can whiskey help with a cough

There is some evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol may reduce the number of colds people get per year. However, there is no overall cure for the common cold.

According to an older 2015 review, this may be because moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to enhance immune function. More recent and large-scale studies are necessary to verify this.

That said, excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection.

In this article, we will discuss whether alcohol helps treat or prevent a cold and what impact it has on the immune system. We will also look into other alternative treatments.

Colds are the result of a viral infection. Of over 200 viruses that can potentially cause a cold, rhinoviruses are the most common.

There is no cure for these infections. However, because most colds are relatively mild and short-term illnesses, most people do not require medical treatment. The symptoms will usually get better on their own within 10–14 days.

Health authorities generally do not recommend drinking alcohol during a cold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advise people who do not currently drink to avoid starting for any reason.

According to older research, long-term alcohol use can make a person 3–7 times more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, including colds.

However, other studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may decrease the number of colds people get overall. This could be because alcohol influences aspects of the immune response.

Multiple mechanisms may be responsible for this effect, including the release of inflammatory cytokines, which may be beneficial for fighting infections in the short term.

However, long-term alcohol misuse causes long-term inflammation throughout the body. This is harmful to health. Also, consuming alcohol can:

Although some people claim that alcohol is a decongestant, the reverse may be true. The consumption of alcohol may lead to nasal congestion.

A small 2022 study tested the effects of alcohol on airflow through the nose. They tested the space inside the nose and the level of airway resistance in 31 adults, 2 hours after they drank alcohol.

Across adults who drank lightly or heavily, alcohol consumption led to decreased nasal volume and increased airway resistance, suggesting that it increases congestion.

Although alcohol cannot treat colds, there is limited evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol may help reduce the frequency of colds.

For example, an older 2012 study compared the rate of colds among 899 males in Japan. Of the participants, 83.4% reported drinking alcohol, and 55.4% reported having at least one cold in the last year.

On average, the participants who did not drink at all were more likely to experience two more episodes of the common cold during the study than those who drank 11.5 to 35.8 grams (g), or 0.49 to 1.53 fluid ounces (fl oz), of alcohol per day.

For context, one standard alcoholic drink in the United States contains around 14 g (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol. The amount people drank in the 2012 study is therefore equivalent to 1 to 2.5 drinks per day. There is approximately one serving of alcohol in:

Excessive or frequent alcohol use can lead to many different health problems, such as:

There are several ways to cope with a cold that will work better for symptom relief than alcohol. They include:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can reduce the symptoms of a cold, making a person more comfortable. These medications include:

Always follow the instructions on the label of OTC medications. Some cold and flu products are not suitable for children under certain ages. Some are also not suitable for people taking other drugs or those with other health conditions.

Check with a doctor to ensure that it is safe to use an OTC cold product before using it.

No home remedies can cure a cold, but there are ways people can reduce the symptoms until they get better. These methods include:

Most colds are mild and improve on their own. If a person develops any of the following symptoms, though, they should seek medical help:

Alcohol is not a treatment or cure for colds, and it does not act as a decongestant. Generally, health authorities do not recommend consuming alcohol during a cold.

Some older research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds. However, the CDC recommends that people avoid drinking alcohol if they do not already do so.

Instead, people may be able to relieve their symptoms with OTC treatment or home remedies, such as getting rest, inhaling steam, or using saline nasal spray.

Whiskey can temporarily widen your blood vessels. In small amounts, this can help clear mucus congestion in your sinuses and chest, which lets your body better deal with sickness and infection. This effect may also relieve other symptoms of a cold or flu, like coughing or wheezing.

Instead, people may be able to relieve their symptoms with OTC treatment or home remedies, such as getting rest, inhaling steam, or using saline nasal spray.

Multiple mechanisms may be responsible for this effect, including the release of inflammatory cytokines, which may be beneficial for fighting infections in the short term.

Check with a doctor to ensure that it is safe to use an OTC cold product before using it.

No home remedies can cure a cold, but there are ways people can reduce the symptoms until they get better. These methods include:

For context, one standard alcoholic drink in the United States contains around 14 g (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol. The amount people drank in the 2012 study is therefore equivalent to 1 to 2.5 drinks per day. There is approximately one serving of alcohol in:

There are certain universal experiences that humanity shares. For example, whiskey is a beloved spirit that countless people across many cultures enjoy. On the other hand, there’s the common cold—an inescapable penalty that’s paid by nearly every human who has ever lived. And while it’s true that there’s no cure for the cold, new studies (and centuries of practical wisdom) show that whiskey can help mitigate some of the symptoms.

Of course if you are suffering from a cold, a hot toddy is nice, but you need to remember to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Alcohol doesn’t help with hydration, but it does offer a pleasant respite from one of life’s inevitable and irritating ailments. For a simple and delicious hot toddy recipe, try this:

So if whiskey doesn’t cure or prevent your cold, how can it help? Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which makes it easier for your body’s mucus membranes to deal with the infection. And if you enjoy your whiskey mixed into a hot beverage like a toddy, then you’ll experience additional benefits as the moisture from the hot water helps relieve nasal decongestion. It’s the same reason people recommend chicken noodle soup, but with whiskey! You don’t really need an excuse to enjoy a hot toddy, but sometimes it’s nice to have one.

Is Whiskey Good for a Cold? Try Hot Toddy for Colds!

FAQ

Is whiskey good for a cough?

Is whiskey an anti-inflammatory?

Is a glass of whiskey a day bad for you?

Is it bad to have 2 shots of whiskey a day?

Is Whiskey Good for a cough?

It’s whiskey, and here’s why science says it’s good for your cough. A Carnegie Mellon study showed that moderate drinkers had increased resistence to viral infections. While booze won’t heal you, small amounts of liquor can help relieve the symptoms of sore throats, muscle pain, congestion and sleeplessness (duh).

What helps with coughing?

Cough relief strategies encompass various approaches. Staying hydrated with warm liquids can soothe the throat and thin mucus. Honey and herbal teas provide natural relief. Humidifying the air prevents throat irritation. Over-the-counter cough drops, lozenges, or syrups temporarily alleviate symptoms. Elevating the head while sleeping lessens nighttime coughing. Avoiding irritants like smoke and allergens minimizes triggers. Rest and sufficient sleep support the body’s recovery.

Can whiskey cough syrup cure a common cold?

In addition, the antibacterial and antiviral properties of vinegar — found in one of the whiskey cough syrup remedies — may also help fight the common cold. Whiskey-containing cough and cold remedies may offer symptom relief, but are not a cure for the common cold.

Does whiskey help a cold?

While the common cold has no cure, there are many rumored remedies — including that drinking whiskey may help reduce cold symptoms. Unfortunately, throwing back a shot or mixing up a hot toddy won’t help fight off a cold. In fact, it could make your cold last longer. This article will help explain why whiskey won’t help a cold.