Old Wive’s Tale: A Hot Toddy will cure a cold
October 9, 2008 by Colleen Coplick
Filed under Drinks, Entertainment
I’m fighting a nasty cold at the moment, and as soon as people hear me speak, they figure it out pretty quickly and then tell me to go curl up and create myself one of many Old Wive’s Tales to cure the common cold.
So, what are these ‘cures’? They mostly centre around the Hot Toddy. There’s tons of different ways you can make a Hot Toddy, from everything to Whiskey, Rum or Gin. The prevailing theory is that a hot toddy’s mixture of piping hot water, rum, and lemon can provide a lot of relief. Alcohol has an anti-inflammatory effect on mucous membranes and can help reduce fever. (image source: CartoonStock)
Well, ok, sure. I’ve also heard that whiskey will take away a cough (though I’m unsure as to how this works, but go with it), and that shots of tequila taken in a hot bath will speed your recovery from a cold.
Whatever you believe, whether these will really work or not, you stand the chance to at least forget you have a cold for a little bit.
Gin, honey and lemon
2oz of Gin
2 tbsp of honey
Juice of one lemon
Pour it all in a mug and top it off with boiling water, breathe vapors deeply while drinking, sleep.
Cure All Toddy
1-2 oz Scotch whiskey
1-2 tsp lemon juice
dash of cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
2-5 whole cloves
honey to taste (optional)
Hot water
Put the lemon juice, cloves and whiskey in a glass or mug. Fill the glass with hot water. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey, if used. Stir. Sip slowly, and inhale the vapors if you have head or chest congestion. Substitute rum for the whiskey if you prefer.
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I’ve never tried a ‘hot toddy’, but after seeing the recipe for “Cure All Toddy” you can bet I’ll be testing it out the next time I feel a cold coming on!
Thanks for sharing these!
-Charnell
I’m on my 4th with my cold, just found out this week that I have pneumonia. Wish I could have a hot toddy :)
Sounds like a good cure to me!!!
I sure hope i win the secret surprise!!!
I like Hot Toddys when my someone in my family is sick (it helps with the whining and demands!) and keeps me feeling good :) In all seriousness, I do think it has great soothing effects.
The Hot Toddy is used in my family to sleep when you have a cold. Works like a charm even better than Nyquill.
If it didnt cure your cold, you didnt drink enough. I’m sure it works by drinking enough to knock you out for a week so you sleep off the symptons ;)
Blogtoberfest rawks!
Since I’m not a big drinker I think just the thought would force me to cure myself :)
I’m sick too, but I’m all too happy to enter a contest. Yipee! :)
Hoping you’re getting well soon!
I’m leaving a comment for BLOGTOBERFEST. Okay now where’s the beer?
That drink sounds yummy!
When i was a kid i complained about a sore throat to which my dad replied “you need a shot of whiskey.” I took a sip and the whiskey just sat in my mouth as my eyes widened in wonder to WTF my dad had prescribed to me. I spat it out and promptly stopped complaining!
Now, being much wiser, I realize the value of a stiff drink and lots of food as a decent remedy to a cold. Also, a beautiful girl who tolerates whining is a big help ;-)
dm
That sounds like it would be very soothing on a sore throat.
Take two bowler hats to bed with you, and a large bottle of Scotch whiskey. Put one bowler on each bed post. Drink the Scotch until you see four bowlers.
This is supposed to cure a cold. I suspect that all that happens is the hangover is worse than the cold so you forget about it
I’m totally there with the hot toddy recommendation. Believe it or not, a neighbor of ours used to give us sips of a similar mixture when we were children. Knocks you out without a pout. :)
Thanks for sharing this fun remedies post.
It’s the nighttime stuffy-sneezy-knock-you-so-silly-you-forget-you-have-a-cold medicine!
I too am suffering from a cold/bronchitis/pneumonia – take your pick. I know of a “singers” cure that usually helps. Its not great tasting, but it does work- if you aren’t too too sick.
here goes:
warmish water (not too hot – dont want to burn your mouth)
salt
lemon
honey
brandy
do NOT drink this…but gargle it. after a couple of times, you will most certainly get your voice back.
I’m basically just the 500 mg of Vit C every 2 hrs. w/ a cold or if I feel it even whispering my name. But, if I lose my voice, say hello to my little friend *brandy* Brandy soaked lemons & honey. Suck deep & swallow. *blinks*
Colleen, have you tried the hat trick? Hang a hat on your bedpost. Drink until you see two hats. You’ll be fine!
I have a hot toddy whenever I’m feeling ill. Having done for several years now. Not sure if really does work, but as with most old wives tales, the psychological effects are good. I always feel better, and get to sleep easier.
The recipe I use? Hot water, honey, lemon and scotch whisky.
I totally could use a hot toddy right now.
I have a cold in *just* my left sinus.
and my throat and chest of course.
:)
I could of tried these last week when I was sick
:)