Hot drinks for colds: does it help, what is best to drink, and when is it not enough?

A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually resolves on its own. The primary goal of home treatment is not to "kill the virus," but to alleviate symptoms and reduce discomfort. This is why hot drinks are primarily considered a means of symptomatic support, rather than a standalone treatment for the underlying cause of the illness. [1]

Most colds last about 1-2 weeks, although runny nose and cough can linger for up to 10-14 days, and sometimes longer in children. Therefore, any method that makes you feel better for even a few hours is beneficial, even if it doesn't shorten the duration of the illness. [2] [3]

The perceived benefit of drinking hot drinks is linked to several mechanisms. Warm liquid increases salivation, temporarily reduces dryness and irritation in the throat, and subjectively facilitates airflow through the nose and upper respiratory tract. This is why, after drinking a warm drink, people often feel like they can "breathe easier," even if objective indicators change only slightly. [4]

It's important to understand the difference between subjective relief and the effect on the course of the infection itself. Currently, there is no evidence that drinking hot fluids alone eliminates the viral cause of a cold, prevents complications, or guarantees a shorter illness duration. Its value lies in the comfort it provides, reducing mucous irritation, and maintaining a normal fluid intake, especially if weakness and a sore throat cause a person to drink less than usual. [5] [6]

It's important to note that the widespread advice to "drink as much as possible" has a weaker evidence base than is commonly believed. A Cochrane systematic review found no randomized trials demonstrating the benefit of excessive fluid intake in acute respiratory infections. Therefore, it's more reasonable to talk not about forced fluid overload, but about drinking sufficient fluids according to thirst and tolerance, with an emphasis on preventing dehydration and maintaining mucous membrane comfort. [7]

Table 1. What hot drinks can and cannot do for a cold

Question	What is known
Does it relieve a sore throat?	May temporarily soothe and reduce discomfort
Does it help with cough?	It may reduce throat irritation, and drinks with honey may further relieve coughing.
Does it relieve nasal congestion?	May improve the subjective sensation of nasal breathing
Does it speed up recovery?	There is no convincing evidence
Does it destroy the virus?	No
Can it replace a visit to a doctor in case of dangerous symptoms?	No

The data in the table are summarized based on current recommendations and clinical reviews. [8] [9]

What does evidence-based medicine say specifically about hot drinks?

The most frequently cited study on hot drinks for colds was published in 2008 by Ronald Eccles' group. In it, a small group of people with cold or flu-like symptoms were given a hot fruit drink and compared to the same drink at room temperature. The hot drink did not improve objective measures of nasal airflow, but it did provide greater subjective relief of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. [10]

This is an important result because it demonstrates a real, albeit limited, benefit. A person may indeed feel relief fairly quickly, but this relief relates primarily to sensations and symptoms, not to laboratory- or instrumentally measured nasal "opening." It's still valuable for everyday practice: when people have a cold, they're interested not only in the biology but also in how much easier it is to endure the day and sleep at night. [11]

Even older studies have shown that hot water and chicken broth can temporarily increase the speed of nasal mucus flow. This may explain why drinking hot liquids can make mucus seem easier to clear, and the nose and throat feel "less sticky." However, these data are small, old, and do not prove that drinking hot liquids changes the overall outcome of the disease. [12]

The most compelling additional argument concerns not so much temperature as honey. A systematic review and meta-analysis of upper respiratory tract infections found that honey was generally superior to usual care for a range of symptoms, particularly cough frequency and severity. However, the authors explicitly noted that the quality of some studies was moderate or low and that more powerful placebo-controlled trials are needed. [13]

Similar findings apply to pediatric practice. NICE notes that honey can reduce the frequency and severity of coughs in children over 1 year of age with acute coughs due to upper respiratory infections, although it is not a "magic" remedy or a complete substitute for close monitoring. This makes warm drinks with honey a reasonable home remedy for symptomatic cough relief. [14]

However, there is no evidence to support deliberately increasing fluid intake beyond normal requirements. In other words, the evidence base currently supports the idea of "warm drinks for comfort and symptom tolerability" more strongly than the idea of "the more you drink, the faster your cold will pass." This is important because it helps avoid two extremes: underdrinking and pointless forced drinking. [15]

Table 2. Strength of evidence for different aspects of hot drinks

Aspect	Confidence level
Temporary relief of sore throat and general discomfort	Moderate
Improving the subjective sensation of nasal breathing	Moderate
Objective improvement in nasal airflow	Weak or absent
Relieving cough with honey drinks	Moderate
Reducing the duration of a cold	Insufficient evidence
Benefits of Forced Fluid Retention	Insufficient evidence

The table is based on clinical trials, systematic reviews and guidelines for the symptomatic treatment of colds and acute cough. [16] [17] [18]

What hot drinks are best?

