
Relying on whiskey as a cold remedy carries health risks that can undermine the body’s ability to recover. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, suppressing the release of vasopressin, a hormone that helps the body retain water. This effect can exacerbate dehydration, which is counterproductive when fighting a cold because proper hydration is necessary to thin mucus and aid recovery.
Excessive alcohol consumption can temporarily suppress the immune system, potentially hindering the body’s response to the viral infection. Even a single episode of heavy drinking can impair immune function for up to 24 hours, making the body more vulnerable and possibly prolonging the illness.
The interaction between alcohol and common over-the-counter cold medications is a concern. Combining alcohol with acetaminophen, a frequent ingredient in cold and flu products, significantly increases the risk of liver damage. Alcohol also intensifies the sedative effects of antihistamines and cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan, leading to severe drowsiness, impaired coordination, and other complications.