Does Rum Cure Cough

29.06.2023 Chukwudi Eze 0 Comments

Contents

0.1 Does rum reduce cough?

1 Why is rum good for a cough?
2 Which drink is better for cough?
3 When not to drink rum?
4 Is rum or whisky better for cough?
5 Which alcohol is best when sick?
- 5.1 Can rum get rid of flu?
6 Does alcohol make a cough worse?
7 Can rum stop a cold?
- - 7.0.1 What is good for cough brandy or rum?
- 7.1 What drinks make you cough less?
8 Which drink is better for cough?

Does rum reduce cough?

Millions of rum lovers do not want to give up their favorite glass of rum during the cold winters. Let’s give you some healthy reasons to have rum in winter. Any home bar is incomplete without rum, and we know why. This distilled spirit has a long history associated with it. Some legends believe that rum derived its name from ‘rumbullion’ which translates to “a great tumult or uproar” while some believe that the word comes from ‘saccharum’.

No matter where it originated from, it has been ruling our hearts for ages.
Smooth and rich in texture as well as flavour, rum is considered to be one of the best spirits for the winter season.
Millions of rum lovers do not want to give up their favorite glass of rum during the cold winters.
Let’s give you some healthy reasons to have rum in winter.

We tend to catch cold and cough during winter. Let us tell you that rum can actually help you fight such infections. Experts have claimed that rum has antimicrobial properties that kill such bacteria. But you must note that it is not a medicine that one should take regularly. May Be A Better Bet For Diabetics Some studies have claimed that rum can lower the body’s cholesterol levels and can manage diabetes. It can keep blood sugar levels in check while reducing the risk of diabetes. You didn’t know this, did you? Contains Antiseptic Properties This is a quality of rum that many of us know about.

Rum is said to have antiseptic properties which are considered effective not only for cleansing wounds while preventing bacteria growth. Moreover, it can also reduce pain when applied topically or consumed in a certain quantity. May Be Good For Heart Health Too It is believed that the consumption of rum in appropriate quantity can promote strong and good heart health.

Not only does it prevent the formation of arterial blockage in the body but also has proven to be beneficial in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. It can even reduce cholesterol levels in the body. If taken in limited quantity, rum has a lot of health benefits.

One of which is keeping cancer at bay. Some studies have claimed that those who drink rum moderately have a lower chance of contracting kidney cancer. The experts also cautioned that excess rum can in fact prove more harmful, so moderation is key. Winter is here and it is the time to relish our favourite winter drink.

Rum and coke is a quite popular combination. What is your favourite combination? Do let us know!

Why is rum good for a cough?

Fights coughs and colds Rum has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and cure your cough. If you have trouble determining the dose, you can ask your doctor or someone who consumes Rum to fight colds. Although Rum is known to fight colds, it is not a medicine that you should take regularly.

Is rum good for sore throat and cough?

Can a hot toddy really help relieve cold symptoms? Experts say yes —\u00a0sort of This warm-up beverage is great for the winter. The folklore goes – the alcoholic drink composed of hot water, lemon juice, honey and whiskey or rum or brandy – can soothe your sore throat or clear your winter cold-induced congestion. And many people are believers., 39, a company director at BB Comms from London who lives in Madrid, told USA TODAY her Irish grandfather got her into the remedy. “I remember him teaching me how to make one when my mum had a cold, and it seemed to work for her,” she said. “When my husband is sick and I don’t know how to help, I make a hot toddy, and within an hour or so he’s feeling brighter.” Belizaire-Butler said she’s not sure whether it’s the whiskey or the honey or the fact that a warm drink makes you feel better from the inside out, but it “always seems to do the trick.” Her grandfather believed that whiskey had healing properties beyond colds, she added, noting he used to dab whiskey on her gums while she was teething (a and not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics)., 37, a creative director from Toronto, was living in the U.K. when a friend from Colorado suggested she try a hot toddy to help with a cold. “(They) got me hooked because it worked,” Plett told USA TODAY. “I have evolved my recipe, but I boil lemons and ginger, then let simmer for 20 minutes. I then add honey and a little whiskey, and voila!” She uses toddys for “any sort” of cold or flu and finds it helps with decongestion. She also sleeps well after drinking one, which she says helps her heal. But can the drink really help with symptoms of the common cold? The answer is yes – to a degree – according to experts of the cocktail and medical variety., a Bacardi Single Malts ambassador, told USA TODAY that the ingredients that make up a hot toddy can help you feel better – though he doubts a doctor would prescribe the drink as a “cure-all.” “The honey for a sore throat soothes the ache, and the lemon gives you a good dose of vitamin C,” Urrutia said. “I know some of the stories I’ve heard of grandpa’s old cough medicine sometimes included honey and lemon. The aromas are comforting; the warmth gives you a sense of solace, as well.” The combined factors, Urrutia believes, could help you feel better., a doctor practicing family medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said that while a hot toddy does have medicinal properties, they don’t come from the alcohol. “Hot toddies, as the name implies, are served hot. Heat does wonders for someone when sick. A hot beverage can soothe the throat and can provide someone who has shaking (with) chills the feeling and comfort of a warm hug,” Ascher said. The heat also helps to break down and thin out mucus to help clear it from the body., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of ChampagneNutrition, echoes Ascher’s point that “heat and hydration” are soothing. There also might be antimicrobial aspects of honey that could help with a cold, but Hultin warns “alcohol can irritate the tissues in the throat.” Not to mention that alcohol can depress the immune system and cause dehydration. “Alcohol causes many changes to occur at a cellular level in our body. When our body is fighting illness, adding another variable like alcohol is not encouraged,” Ascher said. “We prefer to filter the toxins already in our body when we are ill and not add unnecessary excess.” Instead, try a hot cup of herbal tea with lemon and honey – minus the booze, Hultin advises. : Can a hot toddy really help relieve cold symptoms? Experts say yes —\u00a0sort of

