A sore throat can be caused by a variety of factors, including colds, flu, allergies, dry air, smoking, or overuse of the voice. While most sore throats will resolve on their own within a few days, the discomfort can be eased by using remedies like throat lozenges, tea with honey, salt water gargles, and even sipping on whiskey. But is whiskey actually an effective sore throat remedy? Let’s take a deeper look at whether whiskey can help soothe an irritated, scratchy throat.
How Whiskey Might Help Soothe a Sore Throat
Whiskey contains alcohol and capsaicin from the aging process in oak barrels. Both alcohol and capsaicin have properties that may temporarily numb and soothe pain from a sore, inflamed throat when consumed in moderation. Here’s a bit more about how each component may help:
Alcohol
Whiskey contains ethanol, a type of alcohol that has mild anesthetic effects. When whiskey is sipped and comes into direct contact with inflamed tissues in the throat, the alcohol can have a numbing sensation, providing temporary relief. This is believed to work in a similar manner to over-the-counter oral anesthetics like benzocaine, which can temporarily relieve pain from a sore throat.
Capsaicin
Whiskey picks up capsaicin compounds from aging in charred oak barrels. Capsaicin is what gives spicy foods their heat, and it can temporarily desensitize pain receptors when it comes in contact with mucous membranes. This may explain why whiskey has more of a soothing effect than some other types of liquor. The capsaicin offers an extra numbing benefit on top of the alcohol.
Other Benefits of Whiskey for Sore Throat
In addition to the pain-relieving properties from alcohol and capsaicin, whiskey may provide other benefits for sore throat:
Antiseptic Effect
The alcohol in whiskey has antimicrobial effects which may help kill bacteria and viruses associated with sore throat. Gargling and sipping whiskey may help decrease the overall viral or bacterial load in the throat.
Thins Mucus
Staying well hydrated and maintaining secretions is important when you have a sore throat. The alcohol in whiskey can help thin out thick mucus secretions, allowing you to clear your throat more easily.
Improves Sleep
The sedative effects of alcohol in whiskey can help relax throat muscles and tissues and make it easier to fall asleep. This gives time for healing and can improve rest when throat discomfort is making sleep difficult.
Increases Blood Flow
Whiskey causes vasodilation, meaning it widens blood vessels to increase circulation. Improved blood flow can speed healing and delivery of immune cells to an inflamed throat.
How to Use Whiskey for Sore Throat Relief
If you want to test whether whiskey may help provide temporary relief for your sore throat, here are some recommendations:
– Sip slowly – don’t knock back a shot. Slow sipping allows maximum contact time between the whiskey and your throat.
– Add some warm water or tea to dilute the whiskey. This reduces the burn from a high alcohol percentage.
– Gargle for 30 seconds before swallowing. This allows the antiseptic effects to work directly in the throat.
– Use a small 1-2 ounce serving and wait to see how your throat feels before having more. Moderation is key.
– Choose a bourbon or rye whiskey rather than scotch or Irish whiskey. Bourbons and ryes tend to have higher capsicum content.
– Pair it with some honey. Honey is very soothing for sore throats and balances the burn of whiskey.
– Don’t drink whiskey if you are taking medications that interact with alcohol. The risks likely outweigh any benefits.
Best Whiskeys for Sore Throat
These types of whiskey tend to be best for sore throat relief based on their alcohol content, aging, and flavor profiles:
| Whiskey Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | Aged in new charred oak barrels picking up vanilla, caramel, and spice flavors. Higher proof options provide more numbing sensation. |
| Tennessee Whiskey | Charcoal filtered bourbon made in Tennessee. Smooth flavor with warming heat. |
| Rye Whiskey | Spicy and robust flavor from rye grain. Naturally numbing effect. |
| Irish Whiskey | Triple distilled and smoother than bourbon, but lower capsicum content. |
Specific bottles to consider sipping for sore throat relief:
– Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
– Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
– Bulleit Rye Whiskey
– Jameson Irish Whiskey
For maximum soothing effect, stick with a 90-100 proof whiskey. Higher alcohol content provides more numbness.
Other Remedies to Use Alongside Whiskey
While a little whiskey can help numb and soothe a sore throat, it’s most effective when combined with some additional remedies:
– Hot tea with honey – Honey coats and soothes throat tissues.
– Throat lozenges – Provide longer-lasting numbing and lubrication.
– Salt water gargle – Helps reduce swelling and thin mucus.
– Peppermint essential oil – Cools and provides a menthol numbing effect. Add a few drops to hot water or honey.
– Cold pack or ice chips – Reduces throat inflammation.
– Aspirin or acetaminophen – Decreases throat pain.
– Resting your voice – Gives your throat time to heal.
Using supporting remedies will provide more comprehensive relief and speed your sore throat’s recovery.
Risks and Precautions With Whiskey
While whiskey can temporarily alleviate sore throat pain, there are some important risks and precautions to consider:
– Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can worsen throat dryness. Drink plenty of water along with whiskey.
– Whiskey should never be used for sore throat relief in recovering alcoholics or children.
– Don’t overdo it – excessive consumption can burn the throat and worsen inflammation.
– Avoid driving or operating machinery when using whiskey as a sore throat medication.
– Whiskey is not a cure for sore throat. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 5-7 days or worsen.
– Don’t use whiskey if you have oral infections like thrush or mouth ulcers that could burn.
When used carefully in moderation by appropriate adults, whiskey can be an effective temporary sore throat reliever. But proper precautions are essential for safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Whiskey contains anti-inflammatory, mildly anesthetic properties that can temporarily relieve an irritated, sore throat when consumed slowly and carefully. The alcohol and capsaicin it contains work together to numb throat pain receptors. Bourbon and rye whiskeys tend to provide the most relief due to higher alcohol content and capsaicin from charred oak aging. Sipping 1-2 ounces diluted with warm water or tea allows the whiskey to coat the throat for maximum effectiveness. Combining whiskey with other remedies like throat lozenges, honey, salt water gargles, and aspirin provides comprehensive sore throat relief. But whiskey should not be used excessively or as a sole long-term remedy. See a doctor if throat pain persists more than 5-7 days or gets worse even with whiskey use. When used responsibly by appropriate adults, whiskey can be a convenient, effective temporary soother of sore throat discomfort. Just be sure to drink plenty of water too!