The simplest and safest option is simply warm water. It's sugar-free, doesn't irritate the throat with its harsh acidity, is readily available, and is ideal for those with a cold, such as decreased appetite or nausea. In many cases, a comfortable temperature and the ability to sip water are more important for mucous membranes and overall well-being than a complex drink formula. [19] [20]

A classic homemade option is a warm drink with lemon and honey. The NHS specifically recommends this approach as a way to soothe a cough, but clarifies that hot drinks are not suitable for young children, and honey should not be given to children under 12 months. The practical point of this drink is not that lemon or honey "cure the virus," but that the warm liquid and honey reduce irritation of the mucous membranes and can ease coughing and sore throats. [21]

Warm broth or soup is another reasonable option, especially when weakness makes it difficult to eat regular food. There is some older evidence for these drinks, suggesting they may improve nasal mucus flow, and laboratory studies suggest chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory activity, but these results should not be taken as proof of a definitive therapeutic effect. In practice, broth is valuable primarily because it provides fluid and warmth, and is often better tolerated than solid foods. [22] [23]

Plain warm tea is also acceptable if it's pleasant and doesn't aggravate discomfort. There's no reliable evidence that tea is significantly better than warm water for colds, so it's best to consider your tolerance and make sure the drink isn't overly sweet. In terms of overall nutrition, the NHS recommends limiting sugary drinks and opting for more neutral liquids. [24] [25]

The most practical choices for a cold are usually warm water, a warm drink with honey and lemon for a cough and sore throat, or warm broth if you want something more nourishing and mild. There's no single "perfect" drink, and that's okay. The best option is one that alleviates symptoms, doesn't cause nausea, and helps you maintain a normal fluid intake. [26] [27]

It's also important to remember that honey is a sugar-containing product. For most people, a small amount of honey in a warm drink is acceptable, but if you have diabetes or need to strictly control your carbohydrate intake, it's best to consider this separately and avoid turning every mug into a super-sweet syrup. The hot drink itself can be healthy even without a lot of sugar. [28]

Table 3. Practical choice of hot drink for colds

Drink	When is it best suited?	Pros	Restrictions
Warm water	Dry throat, mild cold, loss of appetite	A simple and safe option	Does not provide the additional softening effect of honey
Warm water with honey and lemon	Cough, sore throat, irritation	Well tolerated, honey can reduce cough	Not suitable for children under 12 months
Warm broth	Weakness, poor appetite, desire to “eat and drink at the same time”	Warmth, liquid, comfort	It does not cure the virus, the effect is mainly symptomatic.
Plain warm tea	If it is familiar and pleasant	Comfort, liquid	The benefits of warm water specifically have not been proven.
Very sweet hot drinks	Usually not the best choice	Sometimes it is easier for a person who eats little to drink	Excess sugar without obvious benefits

The table is based on clinical self-care guidelines and reviews of symptomatic treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.[29] [30] [31]

How to Use Hot Drinks at Home Safely and with Real Benefits

The main rule is that the drink should be warm and comfortable, not scalding. The point of a hot drink isn't the extreme temperature, but the gentle thermal effect and moisturizing of the mucous membranes. The more the drink has to be tolerated, the less practical the benefit and the higher the risk of mucous membrane burns. [32]

It's best to drink in small sips throughout the day rather than large amounts at once. This method is usually better tolerated for sore throats, coughs, and general malaise. It also helps a person remember to drink fluids if their appetite and thirst are reduced due to illness. [33] [34]

For children, the rules are stricter. The NHS specifically advises against giving hot drinks to young children and against giving honey to children under 12 months. For children over 1 year old, a warm drink with honey may be a reasonable way to relieve a cough, but it does not replace monitoring the child's breathing, temperature, activity, and signs of dehydration. [35] [36]

It's important to distinguish between warm drinks and steam treatments. The CDC lists steam from a hot shower or water as one way to relieve symptoms, but the NHS specifically warns against children breathing over a bowl of hot water due to the risk of scalding. Therefore, a safe warm drink is usually preferable to risky home steam experiments, especially for children. [37] [38]

