By Nadzeya Sankovich
On TikTok, you can find loads of tricks to recover from a cold faster. They are simple and accessible – you can follow the tips right from the comfort of your home. Many hacks are also gaining millions of views – but does it mean you can trust them?
5 Trending TikTok Hacks
Putting potato slices under socks against flu (6M+ views)
“Potatoes in your socks can’t cure the flu or a cold – there is no medical research that shows that this method works. However, natural remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, herbal tea, saltwater rinse, chicken broth, and humidifier may ease flu or cold symptoms,” Rosmy Barrios said.
Medical opinion
“Potatoes in your socks can’t cure the flu or a cold – there is no medical research that shows that this method works. However, natural remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, herbal tea, saltwater rinse, chicken broth, and humidifier may ease flu or cold symptoms,” Rosmy Barrios said.
Sucking on lemon with salt and pepper from cough (3.8M+ views)
“Lemon with salt and pepper, like other natural home remedies, can ease flu or cold symptoms. Vitamin C in lemon supports the immune system and is most effective when taken both before and during the flu or cold.
Pepper and other spicy foods like garlic, turmeric, and ginger are all potent anti-inflammatories, taming irritation in your nose, throat, and upper respiratory tracts.
In theory, salt improves oral health by loosening thick mucus and removing irritants like bacteria, viruses, and allergens from your throat. The salt solution provides the additional benefit of drawing excess fluid from inflamed tissues.
The best use of salt for the throat is mixing half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and swishing it around your mouth and the back of your throat for a few seconds before spitting it out,” Rosmy Barrios said.
Medical opinion
“Lemon with salt and pepper, like other natural home remedies, can ease flu or cold symptoms. Vitamin C in lemon supports the immune system and is most effective when taken both before and during the flu or cold.
Pepper and other spicy foods like garlic, turmeric, and ginger are all potent anti-inflammatories, taming irritation in your nose, throat, and upper respiratory tracts.
In theory, salt improves oral health by loosening thick mucus and removing irritants like bacteria, viruses, and allergens from your throat. The salt solution provides the additional benefit of drawing excess fluid from inflamed tissues.
The best use of salt for the throat is mixing half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and swishing it around your mouth and the back of your throat for a few seconds before spitting it out,” Rosmy Barrios said.
Onions around the house to kill bacteria (1M+ views)
“This hack has been around for a very long time, but there is no research showing that it has a benefit for coughs, colds, and flu.
Better alternatives are humidifiers. By adding moisture to the air in your surroundings, humidifiers ensure your nasal passage is filled with the moisture it needs. This will help loosen up nasal secretion and soothe your inflamed nasal passageways,” Rosmy Barrios said.
Medical opinion
“This hack has been around for a very long time, but there is no research showing that it has a benefit for coughs, colds, and flu.
Better alternatives are humidifiers. By adding moisture to the air in your surroundings, humidifiers ensure your nasal passage is filled with the moisture it needs. This will help loosen up nasal secretion and soothe your inflamed nasal passageways,” Rosmy Barrios said.
Ice cubes for a stuffy nose (1.4M+ views)
“In theory, sucking on an ice cube may ease stuffy nose symptoms by narrowing blood vessels; however, cold air prevents white blood cells from reaching the mucous membrane, making it harder for the body to fight germs and viruses.
A better natural home remedy is drinking fluids to stay hydrated. It will keep your body temperature in check and will also help reduce blockage and swelling in your nose,” Rosmy Barrios said.
