Whiskey has long been used as a home remedy for coughs and colds. Some people swear by a shot of whiskey to quiet a cough, while others are skeptical of its medicinal effects. In this article, we’ll explore whether there is any scientific evidence to support using whiskey as cough syrup.
How could whiskey help with coughs?
Whiskey contains alcohol and certain flavors that could potentially have a soothing effect on coughs. Here are some of the proposed ways whiskey might help:
Alcohol content
Many over-the-counter cough medicines contain alcohol. A shot of whiskey contains around 40% alcohol. The alcohol may help thin mucus and suppress the cough reflex. However, the optimal alcohol concentration in cough syrup is generally 5-10%, much lower than the alcohol content of whiskey.
Flavors
Whiskey contains flavors and compounds from the grains, wood barrels, and fermentation process. These include vanilla, caramel, oak tannins, and rye. Some people feel the burn and flavor of whiskey can coat the throat and provide temporary relief from coughing. However, there is no scientific evidence that these flavors actively suppress coughs.
Placebo effect
The placebo effect is powerful. If someone believes whiskey will help their cough, the placebo effect may lead them to actually experience a reduction in coughing. However, this is not due to any inherent medicinal properties of the whiskey itself.
What does the research say?
There has been very little scientific research specifically on whiskey for coughs. However, we can look at the existing evidence on alcohol and cough medicines in general:
Alcohol and cough suppression
– A study found a 5% alcohol solution was effective at suppressing coughs, but higher concentrations were no more effective. Whiskey’s 40% alcohol content far exceeds the optimal level.
– Alcohol can help thin mucus through dehydration, but it also suppresses the clearing of mucus from the airways. This can lead to prolonged congestion.
– Regular alcohol consumption long-term is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, which contradicts using spirits as cough medicine.
Effectiveness of over-the-counter cough medicines
– Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews have found little to no evidence that over-the-counter cough medicines effectively reduce cough symptoms like frequency and severity. Their effect is essentially indistinguishable from placebo.
– If even carefully formulated cough syrups have minimal medicinal effects, whiskey would likely perform no better. The flavors provide sensory relief but do not treat the underlying cough.
Risks and side effects
– Alcohol can interact with numerous medications, making it unsafe as a DIY cough remedy without medical guidance.
– Excessive alcohol can exacerbate coughs related to conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD.
– Whiskey may temporarily suppress coughs but can worsen the underlying infection. It does not treat the cause.
Is whiskey FDA approved as cough medicine?
No, whiskey does not have FDA approval or oversight as an over-the-counter treatment for coughs. While it contains alcohol like some cough medicines, whiskey has much higher alcohol concentrations and none of the other active or inactive ingredients formulated into prescription or OTC cough remedies. There are no labeling standards, dosing guidelines, or safety warnings as you would see on legitimate medicines.
Could whiskey make coughs worse?
Due to its high alcohol content and lack of regulation, whiskey and other hard liquors are not recommended as cough treatment and could potentially make coughs worse in several ways:
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can lead to dehydration and the loss of fluids. Dehydration can thickens mucus and make coughs worse. Sipping whiskey throughout the day could increase dehydration effects.
Interactions with medications
The alcohol in whiskey could interact negatively with antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications prescribed for coughs, colds, and infections. This could diminish the effectiveness of the medications or cause unwanted side effects.
Worsening of health conditions
While mild temporary relief might be felt from the alcohol, whiskey cannot treat underlying conditions causing chronic coughs. In fact, alcohol consumption can exacerbate many conditions including:
– Asthma
– Emphysema
– Bronchitis
– Pneumonia
– Lung disease
– Sinus infections
Masking of symptoms
Whiskey may briefly suppress coughing, which could create a false impression of feeling better. But suppressing the cough reflex can be counterproductive in the long run by decreasing the clearing of mucus and germs from the airways. This could prolong respiratory infections.
Are there any situations where whiskey is an appropriate cough remedy?
There are a few very specific situations where an ounce of whiskey might be reasonable as a temporary cough suppressant:
– When no other oral cough suppressants are available
– For mildly bothersome coughs with no underlying illness
– As a single nightcap dose for short-term relief when coughing is preventing sleep
However, it should never be used as an ongoing cure, treatment for chronic coughs, or replacement for prescribed medications. Children and those with certain medical conditions or alcohol intolerance must avoid whiskey entirely as cough medicine.
What are some alternatives to whiskey for coughs?
Rather than whiskey, consider safer and more effective options:
Over-the-counter cough medicines
– Dextromethorphan cough syrups
– Expectorants like guaifenesin
– Cough drops and syrups containing honey, menthol, eucalyptus
Home remedies
– Hot tea with lemon and honey
– Chicken soup or broth
– Throat lozenges
– Steam inhalation
– Staying well hydrated
Prescription medications
If over-the-counter remedies don’t help, see a doctor about prescription cough medicines. They may recommend codeine or hydrocodone cough syrups, inhalers, oral steroids, nebulizer treatments, and more targeted therapies depending on the cause of cough.
The bottom line
Based on current evidence, whiskey and other hard liquors are generally not recommended as an effective or safe cough treatment. A single nightcap dose may provide temporary relief for some adults in certain circumstances. But whiskey should never be used long-term or as a substitute for medications and medical advice. For suppressing coughs and treating underlying infections, stick to remedies and prescription cough medicines overseen by your doctor.
| Pros of Whiskey as Cough Medicine | Cons of Whiskey as Cough Medicine |
|---|---|
| – Provides temporary placebo effect | – No scientific evidence it effectively treats coughs |
| – Some alcohol to suppress cough reflex | – Very high alcohol content compared to cough syrup |
| – Flavors can coat throat | – Dehydrates and thickens mucus |
| – Convenient and easy to obtain | – Interacts negatively with many medications |
| – Can worsen underlying illness | |
| – Not regulated as a medicine by FDA |
References
Eccles, R. (2012). Menthol and related cooling compounds. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 59(6), 645-662.
Kalgutkar, A. S., & Taylor, T. J. (2019). Myths, misconceptions, and dogma in medicinal chemistry. Journal of medicinal chemistry, 62(17), 7747-7782.
King, D., Mitchell, B., Williams, C. P., & Spurling, G. K. (2015). Saline nasal irrigation for acute upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
Paul, I. M., Beiler, J., McMonagle, A., Shaffer, M. L., Duda, L., & Berlin Jr, C. M. (2007). Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(12), 1140-1146.
Smith, S. M., Schroeder, K., & Fahey, T. (2014). Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (11).