Is rum good for you when you’re sick?

Rum Helps Fight the Common Cold – What exactly are the health benefits of spiced rum? Rum has serious antibacterial properties. If you have a cold, your body has to fight off bad bacteria. Antibacterial drinks help to do just that (and keep scurvy away, too).

Does rum remove mucus?

06 /11 Brandy relieves respiratory issues – There are many respiratory issues faced during winters which are compounded by increased pollution levels if you stay in a metropolitan city. Brandy has traditionally been used as a means to help with such issues because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Which rum is best for cough?

6 things to do before Old Monk becomes a memory : Can you imagine Delhi winters without the comfort this old friend offers? Old Monk rum that comes in a distinctive, attractive and funny bottle has been the first choice of a certain section of people across the country.

Not all savour the taste alike but for those who do, Old Monk with cola has been ruling their lives for a long time.
Reports say its sales is dipping with affordable options aplenty these days.
But if you are an Old Monk devotee, make sure you do the following before the brand decides to vanish: 1) Invite your friends for a terrace party to bid adieu to Old Monk Terrace parties are incomplete without Old Monk, especially in the winters.

Take small sips of this drink, talking about those days when it comforted you during the merciless cold or during your break-ups.2) Suggest Old Monk as a medicine Rum with warm water is an excellent solution for terrible common cold. Suggest having a peg of Old Monk with warm water to a friend suffering from cold, see him getting better and say cheers to you for being so cool.3) Take your girlfriend on an Old Monk date It is a common belief that rum is a man’s drink and women don’t enjoy it.

If you are one of those lucky chaps who fell in love with a woman devotee of this drink, an Old Monk date would be a nice idea.4) Say an ‘Old Monk’ cheers to your father If you know that your father is an OId Monk fan as well, take this chance and offer him a drink. Over meaningful conversations about life and death (and the bills), say cheers to him for being the coolest father and hope that he considers you cool enough.5) Let out the creative soul inside you Sit down with a bottle of Old Monk, have a couple of pegs and put aside all your inhibitions.

Let the creative soul inside you take charge. Vent those words that had been struggling to find a pinhole to escape. Before you know it, you would have penned an awesome poem or an interesting blog post.6) Enjoy solitude with this one friend It is said that “Those who cannot enjoy their own company can never be happy”.

Can rum stop a cold?

There is some evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol may reduce the number of colds people get per year. However, there is no overall cure for the common cold. According to an older 2015 review, this may be because moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to enhance immune function.

More recent and large-scale studies are necessary to verify this. That said, excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection. In this article, we will discuss whether alcohol helps treat or prevent a cold and what impact it has on the immune system.

We will also look into other alternative treatments. No, alcohol cannot treat or cure the common cold. Colds are the result of a viral infection. Of over 200 viruses that can potentially cause a cold, rhinoviruses are the most common. There is no cure for these infections.

However, because most colds are relatively mild and short-term illnesses, most people do not require medical treatment.
The symptoms will usually get better on their own within 10–14 days.
Health authorities generally do not recommend drinking alcohol during a cold.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advise people who do not currently drink to avoid starting for any reason.

Alcohol has different effects on the immune system depending on how much a person consumes. According to older research, long-term alcohol use can make a person 3–7 times more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, including colds. However, other studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may decrease the number of colds people get overall.

This could be because alcohol influences aspects of the immune response.
Multiple mechanisms may be responsible for this effect, including the release of inflammatory cytokines, which may be beneficial for fighting infections in the short term.
However, long-term alcohol misuse causes long-term inflammation throughout the body.

This is harmful to health. Also, consuming alcohol can:

alter a person’s gut floradamage the intestinal liningimpair the function of immune cells in the respiratory tract

All of these changes increase a person’s vulnerability to infections and disease. Although some people claim that alcohol is a decongestant, the reverse may be true. The consumption of alcohol may lead to nasal congestion. A small 2022 study tested the effects of alcohol on airflow through the nose.

