Fighting a Cold? You Might Need a Drink

August 28, 2019by Becky Sowemimo

File this under good news for the upcoming fall season: A hot toddy, when consumed in moderation, can help alleviate cold symptoms. Rumor has it, alcohol dilates blood vessels a little bit, making it easier for mucus membranes to deal with an infection.

It’s not just the whiskey that helps. So do each of the remaining ingredients.

Hot Toddy Recipe
Take 2 oz. Distillery of Modern Art whiskey in a glass. Add a dollop of honey, a thick slice of lemon and warm water to taste. Stir.

Honey is a natural wonder; it’s useful for ailments from sore throats to colds and has been a fixture in folk medicine since the dawn of time. Studies show that hot water helps relieve nasal congestion. Vitamin C is the oldest cold medicine in existence and a vital ingredient in a healthy immune system, and lemons check that box. In addition to dilating blood vessels, whiskey can also help you fall asleep easier. And we all know plenty of rest is what your body needs when fighting an illness.

If you are feeling under the weather, every ingredient in the hot toddy consists of the kinds of natural remedies you’ll need to give your system a boost and to take the edge off congestion pain. So next time you feel a cold coming on, reach for the hot toddy and feel better faster – just remember not to overdo it.