Experts help to bust the myths on cold and flu home remedies
We all have a faithful home remedy or two that we believe can help soothe cold and flu symptoms when we are feeling under the weather. From easing coughs to stopping runny noses and relieving sore throats, Boots UK is here to challenge the popular traditions to help you get your new year off to a healthy start.
1. “Honey and lemon will help soothe my sore throat and clear my blocked nose”
Honey and lemon with hot water is one of the most popular home remedies to help soothe symptoms of cold and flu. It is believed that the warmth of the drink can help ease congestion while the honey has soothing properties for sore throats.
Expert verdict: Deepa Songara, Boots UK Flu Service Pharmacist says: “There is some truth behind this winter favourite - honey can have a positive effect on a sore throat by reducing irritation, while the vitamin C in the lemon can help support the body’s natural defences. The heat and steam from the drink can also help ease congestion, whilst the fluid will help keep you hydrated, something that is vital when feeling under the weather.”
For soothing relief from a sore throat you may also want to consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Sore Throat Relief Dual Action Lozenges Honey and Lemon (24 lozenges, £2.79) which contain an antiseptic and a local anaesthetic to help fight infection and relieve throat pain. Non-lemon lovers may wish to consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Sore Throat Relief Dual Action Lozenges in Blackcurrant flavour (24 lozenges, £2.79). Both contain Hexylresorcinol. Always read the label.
2. “Chocolate will help relieve my cough”
It is believed that chocolate can help tackle tickly coughs due to an ingredient which is found in the cocoa. The good news for chocolate lovers is this does have some truth in it – but that is no excuse to overindulge this winter!
Expert verdict: Deepa Songara, Boots UK Flu Service Pharmacist says: “Some research shows that an active ingredient called theobromine in cocoa can act as cough suppressant. However, do remember that chocolate is not intrinsically healthy and most contain high levels of sugar. If you’ve had a cough for more than three weeks after a viral infection speak to your GP. If you are experiencing breathing difficulties or chest pain you should seek urgent medical advice.”
For a tickly cough, you may want to consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Tickly Cough Relief (150ml, £4.19) which can help relieve tickly coughs and soothe sore throats without leaving you feeling drowsy. Contains Glycerol. Always read the label.
3. “Granny’s chicken soup will get me back on my feet in no time”
Chicken soup has been used as a home remedy to treat colds for generations. It is believed that its warming properties and the nutrients from the chicken will nurture your body back to health.
Expert verdict: Vicky Pennington, Boots UK Nutritionist says: “Although chicken soup can help to momentarily soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion, so can many hot foods and drinks. The amount of protein and nutrients in the chicken in the soup will not have a direct effect on your health but eating healthily and keeping hydrated will better support your body’s recovery so stay away from junk food. Instead, try snacking on foods that are packed with vitamin C such as citrus fruits, red peppers and watercress.”
To help you get out and about and keep to your daily routine while you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms, you may wish to consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Ultra Cold & Flu Relief All in One (16 capsules, £3.99) which offers maximum strength cold and flu relief for sore throat, chesty cough, headache, fever and blocked nose. Always read the label.
4. “Steam inhalation before bed will clear my airways and help me sleep”
It is a scene that we often see around this time of the year - someone huddled over a steaming bowl with a towel over their head! But does this have a positive effect on our health while we’ve got the sniffles?
Expert verdict: Deepa Songara, Boots UK Flu Service Pharmacist says:“Inhaling steam can provide instant relief from nasal congestion so if you are really bunged up this may help to relax you before bed. However, it will not have longer-lasting benefits so you may want to consider an over the counter medicine to help relieve symptoms during the night to help you sleep."
For another way to aid clear and easy breathing, you could consider the Boots Pharmaceuticals Easy Breathing Steam Inhalor (£6.29) – no need for the bowl and towel combination! *Steam inhalation not advised for children.
With the maximum strength decongestant, Boots Pharmaceuticals Night Cold and Flu Relief Oral Solution (120ml, £4.25) can help relieve cold and flu symptoms including nasal congestion, dry tickly coughs, aches, pains and fever during the night. Always read the label.
5. “Wrapping up warm can help prevent flu”
It is commonly believed that the drop in temperature can be the cause of the increase in flu during the winter months and wrapping up warm will help prevent a common cold or flu from developing.
Expert verdict: Deepa Songara, Boots UK Flu Service Pharmacist says: “Despite what we often think, it is not the drop in temperature that causes an increase of flu during winter. We spend less time outside and much longer closer together at home or in indoor places. This 'togetherness' makes it easier to pass germs from one person to another so it is important to think ahead and try to protect yourself. Anti-viral hand washes and gels can help keep hands germ free but a good way to help protect yourself against flu is to get the flu vaccination, particularly if you’re over 65, are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. If you are concerned at all, ask your local Boots pharmacist for advice.”
Even if you had a flu vaccination last year, you should consider having it again this year to help protect yourself against the viruses most likely to be responsible for causing most cases of flu this winter.
1,2,3 for Winter Wellness
Welcome the start of the year with a unique offer only available from Boots UK. The 1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack includes a nasal spray and vitamin C to help support your health during the colder months plus the winter flu jab service all for just £12.99 (subject to availability):
1. Boots Winter Flu Jab Service - available at 1,200 stores nationwide the Boots Winter Flu Jab Service is here to help protect you against flu. Subject to eligibility criteria and pharmacist availability.
2. Boots Pharmaceuticals Cold Defence Nasal Spray – a gel nasal spray which has a clinically proven antiviral effect on the cold virus and can help reduce the risk of catching a cold. Suitable for children from one year and for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Boots Pharmaceuticals Vitamin C 200mg 30 tablets - to help maintain a healthy immune system and a healthy immune system helps you fight infections. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 12.
The 1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack is available in 1,200 stores until February 2015. You can book your appointment online at over 250 of our largest stores. Certain groups of people can get a free NHS flu vaccination.
*Subject to availability
