1. Gargling with Salt Water
Back in the day, it was common advice to gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat and flush out germs. The idea was that the salt would draw out mucus and bacteria, providing relief. However, if you’ve ever tried this remedy, you know the burn it leaves behind. Imagine standing in front of the sink, grimacing with every swish of the salty solution, praying for it to end.
While it may offer some relief, the process feels a bit like self-inflicted torture. After a few rounds, it’s easy to wonder whether the cold is better than the treatment itself. Salt water might have its merits, but it’s a tough one to swallow—literally.
2. Mustard Plasters
In the old days, people swore by mustard plasters as a way to clear up chest congestion. A mixture of mustard powder and flour would be applied to the chest, often wrapped in a cloth, to help “draw out toxins.” The warmth of the plaster was meant to loosen mucus and promote circulation. The catch? The mustard’s burning sensation could leave you feeling like your skin was on fire.
Not only did it smell pungent, but it also left an uncomfortable, tingling feeling that lasted long after the treatment. Today, it’s hard to imagine using a mustard plaster as a remedy when a soothing vapor rub seems much more bearable.
3. Hot Whiskey and Honey
Long before the modern-day cold medicine came along, people used a hot concoction of whiskey and honey to ease symptoms. The alcohol was thought to help induce sleep, while the honey soothed the throat. The result? A cocktail that’s as much about getting through the night as it is about fighting off the cold.
While this might sound comforting to some, the combination of alcohol and illness is a questionable remedy. The warmth can make you feel cozy for a few moments, but the hangover-like effects the next day could be worse than the cold itself. A nice cup of tea might seem far more appealing in hindsight.
4. Hot Lemonade with Cayenne Pepper
If your idea of curing a cold includes an intense kick to the throat, hot lemonade with a dash of cayenne pepper might be just what you’re looking for. This spicy concoction is said to clear congestion and boost circulation. The sour lemon combined with the fiery heat of cayenne is a jarring mix that hits you hard.
While the spice might work wonders for some, the intense burn can leave you feeling more miserable than before. The mixture’s bitter aftertaste also lingers, which isn’t exactly the best follow-up after battling a sore throat.
5. Onion Syrup
Believe it or not, people once turned to onion syrup as a cure for everything from a cold to a cough. It was made by boiling onions and then straining the juice, which was mixed with sugar to create a syrup. The result? A sweet, onion-infused solution that’s supposed to clear congestion and soothe a sore throat.
The pungent taste, however, makes this remedy a hard sell today. It’s one of those “it works, but you’ll hate every second of it” types of treatments. Plus, the lingering onion breath isn’t exactly something you want to carry around for the rest of the day.
6. Vicks VapoRub on Your Feet
Vicks VapoRub has been a cold-fighting staple for generations, but back in the day, it wasn’t just for your chest and throat. Some people swore by the idea of slathering it on the soles of your feet and wearing socks to bed. The menthol and eucalyptus in the ointment were thought to work wonders when absorbed through the feet.
While it might sound odd, it’s one of those remedies that seems to be more about comfort than actual efficacy. The greasy, mentholated sensation can be overwhelming, and by morning, your feet might be left feeling sticky and strangely cold.
7. Steam Inhalations with Eucalyptus Oil
Steam inhalations were another favorite cold remedy, with eucalyptus oil added to the water for an extra dose of healing. The idea was that breathing in the steam would help clear out mucus and soothe the respiratory tract. You’d hunch over a bowl of steaming water, draping a towel over your head to trap the steam.
While it may sound relaxing in theory, it’s not the most comfortable treatment. The intense heat from the steam often makes it hard to breathe deeply, and the eucalyptus oil can sting your eyes, turning the process into more of a challenge than a remedy.
8. Hot Baths with Epsom Salt
Taking a hot bath to ease a cold has been a popular method for years. Adding Epsom salt to the bathwater was believed to relieve aches and pains associated with a cold while helping you relax. The warm water soothes your muscles, and the salts are said to have detoxifying properties.
But, sitting in a scalding hot bath for too long can quickly go from relaxing to uncomfortable. If the water’s too hot, you might find yourself feeling lightheaded instead of better. Plus, the idea of being submerged in a bathtub when you’re already congested may feel like more of a struggle than a solution.
9. Cold Foot Soak in Ice Water
This one’s an old-school remedy that’s truly a test of endurance. The practice involves immersing your feet in a basin of ice water for several minutes, followed by a quick warm-up. It was thought to stimulate circulation and push the cold out of your body.
It’s hard to imagine this being anything other than uncomfortable today. The shock of the cold water would send a jolt through your body, and the sensation would leave your feet aching for hours afterward. It’s a brave (and painful) remedy, but it doesn’t seem very practical in today’s world of simple and soothing treatments.
10. Drinking Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is a remedy that was used for centuries to treat all kinds of ailments, including colds. The idea was that the high vitamin D content could boost immunity. But let’s be honest—the thick, fishy taste of cod liver oil was enough to make anyone gag.
Today, the thought of drinking this oily liquid as a cure is enough to make anyone reconsider their options. If the taste doesn’t make you recoil, the aftertaste definitely will. There are now far more palatable ways to get your vitamins, thank you very much.
11. Chicken Soup with Garlic and Ginger
Chicken soup has long been a go-to for soothing a cold, but the addition of garlic and ginger made it even more of a supposed cure-all. The garlic was believed to have natural antibiotic properties, while ginger helped with nausea and congestion. The result? A hot, spicy soup that could clear sinuses but leave your breath smelling like an herbal garden.
While the warmth of the soup can feel soothing, the combination of strong spices might not be as comforting as you remember. The garlic and ginger can be overpowering, leaving you wondering if the cure is worse than the cold itself.
12. Ice Cream for a Sore Throat
It might seem counterintuitive, but many people used to treat a sore throat with ice cream. The cold would numb the pain, providing temporary relief. Of course, indulging in a sweet treat wasn’t the worst part—it was the guilt that followed.
The rich, sugary dessert isn’t exactly the best choice when you’re trying to heal. It can coat your throat in a way that feels nice initially but may eventually make the congestion worse. Ice cream may bring momentary comfort, but it isn’t exactly the best choice for long-term recovery.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Apple cider vinegar was another old-fashioned remedy believed to help balance the body’s pH and fight off germs. Mixed with honey, it was thought to soothe the throat and clear congestion. The sharp tang of vinegar mixed with the sweetness of honey may have been tolerable for some, but the thought of drinking it today seems a little too harsh.
The acidic taste of the vinegar can leave your mouth feeling like it’s been burned by a lemon, and the aftertaste lingers much longer than you’d like. While there are certainly benefits to apple cider vinegar, there are better ways to get them without feeling like you just swallowed a shot of something medicinal.
14. Using a Wet Sock Remedy
This one’s bizarre but popular in certain circles: wearing wet socks to bed. The idea is that the cold, damp socks will cause your body to increase circulation and fight off the cold.
While this might sound like a nice cooling remedy, the idea of crawling into bed with cold, wet socks is far from appealing. It’s uncomfortable, cold, and doesn’t sound like the restful sleep you need when battling a cold.
15. Eating a Raw Clove of Garlic
Raw garlic has been considered a cure for colds for centuries, with its antibacterial properties touted as the perfect remedy for a sore throat and congestion. The idea was that eating a raw clove could clear out germs and boost your immune system.
But eating raw garlic isn’t exactly a pleasant experience. The taste is sharp and pungent, and the lingering odor is hard to shake. The thought of eating a whole clove without any seasoning is enough to make you reconsider reaching for your garlic press.