AS the weather takes a turn, it’s inevitable we’re all going to start coughing and spluttering at some point over the coming months.
And social media will no doubt be awash with quick hacks that claim to instantly be able to heal or soothe a cough, cold and the like.
With so much conflicting advice, it can be tricky to know where to start when it comes to treating the minor illnesses that abound over winter.
So Fabulous has spoken to Dr Roger Henderson, leading GP and expert for Olbas, about the trends which will actually keep you and your families well this winter, and the ones that you’re better off dodging.
Here’s their advice on keeping as well as possible – and when a pesky cold does arise, how to banish it and bounce back as quick as you can.
DON’T:
ADD VICKS VAPOUR RUB TO A CANDLE
Vicks VapoRub is a well-known treatment for common colds and coughs.
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It contains menthol and camphor, which act as topical analgesics which temporarily relieve any pains and helps soothe tight muscles that often accompany chest issues.
Decongestants in the product also help narrow the blood vessels in nasal passages, which reduce swelling and make it feel as though you can breathe easier.
But recently, a hack has been doing the rounds suggesting rather than layering the rub on your chest and neck, you can instead add it to a candle, and the burning will increase the vapours released.
According to Doctor Roger, this is a hack that’s not only pointless, but also carries serious risks.
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“With medical products, it is always advised that you take a moment to read the packaging,” he says.
“Vapour Rub is flammable, so shouldn’t be heated under any circumstances.”
It’s because the mixture contains volatile ingredients that can spark and combust when heated, so it should never be microwaved or warmed in any other way.
This is especially important near a naked flame, Dr Roger adds, because the risk of the mixture setting alight is hugely increased.
It could not only cause a fire in your home, but it could also cause burns or injury if you’re close enough to inhale the vapours of the heated substance.
DO:
EAT RAW GARLIC
Garlic is well-known as an immunity-boosting ingredient, as it has lab-proven antibacterial and antiviral properties.
And according to some old wives’ tales, eating the ingredient raw can help relieve common illnesses like colds and flus.
Dr Roger suggests this is a hack that may well work to help your body bounce back from an illness.
“Garlic is an extremely nutritious food rich in vitamins that restore the body and help keep our immune system healthy," he says.
It’s because the vegetable’s high sulphur content helps your body absorb the trace element zinc, which works to boost the immune system.
Dr Roger adds that not only can raw garlic “ward off cough and cold infections” to begin with, it’s also known for “helping with congestion”.
Part of the reason is because it’s so spicy, which helps stimulate mucus flow or, in layman’s terms, make your nose run.
This means that you can get some relief from the annoying stuffy feeling that often comes with being bunged up over winter.
“Although,” Doctor Roger adds, “you should continue the effect that it can have on your breath!”
DON’T:
PUT ON ICE SOCKS
A slight temperature is one of the most common symptoms of a cold, and the internet is full of wacky methods to supposedly bring it back down to normal.
One mum on TikTok swears by putting ice socks on her child when they’re struggling with a minor fever, before placing another pair of socks on top.
The idea is that the body reacts to the chill by increasing blood circulation, which is meant to trigger an immune system response that battles off the cold.
But while Dr Roger suggests the method might work “in theory”, he suggests in practice, it’s unlikely to do much but hinder your sleep.
“Our feet play a very important role in regulating our body temperature,” he concedes, meaning that “in theory, ice socks should work in cooling down your body if you are struggling with a fever.
However, given you heat up quickly when you’re in bed, it’s unlikely to have the desired effect.
“Your bed will generally be a warm place,” the medic adds, “so don’t expect the ice socks to stay icy for a long period of time.”
And given it’s probably pretty uncomfortable sleeping in bed with your feet in soggy socks from melted ice, it’s a hack you’re better off dodging.
DO:
SUCK A SLICE OF LEMON
Perhaps one of the most unpleasant tricks on this list, TikTok users swear by sucking a slice of lemon to get relief from a blocked nose and sore throat.
But while it’s one you might be hoping is nonsense, Dr Roger says there might actually be some wisdom in the trick.
“It’s believed that lemon is an effective decongestant,” he explains, because it’s very good at breaking down mucus and loosening it up so it can be expelled by the body more easily.
Again, it’s in part because of the sharp taste which helps thin mucus and get your nose to run, helping you to feel less blocked up.
The sour fruit is also packed full of vitamin C, which detoxifies your blood and helps kick your immune system into overdrive.
In fact, some studies have shown that the vitamin C content of lemons could reduce the duration of your cold up to 14%.
Dr Roger adds that “being blocked up can be an extremely uncomfortable feeling and affect the way things taste”.
So if your senses are a bit numbed, it might not be as uncomfortable and sour as usual to chomp down on a slice.
Although he adds that there are other decongestants that can help you “clear your airways and breathe easy again” without the rather bitter aftertaste.
Try Olbas Oil or steam – or if you really are set on lemon, you can add honey and hot water to make it a bit more palatable.
DON’T:
PUT ONION IN YOUR SOCKS
One of the most notorious old wives tales is that putting a slice of onion in your socks can help get rid of a nasty cold.
The claim dates back to the 1500s, with people believing that raw onions could “purify” the air and “cleanse” the blood, getting rid of the germs that cause disease.
And some people still claim that the odorous compounds in the onions give them healing properties, while placing them against the base of your foot helps your body absorb the nutrients.
But according to Doctor Roger, “putting onions in your socks has shown no benefit of tackling a cold or its symptoms, unfortunately!”
And his view has been backed up by medical reviews that have found there’s no link between the weird method and getting rid of a bug.
However if you’ve already invested in some onion, fear not: adding them to hot water may well help decongest you.
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Because the vegetable makes you cry and has a strong odour, it can help loosen mucus so you get a runny nose and runny eyes, offering some temporary relief from your symptoms.
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