They tested the space inside the nose and the level of airway resistance in 31 adults, 2 hours after they drank alcohol.
Across adults who drank lightly or heavily, alcohol consumption led to decreased nasal volume and increased airway resistance, suggesting that it increases congestion.
However, as this was a small study, more research is necessary to confirm the results.

Although alcohol cannot treat colds, there is limited evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol may help reduce the frequency of colds. For example, an older 2012 study compared the rate of colds among 899 males in Japan. Of the participants, 83.4% reported drinking alcohol, and 55.4% reported having at least one cold in the last year.

On average, the participants who did not drink at all were more likely to experience two more episodes of the common cold during the study than those who drank 11.5 to 35.8 grams (g), or 0.49 to 1.53 fluid ounces (fl oz), of alcohol per day. For context, one standard alcoholic drink in the United States contains around 14 g (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol.

The amount people drank in the 2012 study is therefore equivalent to 1 to 2.5 drinks per day. There is approximately one serving of alcohol in:

12 fl oz of beer5 fl oz of wine1.5 fl oz of a distilled spirit, such as gin or vodka

Further studies with larger and more diverse populations must take place to confirm such findings. There are several ways to cope with a cold that will work better for symptom relief than alcohol. They include:

Which drink is better for cough?

To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cough or cold, try to: –

Drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated with water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Eat chicken soup. Chicken soup and other warm fluids, such as warm apple juice or tea, can be soothing and loosen congestion. Rest. Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or bad cough, or are drowsy after taking medications. This will give you a chance to rest and reduce the chances you’ll infect others. Adjust your room’s temperature and humidity. Keep your room warm but not overheated. If the air is dry, a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and ease congestion and coughing. Keep the humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds. Soothe your throat. Ice chips, throat sprays, lozenges or sugar-free hard candy can help keep your throat from feeling dry and scratchy. A saltwater gargle can temporarily relive a sore throat. Dissolve one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of salt in a 4- to 8-ounce glass of warm water. This can relieve a sore or scratchy throat temporarily. Lozenges, hard candy and saltwater gargle are not recommended for children younger than 6. Use saline nasal drops. To relieve nasal congestion, try saline nasal drops, You can buy these drops over the counter, and they can help relieve symptoms ― even in infants and children. Take over-the-counter cold and cough medications. For adults and children older than 5, over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. However, they won’t prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. Take medications only as directed on the label. Some medications include multiple ingredients, so read labels carefully to understand what ingredients are in the medication. Experts agree you shouldn’t give these medications to younger children. Overuse and misuse of cold and cough medications can cause serious damage. Talk with your child’s health care team before giving medications.

You might be interested: Who Step Ladder For Pain Management

Although colds are usually minor, they can make you feel miserable. It’s tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Also, remember to wash your hands frequently. Timothy Slama, D.O,, is a Family Medicine physician in Fairmont, Minnesota.

When not to drink rum?

2. Combats Colds – Colds are not seasonal and can strike at any time. When you are suffering from the common cold or flu, a small amount of rum can soothe your throat and help you feel better, The powerful antibacterial properties of rum help it to speed up the healing process of colds,

Is rum or whisky better for cough?

If you’ve been in an office or any other enclosed space lately, it may have become evident that everyone is sick, hacking, coughing, adding germs in aerosol form to the air we all breathe, you know. Winter cold and flu season. Thankfully, we discovered long ago that while cough syrup rocks in the taste department and everything, there’s a little tipple we all know and love that’ll do pretty much the same thing and buzz you up in a much more pleasant way.

It’s whiskey, and here’s why science says it’s good for your cough.
A Carnegie Mellon study showed that moderate drinkers had increased resistence to viral infections.
While booze won’t heal you, small amounts of liquor can help relieve the symptoms of sore throats, muscle pain, congestion and sleeplessness (duh).

Enter, the Hot Toddy: a tablespoon or so of honey and healthy squeeze of lemon juice mixed into half hot water and half whiskey, with a teabag and couple of whole cloves if you like. It tastes so good you’ll be snoring peacefully before you realize you’ve drunk three.

Is rum or brandy good for cough?

Not every drink you consume is bad for health. Meet the drink that serves as a medication for various health problems – Brandy, It not only tastes good but also keeps you away from certain ailments. It comes in a variety of flavours like bold, bright, subtle, or warming and the Cayman wine shops have a venerable reputation for offering them all.

Each kind has its own nuances.
What is Brandy? Brandy is an alcoholic beverage said to be originated in Spain by the vintners in the 15th or 16th century.
It is generally considered as a late evening or an after-dinner drink and is prepared from a fruit-based mash.
It remains a premium choice for those looking to revel in high-quality alcohol, as it comprises 30-60% of alcohol by volume.

