Brits from across the country have shared their top 20 favourite "remedies" to ward off colds and among them include chewing raw onions, sniffing ginger and eating oysters.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping your immune system healthy to ward off disease. While Covid was less prevalent this winter, there was a surge in winter flus and colds, with many saying their symptoms mirrored coronavirus.
A survey of 2,000 Brits found that seven in ten will try to ward off feeling under the weather, as they believe that prevention is better than cure.
While there were some bizarre suggestions on the list, it featured classic suggestions like using nasal spray, having a hot shower and drinking hot water and lemon.
Dr Zoe Williams, who has partnered with Sterimar, who conducted the study, said: "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." added Dr Williams.
"However, most don't have any scientific backing - and what works for one person may not work for someone else."
Just under half - 48 per cent - of those who turn to home remedies use ones passed down from parents, while 31 per cent seek wisdom from friends or relatives.
Check out the full list below.
Top 20 home made remedies Brits go for to cure a cold
- 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
Findings show almost half - 48 per cent - swear by taking vitamins, to preventing a lurgy. About a third - 31 per cent - still believe in the classic "feed a cold, starve a fever" method.
While 29 per cent think that going out with not coat will make you sick, and 28 per cent believe the same about going to bed with wet hair.
Dr WIliams added: "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."
What do you think of the remedy list? Let us know in the comments below.
