COLD WAR!
A cup of warm milk with garlic a day keeps the cold away.
Or is it boiled vodka that keeps the symptoms at bay?
The remedies may differ in weirdness, but the goal is always the same: to cure the common cold.
And with sick season in full swing, it’s no surprise people are pulling out all the tricks they swear help relieve them of aches, sniffles and sneezes.
But believers beware: There’s no treatment that works 100 percent, says Dr. Steven Lamm, practicing internist and professor at New York University.
“There are two issues when it comes to treating a cold: treating the cold and treating the symptoms of the cold. Some remedies help reduce the severity of the symptoms, others don’t help at all, despite what people claim. But a cure is another story.”
We asked the doc to dissect your most common methods of treating a cold. Here and on the next page, he rates them on a scale of one to five ambulances, with five being most effective.
Honey, ginger & lemon
Remedy: “I always boil two lemons, two tablespoons honey and some chopped fresh ginger in water until the water turns yellow and then drink it. It doesn’t taste good, but it kicks the cold right out of me.”
– Renee, 30, Brooklyn
Reality: “Basically, this is a fancy way of hydrating. Colds love dryness, so it’s important that you drink a lot. The lemons help with congestion, and the honey gives you some calories and energy. This will give you some temporary relief, but it’s no cure.”
RATING: 2
Chicken soup & lemon
Remedy: “I drink chicken soup with lemon juice in it. The combination of flavors is unexpectedly delightful, and has been the solution to many colds in my family.”
– Stacey, 24, Long Island
Reality:
“There’s some evidence that suggests that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory qualities. It basically helps the body’s response to a cold by helping reduce dehydration, mucus and congestion.”
Rating: 3 1/2
Vodka steam
Remedy: “My grandma taught me that the best thing to do is boil some water with vodka, put your face over it while your head is covered with a towel and inhale the steam. It may be that I always feel relief because I’m drunk, but it works!” – Sara, 25, West Village
Reality: “I have mixed feelings about this one. The steam may be helpful, since the virus hates it, but the problem is the alcohol. I’d say the reason she loves this remedy is because alcohol is a tranquilizer. She’s probably just sleeping through the symptoms!”
Rating: 1 1/2
Emergen-C
Remedy: “I put a packet of Emergen-C into every cup of tea I brew. Double good for me!”
– Lisa, 30, Chelsea
Reality: “The anti-oxidants in vitamin C help to modulate your immune reaction to the virus. A virus isn’t toxic to the person’s tissues, like the flu is, but the body doesn’t know that, so it attacks it – and that’s what makes you feel sick.”
Rating: 4 1/2
Neti pot
Remedy: “A Neti pot works like a charm. It’s a little freaky, because it feels like you are drowning, and it’s a little gross – because you’re clearing your nasal passages with a bunch of water and salt – but it definitely helps speed up recovery.” – Amanda, 33, SoHo
Reality: “It’s a good idea. It’s a decongestant, so it helps you generally feel better, especially if you have sinus issues.”
Rating: 3
Chinese herbs
Remedy: “I went to this acupuncturist and she gave me these ‘Yin Chiao’ herbs from Kamwo Pharmacy. I laughed at first at ‘magic herbs,’ but now I swear by them every time I start to get a sore throat. And almost every time it prevents it!” – Katie, 37, Harlem
Reality: “There’s little evidence that supports herbs. But if it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, it’s likely to mildly improve the symptoms. The caveat is what the risk of the herb is. How safe is it and are you willing to take the risk for mild benefits? I don’t know.”
Rating: 1
Zicam
Remedy: “Zicam is the only cold remedy that actually works. Whether I use the nasal swabs or the rapid melts, it shortens the length and severity.” – Louise, 24, Lower East Side
Reality: “Zinc has been shown to have anti-viral properties and in some studies, if taken very early, to reduce severity and duration of illness. The problem with this is that many people aren’t taking it early enough. You have to start it within the first 12 hours.”
Rating: 3
Milk & garlic
Remedy: “When I was younger, my Polish baby sitter taught me to drink warm milk mixed with lemon and garlic. It tastes like crap, but I think helps.” – Marie, 29, Upper West Side
Reality: “Garlic is anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, and the milk is just for hydration. It is odd, but it has health-promoting properties. I’m impressed with anyone who can actually swallow it!”
Rating: 1 1/2
Buckley’s
Remedy: “I found Buckley’s in a drugstore when I was desperate for something to stop the coughing. It tastes like battery acid. I think it contains pine tree oil. I swear by it. You just have to hold your nose when you swallow it.” – Sara, 35, Brooklyn
Reality: “This is essentially just for symptomatic relief. It’ll make you more comfortable, but it won’t make the cold go away any quicker.”
Rating: 2
Grapefruit seed extract
Remedy: “I have a friend who’s really into homeopathic stuff who told me about grapefruit seed extract. It’s sort of a magic cure-all. I’ve been giving it a try for colds. I seem to have not gotten one recently. Coincidence?” – Stacey, 34, Midtown
Reality: “Grapefruit has anti-oxidants, which has value. It reduces swelling in the nose, and basically, there’s no downside to it. But I’d suggest a branded version, with high potency, so you’re getting the 50-100 mg you need for it to work.”
Rating: 2
