Traditional hot drinks for a cold really do help fight colds and flu, according to research by experts at Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre and published in the journal Rhinology.

The study, which is believed to be the first scientific research of its kind, proved that a steaming hot cup of fruit juice not only tastes nice but actually helps to reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. The researchers studied the effects of either a hot or room temperature apple and blackcurrant (both high in immune boosting vitamin C) drink on 30 volunteers with cold symptoms. Those who sipped the hot drink found that it improved air flow through the nose and raised body temperature producing a feeling of well being as well as immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chillness and fatigue.

 

In addition to a hot fruit juice, another simple and cheap remedy to stop the sniffles is elderberry.  Elderberry juice can act as a remedy for coughs, cold infections, bronchitis and fever. Scientific tests have proven that elderflowers have anti-inflammatory properties and confirmed that elder can be beneficial for treating symptoms of flu. (You can also get good elderberry supplements to boost the immune system – see the Resources Page).

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 1st, 2009 at 3:10 am and is filed under General Health, In the News, Winter Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.