If a cold is accompanied by vomiting, severe diarrhea, a sharp decrease in urination, intense thirst, dry mouth, severe weakness, or dizziness, tea or hot water alone may not be sufficient. In this situation, it is important to assess dehydration and, possibly, consider other fluid replacement strategies. Hot drinks work well as gentle home support, but are not a universal solution for significant fluid loss. [39] [40]

Table 4. Safety of hot drinks by age and situation

Situation	What is acceptable	What is important to remember
An adult with a common cold	Warm water, warm tea, warm broth, drink with honey	Drink comfortably warm, not scalding
A child over 1 year old	A warm drink with honey is possible	Monitor the temperature of the drink and your general condition
A child under 1 year old	Honey is not allowed	Due to the risk of botulism
A small child	Hot drinks are not recommended.	Due to the risk of burning
Any age with signs of dehydration	An assessment of the condition and sometimes medical assistance are needed.	Regular home drinking may not be enough
Children and steam over a bowl	Not recommended	Risk of scalding

The table is based on NHS, CDC and home symptomatic management of the common cold.[41] [42] [43]

What hot drinks don't replace and what are the most common mistakes?

The first common mistake is to consider a hot drink a treatment for the infection itself. Colds are caused by viruses, so even a very healthy homemade drink is no substitute for time, rest, and the normal course of the illness. And it certainly doesn't eliminate the need for an evaluation if symptoms become more severe or unusual. [44]

The second mistake is trying to "sweat away" the illness with excessively hot drinks. From an evidence-based perspective, tolerance and adequate fluid intake are more important than extreme temperatures. Very hot liquids can only intensify discomfort and burn the mucous membranes, without providing any additional therapeutic effect. [45]

The third mistake is replacing all other self-care measures with warm drinks. If a person has severe pain, high fever, nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, or a severe cough, hot drinks can be combined with other reasonable symptomatic measures discussed with a doctor or pharmacist. The CDC specifically reminds that over-the-counter remedies do not treat the cause of the cold, but they can temporarily reduce symptoms. [46]

The fourth mistake is taking antibiotics "just in case" because home remedies seem too simple. This is especially important for colds: antibiotics don't work against viruses, don't speed recovery, and don't enhance the effects of hot drinks. This only increases the risk of side effects and contributes to antibiotic resistance. [47] [48]

The fifth mistake is ignoring signs of dehydration or complications because "I can still drink tea." Being able to drink doesn't always mean the situation is safe. If shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion develop, the high fever persists for several days, symptoms return after improvement, or the child becomes lethargic and drinks noticeably less, home confinement should no longer be the only tactic. [49] [50]

Table 5. Common mistakes when using hot drinks

Error	Why is this a problem?
Drink scalding hot	Risk of burning without proven additional benefit
Giving honey to a baby	Honey is contraindicated for children under 12 months.
Forcing you to drink much more than you want	There is no convincing evidence of benefit.
Replace the assessment of dangerous symptoms with hot drinks	You may miss a complication or another infection.
Use antibiotics instead of symptomatic care	It's a viral cold, antibiotics don't help.
Confusing a warm drink with steam over a bowl	In children, this is dangerous due to the risk of scalding.

Sources for the table: [51] [52] [53]

When hot drinks are no longer enough and you need to seek medical help

For the common cold, hot drinks are a good home remedy, but there are clear situations when a different approach is needed. The NHS recommends seeking medical attention if a high temperature persists for more than three days, symptoms worsen, shortness of breath or chest pain develops, or if there is no improvement after about 10 days. If a cough persists for more than three weeks, it's also no longer a case of just a cup of tea at home. [54]

The CDC also advises seeking medical attention for difficulty breathing, dehydration, fever that lasts more than a few days, and symptoms that don't improve or worsen. This is especially important because a "cold" can be a symptom of the flu, coronavirus infection, acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and other conditions, each with different management. [55] [56]

A separate group includes people at increased risk of severe viral infections. The CDC specifically states that if a person with respiratory infection symptoms is at high risk of severe influenza or coronavirus infection, they should contact a doctor early, even if the illness appears mild, because antiviral medications work best early. In this situation, drinking hot fluids remains helpful, but it's a supplementary component, not the primary solution. [57]

Signs of dehydration require special attention: thirst, dark, strong-smelling urine, infrequent urination, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. In children, warning signs also include a small number of wet diapers, a lack of tears when crying, and drowsiness. If these signs become more severe, a home regimen of warm fluids alone may no longer be sufficient. [58]

