Soothe Your Sore Throat

Old wives’ tales have long offered comforting remedies for sore throats and colds, often using simple kitchen ingredients.

While some of these suggestions lack strong scientific backing, others actually have a bit of truth to them.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for fighting off colds. Folk wisdom suggests that eating raw garlic or adding it to hot drinks can shorten the duration of a cold. Modern research does show that garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. While it won’t cure a cold outright, garlic may support your body in fighting infections and could make symptoms less severe.

Honey

Honey is one of the most popular traditional soothers for sore throats. It coats the throat, helps ease irritation, and adds a touch of sweetness to warm drinks like lemon tea. Studies have found that honey can be as effective as, or even better than, some over-the-counter cough syrups, especially in children*. Its natural antibacterial properties also give it an extra edge in soothing throat discomfort.

• *Honey should not be given to children under 12 months of age because it can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which may lead to a serious illness called infant botulism.

Dark Chocolate

Less traditional but increasingly mentioned in modern health chatter is dark chocolate as a remedy for throat irritation. The idea is that the theobromine in cocoa helps to calm coughing and that the smooth, rich texture of dark chocolate coats and soothes the throat. While more research is needed, some preliminary evidence supports its benefits for cough relief. That makes a small square of good-quality dark chocolate not just a guilty pleasure, but potentially a comforting ally when you’re under the weather.

Do They Really Work?

These remedies are not miracle cures, but they can provide comfort and may gently support recovery. Garlic offers immune-boosting potential, honey reliably soothes sore throats, and dark chocolate provides both comfort and possible cough relief. As with most old wives’ tales, they blend tradition with bits of truth, leaving us with remedies that may not replace medical treatment but can make being sick feel a little more bearable.

Health Update with Dr Rosie