Banish coughs and colds with simple 2-ingredient remedy made from kitchen staples
A doctor has advocated for a traditional cough and cold remedy that can easily be whipped up from common ingredients found in the kitchen. Praised for its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, he detailed how it's made with just two simple items.
Through the winter season, it's not unusual to come down with an ailment, might it be a cold, flu or even Covid - especially as temperatures plummet. Already this year, the NHS has signalled a rise in cases, putting a strain on healthcare services.
While some symptoms can be acute, others may be mild enough to manage from the comfort of your home. Keeping home remedies in mind, an expert unwrapped an age-old mixture believed to alleviate sore throats and coughs.
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On the social media platform TikTok, Doctor Joe Whittington - commonly known online as Dr Joe MD - highlighted another user's video. This footage suggests a unique blend by combining honey and onions.
They posed the query: "Do you know what happens if you pour honey over onions?" before adding, "Chances are your grandparents knew very well. They might have even made this remedy as it was common knowledge 70 years ago."
Delving further, they explained: "The honey will begin to ferment and extract the onions’ anti-inflammatory substances." Dr Joe chimed in, suggesting there might be "validity" to this homespun treatment.
He elaborated: "Honey is well known for its soothing properties especially for sore throats and cough." Dr Joe detailed the benefits, saying: "The onions have sulphur containing compounds such as allicin, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. "
"This could potentially loosen the mucus and soothe the respiratory symptoms." The concoction has also been highlighted by Gardeners' World, describing it as a "simple remedy for coughs".
"The onion has antibacterial properties and the honey soothes sore throats," the publication notes. It suggests taking one teaspoonful four to five times daily until there's an improvement in symptoms.
However, Dr Joe did sound a note of caution regarding the home remedy. He warned against administering it to infants due to the risk of botulism.
He also cautioned viewers to seek professional medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent. Dr Joe concluded: "However, if you have serious or prolonged symptoms, this doesn't replace a doctor's care. So, make sure to get it checked."