The idea of using a shot of tequila, or any strong spirit, as a remedy for the common cold is a long-held piece of folklore. This belief often stems from the temporary physical sensations alcohol produces, which might mistakenly be interpreted as healing. However, scientific evidence consistently shows that alcohol does not cure a viral infection like a cold. Understanding how ethanol affects the body’s systems reveals why this popular home remedy is not supported by science.
How Alcohol Affects Cold Symptoms
Ethanol, the active ingredient in tequila, creates a misleading sensation of relief for cold symptoms. Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow to the skin and creates a fleeting feeling of warmth. This temporary warming effect may be misinterpreted as a sign of fighting off the chill that often accompanies a cold.
Drinking spirits can also act as a temporary sedative, which may dull the perception of aches, pains, and general discomfort associated with the illness. This mild suppression of the central nervous system can lead to a brief feeling of relaxation or temporary forgetfulness of the symptoms. Despite these transient effects, alcohol actively works against the body’s recovery.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases fluid loss and contributes to dehydration. Dehydration is known to thicken mucus and exacerbate symptoms like a dry throat and nasal congestion, making the cold feel worse once the immediate effects wear off.
Alcohol’s Impact on Immune Function
The body’s ability to fight off the rhinovirus depends heavily on a functioning immune system, which alcohol can temporarily suppress. Even moderate alcohol consumption can interfere with the activity of white blood cells, which are the immune system’s primary soldiers. Specifically, the function of lymphocytes and natural killer cells, tasked with identifying and destroying infected cells, can be impaired for up to 24 hours after an episode of heavy drinking.
When the immune system’s response is slowed, the body’s ability to clear the viral infection is compromised. While alcohol might initially make a person feel drowsy, it disrupts the quality of restorative sleep. Poor sleep is directly linked to a less effective immune response, further impeding the necessary recovery process.
Dangerous Drug Interactions with Cold Medicine
Combining alcohol with over-the-counter cold and flu medications poses significant health risks due to dangerous drug interactions. Many common cold remedies contain acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer that is metabolized by the liver, similar to alcohol.
Taking acetaminophen while alcohol is present forces the liver to work harder and can increase the production of a toxic byproduct that can severely damage liver tissue. This combination significantly raises the risk of liver failure, even if the medication is taken at the recommended dose.
Over-the-counter cold medicines frequently include antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, to help with runny noses or coughs. Antihistamines cause drowsiness, and when mixed with alcohol, this sedative effect is intensified, leading to extreme dizziness, impaired coordination, and slowed breathing.
Certain cold formulations contain decongestants, which are stimulants that can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Alcohol can also affect the cardiovascular system, and combining it with a decongestant can create an unsafe strain on the heart.
Effective Strategies for Cold Recovery
Since alcohol is counterproductive to recovery, focusing on proven, evidence-based strategies is the best way to support the body. The most straightforward action is to prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids like water, herbal tea, and broth. Proper hydration helps thin mucus secretions, making them easier to clear and soothing irritated membranes.
Getting sufficient rest allows the body to redirect its energy toward immune function and tissue repair. Using a humidifier or taking a steamy shower can add moisture to the air and help soothe irritated airways and relieve nasal congestion. Simple remedies such as a saline nasal spray or rinse can also help flush out the nasal passages, providing physical relief.