Applying vapour rub, drinking honey and lemon, and wearing multiple layers of clothing are some of the top remedies Brits' turn to to tackle the symptoms of a cold, research has found.
Taking extra vitamins also ranked highly on the nation's favourite remedies to ward off colds, according to almost half (48%) of 2,000 adults polled – with one in three taking Vitamin D to try and stay healthy.
And half of those who feel under the weather try to get seven to eight hours sleep a night, while three in 10 (31%) believe in the old adage, “feed a cold, starve a fever”.
Seven in 10 Brits agreed that trying to proactively prevent an illness is better than curing the symptoms.
And 29% think that going outside without a coat without a coat on will mean you catch a cold, while 28% believe the same of going to bed with wet hair.
However, only 16% practiced good nasal hygiene – one of the simplest and most effective ways to support their immunity against cold and flu, according to experts.
Seven in 10 said they did not know “good nasal hygiene” would help.
But almost two-thirds (64%) confessed they take their clear and breezy airways for granted – until they are blocked up with a cold.
Over a fifth (21%) said they didn’t know what nasal hygiene means, with 33% believing it was blowing their nose – while exactly one in 10 said it was picking their nose.
Dr Zoe Williams, who has partnered with Stérimar, said: “Prevention is better than cure, so people should be looking to support good functioning of their immune system and be reminded of other measures, such as hand hygiene, to avoid getting poorly.
“Some well-known ways to help maintain a healthy immune system include getting enough sleep, being physically active, staying hydrated, and having a healthy diet, which should include vitamin D.
“But, there’s one remedy that is proven to work, that many Brits do not know about – practicing good nasal hygiene.
“This is the practice of keeping nasal passages clean and clear with help from a non-medicated nasal spray.
“The nose acts as a natural barrier against viruses, and keeping sinuses clean will ensure the nose is working properly, helping keep cold and flu symptoms at bay.”
It also emerged some try various home remedies when they are ill, with 11% turning to cups of soup to “sweat out” their illness, while 22% have steamy baths, 19% have a “hot toddy”, and 18% choose to sleep sitting up.
Other unconventional and bizarre home remedies people turn to include eating raw onions (7%), rubbing goose grease on their chests (5%), wearing cold and wet socks to bed (6%), and consuming oysters (5%).
Just under half (48%) of those opting for home remedies use those passed down from their parents or grandparents, whilst nearly a third (31%) received wisdom from a friend or relative.
Dr Zoe Williams added: “Brits also swear by their favoured home remedies when struck down with a cold or flu, especially those that have been passed down through the generations or recommended by friends.
“However, most don’t have any scientific backing – and what works for one person may not work for someone else.”
TOP REMEDIES BRITS TURN TO WHEN ILL:
- Applying vapour rub
- Drinking honey and lemon
- Taking vitamins
- Drinking hot water and lemon
- Wearing multiple layers of clothing
- Using medicated nasal spray
- Putting your face over a bowl of hot water with menthol crystals
- Having a steamy bath
- Eating chicken soup
- Gargling salt water
- Having a “Hot Toddy”/hot alcoholic drink
- Sleeping sat up
- Drinking hot blackcurrant squash
- Using natural, non-medicated nasal spray
- Exercising vigorously
- Sitting in the bathroom with the shower on
- Smelling ginger
- Lying flat on your back to stop a runny nose
- Eating raw onions
- Wearing cold, wet socks to bed