For infants, the rules are even stricter. The CDC recommends seeking immediate medical attention if a child under 3 months old has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Avoid trying to "wait it out" with hot drinks, as even a cold-like infection in this age group requires a more careful evaluation. [59]

Table 6. When warm drinks at home are no longer enough

Symptom or situation	What to do
The temperature lasts for more than 3 days	See a doctor
Shortness of breath or chest pain	Urgent medical assessment
No improvement after 10 days	See a doctor
Cough for more than 3 weeks	See a doctor
Symptoms improved and worsened again	See a doctor
Signs of dehydration	Assess your condition with a doctor
A child under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher	Seek help urgently

Sources for the table: [60] [61] [62]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking hot drinks help you recover faster?
There is no reliable evidence that drinking hot drinks shortens the duration of a cold. Its main benefit is reducing symptoms and improving the tolerability of the illness. [63] [64]

What's better for a cold: plain warm water or tea?
There's no convincing evidence that plain tea is significantly better than warm water. In practice, it's more important that the drink be comfortable, not too sweet, and easily tolerated. [65] [66]

Is it true that honey helps with coughs?
Yes, honey has a more compelling symptomatic basis than many other home remedies. Systematic reviews and NICE guidelines show that it can reduce the frequency and severity of coughs, especially in upper respiratory infections. [67] [68]

Can I give a drink with honey to a child?
Only to children over 12 months old. Honey is contraindicated for infants. [69]

Should you deliberately drink much more than usual when you have a cold?
Not necessarily. There is no evidence to support the benefits of forcibly increasing fluid intake significantly. It's more reasonable to drink adequately, based on your thirst, dry mouth, temperature, and overall condition. [70] [71]

Does chicken soup really help?
It may provide relief, warmth, and fluids, and older studies have shown a temporary improvement in nasal mucus flow. But it's not a proven, complete treatment for the common cold. [72] [73]

Should I replace hot drinks with antibiotics if my condition gets severe?
No. Antibiotics don't treat a common viral cold. If my condition worsens, I need a medical evaluation rather than self-administering antibiotics. [74] [75]

When is it better to choose water or broth instead of tea?
If you're experiencing nausea, decreased appetite, throat irritation from sour or sweet foods, or want something as mild as possible, warm water or broth are often better. They're usually easier to tolerate and don't require any additives. [76]

Key points from experts

Ronald Eccles, PhD, Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University, is the founder of the Common Cold Centre. His work on the physiology of cold symptoms and hot drinks shows that a warm drink can significantly alleviate subjective symptoms, but this does not equate to objective relief of congestion and does not treat the viral cause of the illness. For practice, this leads to a simple conclusion: hot drinks are useful as a means of comfort, not as "antiviral therapy." [77] [78]

Peter J. Gill, MD, pediatrician, senior research fellow at the SickKids Research Institute, associate professor at the University of Toronto, and senior associate fellow at the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford. A current practical review of the treatment of coughs and colds in children emphasizes that most such infections resolve on their own; home remedies do not shorten the duration of the illness, but can reduce discomfort; among the relatively safe measures, saline solutions, honey for children over 1 year old, and antipyretics, when indicated, stand out. [79] [80]

Paul Little, CBE, MBBS, BA, MD, DLSHTM, MRCP, FRCGP, FMedSci, is Professor of Primary Care Research at the University of Southampton. His academic background and contributions to respiratory infection research are rooted in a practical approach that prioritizes patient education, symptomatic relief, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics in uncomplicated upper respiratory infections. Within this framework, hot fluids, especially with honey for coughs, clearly occupy a place as a supportive measure rather than as an alternative to assessing red flags. [81] [82]

Conclusion

Drinking hot drinks for a cold is a useful, but modest, measure. It can indeed soothe a sore throat, reduce the feeling of dryness, ease a cough, and subjectively improve nasal breathing, especially when used as a warm drink with honey in adults and children over 1 year old. However, it does not cure the virus, does not replace monitoring for dangerous symptoms, and has no convincingly proven effect on the duration of the cold itself. [83] [84]

The most sensible practical tactic seems to be to choose a comfortably warm drink, sip it slowly, avoid forcing the volume beyond tolerance, use honey only where it is safe, and carefully monitor for red flags. This approach best aligns with what is actually supported by guidelines, reviews, and clinical studies today. [85] [86]