Hot toddies have long been a go-to home remedy for colds and flu. This warm, comforting drink seems to have a magical effect when you’re feeling under the weather. But why exactly are hot toddies so good when you’re sick? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this classic cold season cocktail.
What is a Hot Toddy?
A hot toddy is a hot drink made with liquor, honey, and spices. The basic recipe calls for:
- 1 ounce liquor (whiskey, rum, brandy)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 ounces hot water
- Lemon juice
- Ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg
You simply combine the ingredients in a mug and stir to dissolve the honey. The toddy can be made with different types of liquor, but whiskey is the most traditional. Brandy, rum, or bourbon also make excellent hot toddy bases.
The Soothing Effect of Hot Liquids
One of the biggest reasons hot toddies help when you’re sick is the soothing effect of drinking a hot liquid. The warmth can help relieve sinus congestion and coughs. According to research, hot fluids can help thin out mucus in your airways, allowing you to breathe and cough more easily.
Drinking a hot toddy makes you feel warm from the inside out. The heat helps open up blood vessels near the skin, allowing your body to release excess heat. This produces a comforting, relaxing sensation throughout your body that can ease aches and pains.
Alcohol Promotes Relaxation
The alcohol in a hot toddy serves a couple purposes. First, it promotes relaxation. Alcohol is a nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity. This helps release tension in both the mind and body.
Lower stress levels can give your immune system a boost. Chronic stress takes a toll on immunity and can make you more susceptible to colds and flu. The relaxing effect of alcohol helps counteract the immune-suppressing effects of stress.
Honey Soothes Irritated Throats
Honey is the special ingredient that makes hot toddies especially comforting. Honey has long been used to treat sore throats and coughs. Research shows it can be an effective cough suppressant, on par with common OTC medications.
Here’s a look at the evidence on honey’s ability to soothe sore throats:
| Study | Findings |
|---|---|
| 2018 study in Pediatrics | Honey was superior to common cough medicine in reducing nighttime cough and promoting sleep in children with upper respiratory infections. |
| 2012 study in Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics | Honey had the highest total effectiveness score in reducing cough symptoms in patients with upper respiratory infections. |
| 2007 study in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine | Honey outperformed dextromethorphan (a common cough suppressant) in decreasing cough frequency and severity in children. |
Researchers believe honey works thanks to its viscosity and sweetness. The thick syrup coats and soothes the throat, while the sugar triggers increased saliva production, helping to thin out mucus.
Spices Boost Immunity
The spices in a hot toddy provide antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger all have medicinal properties that can give your immune system a lift when you’re sick. Here’s a breakdown of each spice’s benefits:
Cinnamon
- High in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects
- Lab studies show activity against influenza viruses
- May reduce severity of upper respiratory tract infections
Cloves
- One of the highest antioxidant spices
- Contains eugenol with antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Inhibits growth and toxicity of bacteria like E. coli and Staph
Nutmeg
- Antiviral and antibacterial effects against pathogens like E. coli, Listeria and Staph
- Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory oils
- May relieve congestion and cough
Ginger
- Contains gingerol and zingerone that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
- Lab studies show antiviral activity against respiratory viruses
- Clinically proven to relieve nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and fever
Together, these spices contain an array of beneficial plant compounds that can help fight infection, reduce inflammation and stimulate immunity when you’re under the weather.
The Placebo Effect
Finally, we can’t discount the placebo effect when it comes to hot toddies. There’s something about holding a steaming mug of this time-honored remedy that provides a psychological boost.
Knowing you’re taking active steps to feel better can stimulate healing effects in the body. Even the aroma of warming whiskey and spices can have a comforting, uplifting effect when you’re laid up with a cold or flu.
Conclusion
With its combination of heat, honey, alcohol and spice, a hot toddy is just what the doctor ordered when you’re feeling sick. The liquid warmth and steam help clear congestion. Honey coats and soothes sore throats. Relaxing alcohol eases aches while stimulating immunity. And spice blends provide an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory kick.
The ritual of sipping this hot cocktail also provides comfort when you’re under the weather. While hot toddies won’t cure your illness, they can help relieve miserable symptoms so you can rest easy.
There’s no need to suffer through a cold or flu. Whip up a batch of this timeless home remedy and see for yourself why hot toddies have been passed down through the generations as a soothing tonic for all that ails you.