Adults still use childhood remedies for fighting off colds, poll claims

Respondents say people turn to mother first for help diagnosing symptoms

Adults still use cold cures or remedies their parents taught them as a child, a new poll has claimed.

Gargling salt water for a sore throat and drinking a hot toddy before bed were among the most common pieces of health advice passed down to respondents.

The survey of 2,000 adults found 45 per cent still use their family’s traditional remedies.

Almost three quarters said they still use steam inhalation to help with head congestion during a common cold.

One in seven said they use garlic for its fortifying properties and nearly one in four eat chicken soup.

More unconventional advice from participants’ families included drinking onion water from a pot of boiled onions for chest infections and drinking orange peel tea to cure a cold in less than 24 hours.

The poll by Olbas found seven in 10 respondents preferred trying to cure a cold with home remedies rather than visit a doctor for advice.

Respondents turned to their mother first when feeling under the weather for help diagnosing symptoms, with the internet as the second port of call.

When seeking advice on colds and other minor health concerns, however, the pharmacist is the opinion participants trusted most.

Twenty-seven per cent said they go to a pharmacist or GP for a medically tested common cold cure when feeling ill.

Family GP and Olbas expert Dr Roger Henderson said: “Autumn is here and for millions of Brits, cold season has officially arrived.

“Thankfully we have lots of tools at our disposal for dealing with the symptoms of the common cold, whether these are over the counter solutions or more holistic solutions passed down from family member to family member, or made popular across our health-obsessed culture.”

SWNS