People have long used liquor, often in a hot toddy with whiskey or brandy, as a traditional home remedy for a painful throat. This practice is based on the belief that alcohol can genuinely treat the irritation associated with a cold or flu. This article explores the temporary scientific basis for this soothing sensation and examines why liquor is not a medically recommended treatment for a sore throat.
The Science Behind the Soothing Sensation
The momentary relief people experience from sipping a warm alcoholic drink like a hot toddy is rooted in physiological and psychological effects. The ethanol in liquor acts as a mild localized anesthetic on the mucosal lining of the throat. This effect temporarily dulls the nerve endings that register pain, providing a brief numbing sensation that masks the discomfort.
Alcohol also functions as a vasodilator, causing blood vessels to widen. This widening can increase blood flow to the throat tissues, which some interpret as a warming sensation. The warm liquid base of a traditional hot toddy, combined with steam, further contributes to muscle relaxation and helps to clear nasal passages.
The most effective elements of the hot toddy are the non-alcoholic ingredients, such as honey, which coats the throat, and the warm water itself. The alcohol’s primary contribution is a general relaxing or sedating effect, which can help a person feel less focused on their discomfort and promote sleep. However, these effects merely mask the symptoms without addressing the underlying viral or bacterial cause of the sore throat.
Why Alcohol is Not a Recommended Treatment
Despite the temporary feeling of relief, relying on liquor to treat a sore throat is counterproductive to the body’s healing process. Alcohol is a known diuretic, meaning it promotes systemic dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the mucous membranes in the throat and nasal passages dry out. This can worsen irritation and prolong the healing time of the inflamed tissue.
Furthermore, undiluted or high-proof liquor can act as a direct irritant to the already sensitive, inflamed tissue lining the throat. This localized irritation can exacerbate the pain and swelling, slowing down recovery. Consuming alcohol in excess also impairs immune function, which is detrimental when the body is trying to fight off an infection causing the sore throat.
The temporary dulling of pain can also mask the severity of the illness. If a sore throat is caused by a more serious condition, such as strep throat, the analgesic effect of alcohol may delay the seeking of appropriate medical care. It is also strongly discouraged to combine alcohol with common over-the-counter cold and flu medications, as this can lead to harmful side effects or increase the toxicity of the drugs.
Safer and More Effective Remedies
Genuine and lasting relief for a sore throat focuses on soothing irritation and supporting the body’s natural immune response. Maintaining proper hydration is fundamental. Drinking warm fluids like herbal tea, broth, or plain water is beneficial for keeping the throat moist and comfortable. Honey mixed into warm liquids is a particularly effective remedy, as it has been scientifically shown to coat the throat and reduce coughing.
Gargling with a solution of warm salt water (typically a quarter to a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water) can draw excess fluid out of the inflamed tissue, reducing swelling and pain. Over-the-counter treatments such as medicated lozenges or throat sprays containing mild anesthetics can provide targeted and longer-lasting numbness compared to liquor. Simple measures like rest and using a cool mist humidifier also support recovery by keeping the air moist and reducing throat dryness.