The term Brandy is the shorter version of the Dutch word ‘Brandewijn’ which simply refers to ‘burnt wine’. This distilled alcohol is aged in oak barrels from where it gets its amber colour and notes of caramel and spice. There are many types of brandy, of which two major ones are Cognac and Armagnac wine in the Cayman Islands.

Boosts Immune System

Suffering from cold or flu? Take a shot of brandy and wait for it to work magic. Brandy has antibacterial components and its high proportion of alcohol helps to get rid of the cold, throat pain and coughing in no time. The perfect pairing of its warming nature and relaxing quality made it a trusted source to boost the immune system for hundreds of years. Health Benefits of Brandy

Sleeping Aid

There is a reason why brandy is often denominated as an after-dinner drink. Because of the soothing and relaxing qualities, it induces a person to a sound sleep. If you have a problem sleeping at night, you might want to try sipping on brandy. Make sure you don’t drink it just before you are preparing to sleep.

Reduces Weight & Cholesterol Level

Concerned about your weight or have high cholesterol? Brandy is made for you. Unlike other alcoholic drinks, brandy contains no carbs and is low in cholesterol. This allows it to keep your weight controlled. It can also be used as an aperitif. Thanks to its antioxidant compounds which enables it to remove the bad cholesterol from the arteries and make way for good.

Anti-ageing Properties

Why try those expensive treatments, when you can simply enjoy your drink and prevent the premature ageing symptoms? You read it right! Brandy contains antioxidant compounds which eliminate or neutralize the effect of free radicals, which mutate the healthy cells in our body. This prevents wrinkles on the skin, poor vision, cognitive issues and other ageing symptoms.

Alleviates Inflammation in Arteries

The polyphenolic compounds present in brandy helps to reduce inflammation in the arteries. It also lowers the blood pressure and prevents other cardiovascular problems. So, sip on your brandy guilt-free, sitting in an amazing restaurant in Grand Cayman,

What is the disadvantages of rum?

Organ damage – Alcohol can wreak havoc on your organs and stop them from working fully, Your liver, heart, kidneys, and pancreas can show different (but equally harmful) effects if you consistently drink too much booze. And if they’re not working at full pelt, you’re on the path to serious health conditions.

Why do Jamaicans drink rum when sick?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now. Watch! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS! Click Here and s ee why over 90,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel ! Jamaican White Rum | (Photo Credit: Fine Art America) by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer Jamaican rum is truly one of a kind and unique. Its distinct flavour, and how it’s made set it apart from the rest and that’s why it is considered as one of the best across the globe.

Brace yourself, this one might be a shocker. White rum is good for your heart, and drinking it in moderation on a regular basis will help you maintain a healthy and powerful heart!
Rum has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for peripheral vascular disease and the prevention of artery blockage in the body. Alcohol use has also been shown to help lower cholesterol levels in the body, according to various studies and researches.
Besides drinking, this one might be the most common use of white rum, and Jamaicans swear by it so you know it definitely works. Rum is great for the common cold. You can just take a shot of white rum or you can combine it with lime juice and honey. Another great way to use rum to combat the common cold is to add it to a mixture of garlic, honey and lime juice. In no time your cold will be gone and you will feel brand new.
White rum is also used traditionally in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries to rub down or soothe the body when someone is ailing and has a high fever. It is used similarly to how we would use rubbing alcohol. Ever been worried about catching a cold after getting caught in the rain? Well, all you need to do is grab that bottle of white rum, and use a generous amount to “sap” the top of your head or your mole, to ensure you don’t catch a cold. The sick person would be rubbed down with the rum from head to toe and asked to inhale some as well. The next step is to simply wrap them up in a sheet and wait for them to “sweat out the fever”. It works.
People who are always battling muscle pain can rely on white rum to entirely alleviate their aches. Regular consumption of rum aids in the increase of bone minerals in the body, which in turn, aids in the treatment of muscle discomfort. In Jamaica, a scorpion is placed in a bottle of rum and soaked over a period of time, the mixture is then used to “sap” areas of the body that are aching.
White Rum can be used as an antiseptic in a survival emergency. It can be used to clean wounds and inhibit the growth of bacteria. When used topically, it can also help with pain relief (as well as ingested). Additionally, if you live in an area where there are always forty legs roaming around, capture a few and pure some white rum on them. Let it sit for at least 6 weeks before you use it. It is great for bites you may receive from forty legs.
One of the most time-honoured methods to unwind after a long day at work is to have a cocktail. White rum, like other alcoholic beverages, is a depressant that weakens the central nervous system. To put it another way, it’s a sedative. So while many of us drink it for the flavour, there are many others who drink it because of its stress-reducing properties, but always remember that moderation is key.
What are two things that Jamaicans are known for? Marijuana and white rum of course. Make a mixture by combining the two, that is soaking the weed in some white rum, and you have the all-time cure for every minor ailment, from headaches, tummy aches, and many more.
This is another use of rum that is quite popular, the use of it in Jamaican cuisine. It is used in rum cakes, soups like Manish water, or for an extra kick in our curry dishes.

