The Hot Toddy: Medicine or Myth?

You know the symptoms all too well: fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, headache, and drowsiness. The common, yet dreaded, cold. There's no cure for these viruses, only medicines that hasten recovery and decrease those nagging symptoms. While we often turn to Vitamin C and Zinc and other remedies to help, should we also consider that classic elixir, the Hot Toddy? The drink — traditionally made with hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon — has been a cure-all for a long time. So, which is it — medicine or an old wives' tale?

According to Dr. William Schaffner, chair of preventative medicine at Vanderbilt University, it acts just like a medicine. Again, while it's not going to cure your cold, it is going to lessen your symptoms considerably. The hot water and lemon will help clear mucous and congestion, the honey (which itself is packed with many anti-inflammatory compounds) is going to help soothe your sore throat, and the whiskey is going to work to dilate blood vessels and encourage your immune system to deal with the infection. A hot toddy just before bed might also help you fall asleep faster — and rest is a major boost to your body's recovery, too. 

So the next time you start feeling down from a cold, consider pouring yourself a Hot Toddy before bed as the science now shows what the earlier generations knew all along - the Hot Toddy is a tasty and healing tonic.

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted or used as medical advice. These are simply musings by our team based upon widely available research. Always consult a doctor before accepting health advice online.