The ‘old wives’ tale’ remedies that really DO work – as NHS hospitals ‘jam-packed’ amid winter quad-emic
FROM ‘starving colds’ to chicken soup, we’ve all heard the odd old wives’ tale for treating flu and winter bugs.
As outlandish as some of them are – like shoving onions into your socks – there can be a sense of comfort in using natural remedies to banish bugs.
With surging flu cases battering hospitals and a number of illnesses swirling around, it’s likely you’ll be Googling old wives tale treatments at some point.
The number of people hospitalised for flu was at record high at the end of 2024 – reaching levels three times as high as the previous flu season.
Though hospitalisations seem to falling, the NHS warned that hospitals are still “jam packed” as they grapple with a “quad-demic” of viruses.
Officials said last week was their busiest of the winter, with 96 per cent of beds occupied – Covid and norovirus patients took up 1,800 beds, while flu patients still occupied an average of 4,929.
Not everyone struck with flu and winter bugs will end up needing to go to hospital.
In many cases, you can treat the illness at home – maybe even with an old wives’ tale remedy.
According to Ian Budd, Pharmacist for Chemist4U, some can be surprisingly effective – and are even recommended by the NHS, which is typically cynical of herbs, potions and DIY cures.
He tells Sun Health: “When cold and flu season strikes, simple home remedies can provide effective relief and complement your recovery process.”
From coughs and stuffy noses to nausea, here’s how to treat each one.
SORE THROAT
For a sore throat, the NHS says you can “gargle salt water”.
Ian says: “For a sore throat, gargling warm salt water (unsuitable for children) is a reliable option. It helps reduce inflammation and soothes discomfort.
“But do take care to ensure the water isn’t too hot to avoid irritation.”
COUGH
A “hot lemon and honey drink” is NHS-recommended for a persistent cough – and will barely cost anything at all.
Ian says: “To soothe a persistent cough, this drink can be particularly comforting.
“Combine boiling water with a drizzle of honey and a splash of lemon juice or slices, allowing it to cool slightly before sipping.”
The NHS also recommends a herbal medicine called pelargonium.
Ian says: “Herbal remedies like pelargonium may also offer relief for coughs, thanks to potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, though more research is warranted.”
Try Centoreze tablets (pelargonium) – £10.95 for 21 tablets.
BLOCKED NOSE
A blocked nose can feel like a ball and chain – how can you do anything, when you can barely breathe?
One at-home method for clearing the nose and sinuses the NHS does recommend is “cleaning your nose with a salt water solution”.
Ian says: “A blocked nose can be managed by rinsing with a saline solution to clear nasal passages.”
You may want to use a nasal irrigation device — such as a neti pot or squeezy bottle – to help inhale the solution.
But the NHS recommends just cupping a small amount of the solution in clean hands and sniffing it in one nostril at a time, trying not to let it dribble down the back of your throat.
“Using a humidifier or inhaling steam can also ease congestion,” Ian adds.
“For steam inhalation, pour boiling water into a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and inhale deeply to relieve nasal blockage and help loosen mucus.”
How to use a salt water solution to ease a blocked nose
The NHS says you can relieve a blocked nose using salt water. Here's how:
- Boil a pint of water, then leave it to cool.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
- Wash your hands.
- Stand over a sink, cup the palm of one hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it.
- Sniff the water into one nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat.
- Repeat the first five steps up to three times a day (making a new solution each time) until your nose feels more comfortable.
Source: NHS
NAUSEA/VOMITING
The key symptom of norovirus is vomiting, alongside diarrhoea.
Feeling nauseous all the time can be relieved by an ingredient you may have lurking in your cupboards already.
It’s something that has long been recommended as a cure for seasickness.
The NHS says “eat foods or drinks containing ginger – there’s some evidence ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting”.
Ian says: “Whether in the form of tea, biscuits, or fresh slices, it can alleviate symptoms effectively.
“Fresh air and sipping water at regular intervals may also help settle nausea.”
The NHS warns to check with your pharmacist before taking ginger supplements during pregnancy.
OTHER REMEDIES
We all have our own fool-proof ways to beat sickness, whether it be ‘feed a fever, starve a cold’ or eating chicken soup.
So what other ‘cures’ that have been handed down the family are worth using?
Ian says: “Hydration and proper nutrition are key for supporting the immune system.
“Drinking plenty of fluids, getting sufficient rest, and consuming nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can bolster your body’s defences.
“While supplements like vitamin C are sometimes used during colds, their effectiveness varies, and a balanced diet can often supply the necessary vitamins.
“While these remedies can provide relief, over-the-counter cold and flu medications might be required for more pronounced symptoms.
“Always consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider if symptoms persist, worsen, or cause concern, as professional advice ensures safe and effective care.”
Read our review of the top cold and flu cures on the market now.