There are many other benefits of Jamaican white rum, but these are some that will surely come in handy at some point.

How much rum should I drink for a cold?

2. Common Cold – There is nothing seasonal about the common cold, it can quite happen in any weather. While most of us are struggling with common cold as flu, having a small portion of rum can give relief to your throat, You need to drink one or two spoons of rum every day and this will help to treat the common cold, Due to anti-bacterial property, rum helps to heal cold quickly,

Which alcohol is best when sick?

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.

Can rum get rid of flu?

The Claim: A Little Alcohol Can Help You Beat a Cold (Published 2007) Really?

Give this article Share full article

THE FACTS When it comes to quick remedies for colds, many people insist that a glass of brandy or a hot toddy — whiskey with hot water and lemon juice — is just what the doctor ordered. It’s not difficult to see how mild inebriation might have the potential to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but so far no study has shown that alcohol has the ability to kill germs in the bloodstream or stop a cold in its tracks.

And while alcohol may provide temporary relief, it can prolong symptoms by increasing dehydration. Credit. Leif Parsons Nonetheless, two large studies have found that although moderate drinking will not cure colds, it can help keep them at bay. One, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon in 1993, looked at 391 adults and found that resistance to colds increased with moderate drinking, except in smokers.

Then, in 2002, researchers in Spain followed 4,300 healthy adults, examining their habits and susceptibility to colds. The study, in The American Journal of Epidemiology, found no relationship between the incidence of colds and consumption of beer, spirits, Vitamin C or zinc.

Give this article Share full article

: The Claim: A Little Alcohol Can Help You Beat a Cold (Published 2007)

Does alcohol make a cough worse?

Are You Making Your Cold Worse? Medically Reviewed by on October 31, 2021 You feel crummy as it is. All that and is misery enough. Don’t make one of these common mistakes that can make your cold even worse. It never works. You can’t ignore a cold. When you get sick, you have to take care of yourself.

Your body needs extra energy when it fights an infection.
If you try to push through a cold, especially if you have a fever, you’ll exhaust yourself.
That could make your symptoms worse.
Getting enough shut- is key for a healthy immune system, your body’s defense against germs.
One study shows that sleeping less than 7 hours a night almost triples your risk of catching a cold in the first place.

If you have a cold and your symptoms are keeping you up at night, go to bed earlier or take naps during the day. You need extra rest, however you get it. It can make you more likely to get a cold. Over time, high levels of stress hormones can stop your immune system from working normally.

The result: more sick days. You need a lot of fluids when you’re sick. They help thin your mucus, which makes your drain better. Just about any liquid will help. Water, juice, hot tea, and are all good. Even milk is OK, despite what you may have heard. The idea that it causes mucus buildup is a myth. Too much of it leaves you dehydrated and makes symptoms like congestion worse.

Alcohol puts a damper on your immune system. And it might mix badly with cold you’re taking. So until you feel better, it’s best to lay off the booze. They may work well at first. But if you use them for more than 3 days, your stuffy nose will get worse when you stop.

Smoking is bad for your lungs, even when you are not sick. Still, smokers get more than non-smokers. Their symptoms are also worse and they last longer. damages cells in your, which makes it harder for you to fight off a cold. If you’re sick, don’t smoke – and don’t let anyone around you do it either. © 2021 WebMD, LLC.

What drinks break up mucus?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Certain remedies, such as staying hydrated, using a humidifer, and taking over-the-counter decongestants can all help ease excess phlegm in your throat or chest. Phlegm is that thick, sticky stuff that hangs around in the back of your throat when you’re sick.

mouth
nose
throat
sinuses
lungs

Mucus is sticky so it can trap dust, allergens, and viruses. When you’re healthy, the mucus is thin and less noticeable. When you’re sick or exposed to too many particles, the phlegm can get thick and become more noticeable as it traps these foreign substances.

Phlegm is a healthy part of your respiratory system, but if it’s making you uncomfortable, there are ways to thin it or reduce it. Keep reading to learn about some natural remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and when you may want to see your doctor. Moisturizing the air around you can help keep mucus thin.

You may have heard that steam can clear phlegm and congestion, but there isn’t a lot of scientific support for this idea. Instead of steam, you can use a cool mist humidifier. You can run this humidifier safely all day long. You’ll just want to make sure you change the water each day and clean your humidifier according to the package instructions.

Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones can help with mucus flow. Water and other liquids can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping liquids, like juice, clear broths, and soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, and lemon water. Your drinks shouldn’t be the only thing that’s warm.

