TheHot Toddy , that boozy wintertime therapeutic - all , has a tenuous human relationship with professional medicine — not that that ’s stop us from whipping one up at the first sniffle . While your personal Dr. probably wo n’t drop a line you a prescription for a cocktail , there are a few real aesculapian benefit to the Hot Toddy ’s primary ingredients — hard liquor , lemon , tea , honey and spice . lease ’s break it down .

The Booze

Although too much booze can vitiate your immune system , a chilliness can help you recuperate . Like nightcap of all varieties , a warm Hot Toddy at the end of a long day of sneezing will help you come asleep , and a good night ’s balance is definitely a doctor - approved moth-eaten handling . According to Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center ( by way ofABC News ) , alcohol also dilates your blood vessels , which in turn make you to produce more bacterium - fighting mucus .

The Tea or Hot Water

The blistering water or tea you practice in a Hot Toddy does n’t just transformwhiskeyand dearest into a pleasurably warm cocktail , it also help you breathe . A field of study in theChestmedical journalpoints out that hot water hurry up the flow of nasal mucous secretion , help oneself you boot out that supererogatory snot agile .

Your choice of afternoon tea may also lend to your recovery . Most herbal tea follow with disclaimers that any health benefit have not been approved by the FDA , but that does n’t mean they do n’t yield genuine issue . investigator Diane McKay of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University told theLA Timesthat the antioxidant in disgraceful , green and oolong afternoon tea can assist fight off infection — but stay away from the caffeinated potpourri if you anticipate to drowse .

All the Spices

teatime is n’t the only way to inject some herbal goodness into your cocktail . Cloves can assist clear mucus , pep can boost the immune system , andturmericis load down with antioxidants . That said , it ’d be tough to carry your Hot Toddy with enough of those good - for - you garnishee to actually make a difference of opinion .

The Honey

Not only does honey cake your bare-assed , cough - stricken throat with a pasty layer of protection . It also has antimicrobic place , which serve you agitate that bug . Plus , the sweet honey makes a Hot Toddy mellow and soothing , the staring boozing for your tired soul .

The Lemon

Citrus yield have plenitude of vitamin cytosine and antioxidant , meaning aDaiquiriandWhiskey Sourcould also see you through cold time of year . The acidulent lemon juice in a Hot Toddy also make out through nose - clogging mucous secretion , allowing you to finally breathe easy .

The next clock time you catch yourself sniffle , grab a mug and some whisky , and booze your fashion to near wellness .

Hot Toddy for the Flu

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