Spirits can help against colds – is that true?

Sore throat, runny nose and exhaustion: A persistent cold can be annoying in the winter time. To alleviate the symptoms, many resort to the liquor bottle. Does alcohol actually render the pathogens harmless?

The thesis: a "Hot Toddy", In Ireland,  chili schnapps in Korea and vodka with pepper in Russia: various alcoholic beverages have been considered to be a home remedy for flu-like infections. The germicidal property of alcohol is said to destroy pathogens and relieve symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat and insomnia. Is this a myth, or is there really something behind it?

Fact check with family doctor Dr. Tobias Romer from St.Gallen:
Bacteria, fungi and even viruses can be killed by coming into contact with high-proof alcohol. From a concentration of 60% by volume, the latter is thereby quite suitable for disinfecting hands, surfaces and wounds. And, in theory, high-proof alcohol should achieve the same effect through gargling or drinking. But beware: at most, an insignificantly small part of the viruses or bacteria in the throat will be destroyed. "But this has no influence on already existing inflammations and cold symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, fever or a runny nose," explains Dr. Tobias Romer.

The consumption of spirits therefore has no positive effect on the healing process of a flu or cold. On the contrary:

"High-proof alcohol additionally only affects the mucous membranes that have already been infected."

The assumption that alcohol relieves flu symptoms is still widespread today      
Dr. med. Tobias Romer, Head of Medbase St.Gallen Einstein and Specialist in General Internal Medicine.                         Photo: PD

According to Tobias Romer, alcohol also deprives the body of urgently needed fluids and unnecessarily uses up energy. "The heart rate and blood pressure rise, and the body temperature drops due to the expansion of the blood vessels and the associated heat loss through the skin." The liver also has to work at full power, because the ethanol, which is a toxin for the body cells, needs be broken down as quickly as possible. The immune system thereby comes under an additional and considerable stress.

Warm beer with honey – does that wprk?
Bed rest is known to be the key to a speedy recovery. At first glance, it may seem that a cup of hot grog or mulled wine could counteract the restless sleep in the case of a cold. According to Dr. Romer, even a small amount of alcohol reduces the perceptual ability of the sensory organs. A pleasant feeling spreads, and you sink into slumber.

"But alcohol also reduces the important ‘dream sleep’ phase, also known as REM sleep (paid eye movement), however, which results in a significantly reduced sleep quality and thereby poorer recovery."

A short Google search also shows that several Internet sources recommend warm beer with honey in case of flu. Dr. Romer says: "The hops contained in beer are rich in bitter substances and essential oils, which actually have a positive effect on the body." The alcohol contained in beer is, however, counter-productive with regard to the symptoms of the illness, because alcohol – as described above – places the body under stress and leads to a weakening of the immune system.

Conclusion: In the case of a flu-like infection, it’s better to refrain from alcohol. Alcohol consumption affects the immune system and slows down the recovery process. So it's just a myth that alcohol has a sterilising effect on cold and flu viruses. Instead of a schnapps or "hot toddy", Dr. Romer recommends drinking plenty of warm ginger or sage tea when you have a cold. Ginger and sage, unlike alcohol, have an anti-inflammatory effect. Honey additionally relieves the cough stimulus.

You will find more effective home remedies in this (German language) article.