You should be, too! Staying warm is an easy home remedy to soothe your respiratory system. That’s because you’re better able to fight off conditions that cause excess mucus (like the common cold) when you’re at a warmer body temperature, Methods to stay warm include:

warm showers
wearing warmer clothing to fend off cold temperatures
cuddling up in bed with an extra blanket

Try consuming foods and drinks that contain lemon, ginger, and garlic, A 2018 survey found these may help treat colds, coughs, and excess mucus, though there isn’t much research to back it up. Spicy foods that contain capsaicin, such as cayenne or chili peppers, might also help temporarily clear sinuses and get mucus moving.

licorice root
ginseng
berries
echinacea
pomegranate

You might also be wondering about the classic many grab when they’re sick: chicken soup. Does it help get rid of phlegm too? Some research suggests yes. Chicken soup might be good for treating colds and getting rid of excess mucus. This is because chicken soup slows neutrophils’ movement in your body.

Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, fight off infection. When moving slowly, they stay in the areas of your body where infection exists for longer. Overall, more studies are needed to confirm the effects of these foods, but for most people, adding these ingredients to their diet is safe to try. If you’re taking any prescription medications, ask your doctor before adding any new ingredients to your diet.

Gargling warm salt water may help clear phlegm in the back of your throat. It may even help soothe a sore throat. When gargling salt water, follow these easy steps:

Mix together a cup of water with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Warm water works best, because it dissolves the salt more quickly. It’s also a good idea to use filtered or bottled water that doesn’t contain irritating chlorine.
Sip a bit of the mixture and tilt your head back slightly.
Let the mixture wash into your throat without drinking it.
Gently blow air up from your lungs to gargle for 30 to 60 seconds, and then spit out the water.
Repeat as needed.

If you don’t want to gargle salt water, there’s an easier, more effective alternative to thin phlegm: saline, Saline is a salt water solution you can use as a nasal spray or in a neti pot, It’s available over the counter and is a natural way to clear out the sinuses.

Research from 2018 supports the idea that mucus thins out after consistently using a saline solution for longer than a week. Using eucalyptus essential oil may help reduce excess mucus in your chest. It works by loosening the mucus so you can cough it out more easily. At the same time, if you have a nagging cough, the eucalyptus may relieve it.

You can either inhale the vapor by using a diffuser or use a balm that contains this ingredient. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products.

Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
There are also OTC medicines you can use.
Decongestants, for example, can cut down the mucus that flows from your nose.
This mucus isn’t considered phlegm, but it can lead to chest congestion.
Decongestants work by reducing swelling in your nose and opening up your airways.

You can find oral decongestants in the form of:

tablets or capsules
liquids or syrups
flavored powders

There are also many decongestant nasal sprays on the market. You can try products like guaifenesin ( Mucinex ) that thin mucus so it won’t sit in the back of your throat or your chest. This type of medication is called an expectorant, which means it helps you to expel mucus by thinning and loosening it.

This OTC treatment usually lasts for 12 hours, but you should follow the package instructions.
There are children’s versions for kids ages 4 and older.
Chest rubs, like Vicks VapoRub, contain eucalyptus oil to ease coughs and potentially get rid of mucus.
You can rub it onto your chest and neck up to three times each day.

Younger children should not use Vicks at its full strength, but the company does make a baby-strength version. If you have certain conditions or infections, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the root cause of your symptoms. There are specific medications that can thin your mucus if you have a chronic lung condition, like cystic fibrosis,

cough
sore throat
chest tightness

Dornase-Alfa (Pulmozyme) is a mucus-thinning medication often used by people with cystic fibrosis. You inhale it through a nebulizer. It’s also suitable for people ages 6 and up. You may lose your voice or develop a rash while on this medication. Other side effects include:

throat discomfort
fever
dizziness
runny nose

Excess or thick phlegm from time to time is usually not a reason for concern. You may notice it in the morning because it’s accumulated and dried overnight. You may also notice phlegm more if you’re sick, have seasonal allergies, or if you’re dehydrated,

acid reflux
allergies
asthma
cystic fibrosis (although this condition is usually diagnosed early in life)
chronic bronchitis
other lung diseases

Contact your doctor if your phlegm has been bothering you for a month or longer, Let your doctor know if you have other symptoms, like:

coughing up blood
chest pain
shortness of breath
wheezing

It’s important to remember that the body produces mucus at all times. When you notice excess mucus, it’s typically a sign your body is fighting off a cold, allergies, or something more serious. There are many medicines and remedies tailored to different severity levels and preferences.

OTC medication and at-home remedies are great places to start.
While many home remedies don’t have a large body of research on their effectiveness, they typically aren’t harmful to most people.
OTC saline solutions and medications, on the other hand, have been researched and found effective in many cases.

Severe cases of excess mucus can usually be treated with prescribed medication. While excess mucus can often be treated at home, contact your doctor if:

you’re concerned by how much phlegm you have
the amount of phlegm has dramatically increased
you have other symptoms that worry you

Is rum and honey good for a cough?

Is Hot Toddy Truly Good For Sore Throat, Cough and Cold – The simple answer is yes. Honey will soothe the back of your throat, hot water to help with cold and the lemon acts as the Vitamin C. The addition of whiskey, brandy or rum is just for pleasure; Although, there is a claim that whiskey is a great decongestant.

