Whisky For Your Sore Throat: A Medical Myth or Scientific Fact?
Probably one of the oldest medical claims is that whisky will help soothe a sore throat and cold, but is that a scientific claim? In short, yes!
Moderate whisky drinking soothes sore throats and coughing.
Having a sore throat or a cold is truly uncomfortable and inconvenient. Cold or flu caused by viral infections can make our throat feel irritated, dry, scratchy, or sometimes burning.
There are a lot of home remedies for colds and sore throats including, hot tea, honey, lemon, warm water, or even Hot Toddies can make us feel better.
Hot Toddy ingredients such as whisky contain a high amount of alcohol that functions as a vasodilator, opening blood vessels to let the blood pass through.
This alcoholic drink helps your muscles relax and relieves common cold symptoms like a sore throat.
The Science of Pain Relief: How Whisky Can Help Ease a sore throat?
Whisky contains ellagic acid, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants work to improve immune function and fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses. Additionally, when mixed with warm water, whisky can be numbing and soothing on a sore throat, so gargling with the combo can ease the pain!
Apart from its antioxidant properties, whisky has been found to be an effective decongestant, thanks to its ability to dilate the blood vessels. This, combined with the steam from hot beverages, can help ease nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat.
So, if you are looking for a soothing and warming drink to help you get through a cold or sore throat, a small amount of whisky mixed with warm water might just do the trick. Just remember to drink responsibly and not rely on it as a cure-all.
Researchers found through modern studies that alcohol indeed dulls pain signals going to the brain.
An experiment in 2016 conducted by Trevor Thompson of the University of Greenwich, London, provided his team with enough evidence to conclude that alcohol is an effective painkiller Having a shot or two of whisky can relieve you of sore throat and headaches caused by a cold.
It is crucial to keep in mind that whisky is a potent alcoholic beverage that should be enjoyed responsibly. Health professionals warn that excessive alcohol consumption can result in severe health problems. Regular consumption of alcohol can also impair the immune system and reduce the potential health benefits of whisky.
Additionally, taking cold medications such as Tylenol or cough syrup while drinking alcohol can cause permanent liver damage. It is important to be mindful of the potential risks and to drink in moderation.
Responsible drinking
While there are some potential benefits to drinking whisky when dealing with a sore throat, it is important to remember that alcohol can also have negative effects on the body. While antioxidants in whisky can boost the immune system, excessive drinking can weaken it. The numbing effect of whisky mixed with warm water may provide temporary relief for a sore throat, but it is not a long-term solution. Additionally, while whisky can act as a decongestant, it is important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when dealing with nasal congestion. So, while whisky may offer some relief for sore throat and congestion, it is important to consume it in moderation and prioritise other forms of treatment.
Whisky, like any other alcoholic beverage, can have negative effects on the body if consumed in excess. It is important to remember that while the antioxidant properties of whisky can boost the immune system, excessive drinking can have the opposite effect and weaken it. Furthermore, the numbing effect of whisky mixed with warm water may provide temporary relief for a sore throat, but it should not be considered a long-term solution for treating the condition. However, when consumed responsibly and in moderation, whisky can offer a helping hand in soothing a sore throat.
So next time you have a cold or sore throat why not try a hot toddy?
To make a classic hot toddy, you will need hot water, whisky (or bourbon), honey, and lemon. A cinnamon stick adds a touch of warmth but is optional.
