The Wonders of Whiskey for Colds
If you’re dealing with a nasty cold, you’ve likely tried every trick in the book to get relief, from taking medication to drinking hot liquids. But what if the answer to your congestion lies at the bottom of a shot glass, not a mug or pill bottle?
Believe it or not, there’s a long-standing belief among many folks that whiskey can help break through congestion and soothe head and chest colds. This centuries-old remedy gained new life during the 2019 flu season, as the internet spread stories of wild success stories after swigging whiskey.
Something In The Alcohol
There’s no medical evidence that drinking liquor will cure your cold, but that doesn’t mean it won’t actually help. That’s because alcohol is a natural decongestant. It causes blood vessels to dilate, helping to reduce the symptoms like stuffy nose, sore throat, and coughing.
The idea here is that stronger alcohol solutions can also help reduce inflammation in nasal and throat passages due to the cold. Whiskey in particular is thought to be helpful due to its higher alcohol content. It might be easier to consume, versus stronger forms of alcohol such as vodka.
Not as Strange as You Might Think
It’s important to note that while drinking alcohol can help soothe a cold, that doesn’t mean it is better than cold medicine. Alcohol can be addictive and, as anyone who has ever had one too many drinks knows, it will make you feel worse in the long run.
That said, the medical community is beginning to accept the idea that, in moderation, alcohol can do more than make for a wild night when combined with some traditional remedies. Studies have found that regular consumption of red wine can reduce the risk of developing a cold in the first place.
What Kind of Whiskey?
So the obvious question remains, which type of whiskey should you choose? Well, that’s completely up to you! If you don’t enjoy the taste of whiskey, it’s probably not worth forcing down a shot. Feel free to indulge in a hot toddy or an Irish coffee if you’d like. But if you’re up for drinking whiskey, opt for a less expensive bottle, as you won’t need to take more than a single shot to receive benefits.
What’s more, if you can’t stomach the taste of whiskey, it can actually be added to tea or other warm beverages you may already be sipping. Some people even like to use it as an ingredient in chicken soup, as the added kick can help you feel better.
Getting The Full Benefits
It’s important to note that whiskey doesn’t replace ordinary cold remedies, it should be used in addition to them. Over-the-counter medications can help take the edge off fever, body aches, and other symptoms that colds cause, whereas whiskey can help clear your nasal passages. Taken together, whiskey and cold medications often work better than either alone.
Colds are never fun, but there is something magical about reaching for a shot of whiskey when you’re not feeling your best. While it may not cure your cold, it can at least provide you with a bit of relief. Besides, the placebo effect of thinking that a shot will help can be surprisingly effective.
Whiskey as Proactive Remedy
If you’ve already been hit with a cold, whiskey can help treat those symptoms. However, if you want to avoid catching colds in the first place, there are some preventative measures you can take as well. On top of that, studies suggest you can ward off colds by consuming moderate amounts of whiskey.
However, some evidence suggests that whiskey also acts as an immune system stimulant that helps strengthen your body’s defense against common cold and flu viruses. This means that if you indulge in a good whiskey a few times a week, you’ll fortify your body’s immunity against ailments like colds.
Making the Most of Your Whiskey
While drinking whiskey may not be a guarantee that you won’t get a cold, it can provide some relief, as well as a feeling of comfort and well-being. Whether you choose a shot or add whiskey to a homemade remedy, taking a proactive stance against colds with whiskey can provide some very real relief when you’re feeling under the weather.
And who knows, if it works as well as most people claim it does, you may be treating your next cold with a delicious whiskey concoction before long!
Making Whiskey Work For You
Seeing how whiskey can help soothe colds can really open your eyes to the vast ways it can bring some comfort into your life. For instance, if you’re feeling down, whiskey can put a spring back in your step. If your spirits need a lift, whiskey can lighten your mood and provide some much needed liquid courage.
So while it may be best used to treat colds, don’t forget that whiskey carries a world of possibilities from a stress reliever to a celebratory beverage. That’s why many of us have already made whiskey an essential part of any get together.