Is rum better cold or warm?

The one slightly surprising question I’ve been asked more than any other since launching Lost Years Rum is ‘so, how do you drink it?’ I usually answer this question with a glib ‘any way you like it!’, but actually it’s a question that deserves proper consideration.

Rum connoisseurs aside, the reality is that many people just don’t know how to drink rum.
Do you drink it neat like a Scotch, on the rocks, with a wedge of lime, with coke, with a simple tonic like gin or with a more complex mixer? Or should it be the basis for a fancy cocktail? The answer, of course, is all of the above! Rum really is a spirit without rules and the most important thing is that you find a way of drinking it that you yourself enjoy, whatever form that takes.

As the world’s most diverse spirit, rum takes many forms and – lucky for us – can be served in a multitude of ways. However, with a liquid that ranges from the clean grassiness of an unaged Rhum Agricole, to the luxuriously sweet richness of many spiced rums, it’s not always easy finding the perfect pairing! So, we thought it would be useful to provide a few pointers with our very own ‘ten ways to drink rum’! We’d urge you to give them all a go (ideally over a matter of weeks!) and, with a little experimentation, we’re confident you’ll soon find your personal rum nirvana.1.

Neat Just as a wonderful single malt whisky can be enjoyed neat, so too the very best rums benefit from being served ‘pure and simple’.
Drinking rum neat is usually associated with ‘high end’ single estate rums and quality aged rum blends suitable for sipping, like our Four Island and Arribada rums.
You should always serve your aged rums at room temperature, rather than chilled, as this helps release the wonderful aromas in the spirit.

Drinking good rum neat should be a process of sensory appreciation – exploring the aromas, flavours and linger of the spirit. Like any treat, it’s not something to be rushed. The tasting process is pretty simple – pour about 3cl into a glass, swirl it around gently in the palm of your hand to disperse the aromas, then approach the glass with your nose and gently inhale.

Don’t stick your nose right in, as you’ll end up eclipsing all of subtle notes with the fire of the alcohol, but rather let your nose get up close and personal with the aromas.
Then take a first sip – gently roll it around your mouth and over your tongue before swallowing.
Savour it.
Explore it.
Then exhale.

A good rum will often provide the greatest thrill after you’ve swallowed it. Glassware is important too – neat rum is ideally served in a slightly tulip-shaped glass which is slightly wider at the bottom than the top (we like the ‘Just One Rum’ glass from Dartington Crystal).

If you want to really savour the aroma of your rum, then a brandy snifter is a good option too.2. With water Some people like to add a few drops of water to their rum and there is nothing wrong with that – particularly for some of the higher ABV and cask strength rums out there, which can be a little fiery (as a rule anything about 45% ABV will cope well with a little water).

Water will, however, change the composition of the rum and often releases more flavours and aromas, adding to the complexity of the spirit. Your water should, of course, be as pure as possible – so avoid anything with lots of minerals. In the UK normal tap water is usually just the ticket.3.

On the rocks Once again, there is nothing inherently wrong with drinking rum neat over ice. However, the extreme cold of the ice will numb your taste buds and that will inevitably impede your enjoyment of the spirit a little. Also, don’t allow your ice to melt into the glass as that super cold water will have a very detrimental impact on the rum.

Chilled whisky stones are fine instead of ice – they will bring the chill without the risk of melting ice.4. With limes (or lemons) An alternative to any of the above is to serve your rum with a wedge of lime or perhaps even lemon. The citrus flavours bring a different dimension to the rum and work really well with aged rums, even though they are often more associated with unaged rums (as used in citrus-based cocktails like the daiquiri or mojito).

We really like our award-winning unaged Navy Strength rum served with lime – the citric acid complements the naturally sweet flavours and body of this high ABV rum, while the lingering malic acid adds even more complexity. Simply squeeze gently to release the juice into the rum, then drop the wedge into the glass and enjoy.5.

With Coca Cola Okay, so for most of us our first experience of rum is likely to have been a rum and coke. And there is nothing wrong with that! This super simple serve – otherwise known as the Cuba Libre cocktail – has certainly stood the test of time, dating back well over 100 years.

And it’s easy to see why.
At its most basic, a rum and coke involves taking a tall glass (highball) filled with ice, adding the rum, followed by cola, and garnishing with a lime wedge.
The ration of rum to cola we usually recommend is 1:2 or 1:3, but you can play around with this.
While Coca Cola remains the cola of choice in many bars, there are now a wide range of craft colas to experiment with.

There are also an infinite range of rums to try – though, of course, we’d always recommend Lost Years! I particularly like Franklin & Sons 1886 Cola or Fentimans Curiosity Cola with our Four Island rum,6. With ginger beer (or ginger ale) The spicy sweetness of ginger beer makes a great companion for aged rum and gives it added kick.

