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The Hotty Toddy: Grandpa's Cure for the Common Cold

By Ruby Cemental

Before we had neighborhood pharmacies and different cold medications, people relied on home treatments. They had to come up with their own solutions. Many home remedies are now topics of urban legend, but some home remedies actually work. Grandpa's legendary hotty toddy (also known as a hot toddy, or hotty totty) will actually help relieve those cold symptoms. The recipe is even backed by science. Get the recipe and learn about it here!

Why the Hotty Toddy Eases Symptoms

If cold prevention hasn't been able to fight your cold off, you may want to make a hotty toddy. It is shown by science to help reduce cold symptoms. Whiskey is an effective decongestant. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels. The steam from the hot beverages works with the decongestant benefits of the alcohol and makes it easier for the mucus membranes to deal with nasal congestion. Whiskey can also relieve aching muscles and soothe a sore throat.  

The combination of honey and lemon soothe a sore, scratchy throat and can ease a cough. Honey and lemon are both natural antiseptics and can help the throat heal faster. The honey will coat the throat and make it feel a lot better. Both ingredients contain antioxidants, and the lemon adds a bit of vitamin C. Cinnamon and honey are often taken together to help with coughs.

The whiskey also works like nighttime cold medicine that helps you sleep. Just remember, the recommendation is one hotty toddy before bed. Any more than that and you could wake up feeling worse than when you fell asleep. The recipe for Grandpa’s Hotty Toddy is pretty easy.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Ways to Prevent the Common Cold

The Recipe

  • 2 oz boiling water
  • 1/2 oz whiskey or rum
  • Slice of lemon
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey
  • Cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Pour the whiskey, water, and honey into a mug. Add the clove and lemon. Then stir with the cinnamon stick. Let the ingredients steep for about 5 minutes. Your drink will be much more flavorful. Sprinkle a bit of nutmeg on top before serving.

By the time you finish your hot drink of whiskey, honey, and lemon, you should be feeling a bit better. You should be relieved of some of the congestion so you can breathe easier. The alcohol in the whiskey should make you just groggy enough to fall asleep. With a good night’s sleep, you should wake up feeling much better in the morning. Grandpa was a brilliant man.

If you or a loved one need a little extra care while you're sick, don't hesitate to reach out to your local team of expert caregivers.

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Tags: Senior Health, Healthy Recipes