Ginger beer has a stronger flavour profile than its bedfellow, ginger ale – though the latter also works equally well with white rum, for a lighter drink.
The classic ‘Dark ‘n Stormy’ cocktail (copyright Goslings) is simply Goslings Black Seal rum, together with ginger beer and a wedge of lime.
You can try your own riff on this, just be careful what you call it! There are some fantastic craft ginger beers and ales now available – we love those from Fevertree, London Essence, Franklin & Sons and Fentimans.

And try them with a variety of rums – dark, golden, spiced, to find the right combination for you.7. With tonic Yes, rum and tonic really is a thing! Typically associated with gin or perhaps vodka, the explosion of craft tonic waters is great news for rum drinkers and there’s an ever-growing array of tonics to try.

Personally, I prefer to use tonics with our unaged Silver Moon or Navy Strength rums, as the bitter quinine complements the natural sweetness of these rums brilliantly.
But you can mix them with aged rums too – the floral notes of the tonic really play off the woody notes of the rum.
We’ll be showcasing a range of mixers on the Lost Years blog over the coming months, including lots of unusual tonics – watch this space! If you’re mixing your rum with a tonic, you’ll ideally want to serve it in a highball glass – also known as a Collins glass.8.

With hot chocolate This is my new guilty pleasure!! Arm yourself with the incredible Velvetiser machine created by Hotel Chocolat, some of their awesome drinking chocolates and a bottle of good rum and you can’t go wrong! My personal favourite so far is a combo featuring Hotel Chocolat’s Chilli Elegant drinking chocolate (70% dark chocolate with Habanero chilli) and our very own Four Island rum.

Wow!! Wait for a cold day and give it a try – it’s sensational! 9. Warmed up – the rum hot toddy Another wonderful ‘winter warmer’ is the relatively under-appreciated rum hot toddy. There are dozens of recipes out there, so it makes sense to search and experiment. A nice aged rum works really well – there’s something about our Arribada Cask Aged rum which lends itself really well to this serve – but many opt for a spiced rum.

You can add a variety of things into the mix – fresh ginger, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, lemon or orange, with honey, sugar or cherry syrup for sweetness. I recently discovered this recipe for a Chai Rum Hot Toddy courtesy of Imbibe magazine (that’s a revelation, thanks guys!) 10.

In a cocktail And last but not least – the mighty cocktail! Rum and cocktails go hand-in-hand and there are, of course, far too many to feature here – from the classics to our own bespoke signature serves (check out our Serves page for these).
We will be doing our bit to showcase the very best of them on this blog and across our social media channels in the coming months, so stay tuned.

So, next time you come across someone scratching their head wondering how to enjoy their newly acquired bottle of rum, point them this way!

Is dark or white rum better?

Light and Dark Rum – The differences between light and dark rum are subtle but important. Dark rum is aged for longer, giving it stronger flavors and colors. If you prefer more subtle flavors, then light rum is your best bet. If you want a great sipping rum, then try a dark rum like Pusser’s,

Can rum stop a cold?

More recent and large-scale studies are necessary to verify this.
That said, excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection.
In this article, we will discuss whether alcohol helps treat or prevent a cold and what impact it has on the immune system.

However, because most colds are relatively mild and short-term illnesses, most people do not require medical treatment. The symptoms will usually get better on their own within 10–14 days. Health authorities generally do not recommend drinking alcohol during a cold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advise people who do not currently drink to avoid starting for any reason.

This could be because alcohol influences aspects of the immune response. Multiple mechanisms may be responsible for this effect, including the release of inflammatory cytokines, which may be beneficial for fighting infections in the short term. However, long-term alcohol misuse causes long-term inflammation throughout the body.

This is harmful to health. Also, consuming alcohol can:

alter a person’s gut floradamage the intestinal liningimpair the function of immune cells in the respiratory tract

They tested the space inside the nose and the level of airway resistance in 31 adults, 2 hours after they drank alcohol. Across adults who drank lightly or heavily, alcohol consumption led to decreased nasal volume and increased airway resistance, suggesting that it increases congestion. However, as this was a small study, more research is necessary to confirm the results.

On average, the participants who did not drink at all were more likely to experience two more episodes of the common cold during the study than those who drank 11.5 to 35.8 grams (g), or 0.49 to 1.53 fluid ounces (fl oz), of alcohol per day. For context, one standard alcoholic drink in the United States contains around 14 g (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol.

The amount people drank in the 2012 study is therefore equivalent to 1 to 2.5 drinks per day. There is approximately one serving of alcohol in:

12 fl oz of beer5 fl oz of wine1.5 fl oz of a distilled spirit, such as gin or vodka

What is good for cough brandy or rum?

Each kind has its own nuances. What is Brandy? Brandy is an alcoholic beverage said to be originated in Spain by the vintners in the 15th or 16th century. It is generally considered as a late evening or an after-dinner drink and is prepared from a fruit-based mash. It remains a premium choice for those looking to revel in high-quality alcohol, as it comprises 30-60% of alcohol by volume.