When you’re sick in a Latino household, heading straight out to the pharmacy isn’t anyone’s first move. Instead, Abuela is already brewing some mysterious tea while yelling at you to put on socks. ”No andes descalzo!” But do Abuela’s cold remedies actually work? And do we really have to wear socks all the time?
We took these burning questions, and many more, straight to Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, MD, FCCP, a pulmonologist, founder of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Cough Clinic, and author of “Cough Cures: The Complete Guide to the Best Natural Remedies and Over-the-Counter Drugs for Acute and Chronic Coughs” and “Cura Tu Tos con los Remedios de Abuelita.”
His answer? “She was right.”
Wait, what?
“These are proven remedies that have been passed down for generations, across cultures, from China to India to Latin America,” Dr. Ferrer says.
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Instead of “old wives’ tales,” the internationally-known doctor says we should think of Abuela’s homemade remedies, and all around beliefs, more like “ancient wisdom.”
“These are things that worked when we didn’t have doctors and hospitals,” Dr. Ferrer explains. So do all of Abuela’s cold remedies actually work? The doctor weighs in.
Do Abuela’s Cold Remedies Actually Work?
We decided to ask the good doctor about Abuela’s most famous homemade remedies, one by one. We even asked him about the really weird ones, and his answers shocked us. Dr. Ferrer said “yay” or “nay” on each one, with some science to either back them up, or debunk them once and for all.
The results? Some of Abuela’s cures are the real deal, while the others? Bueno, those might just be a comforting myth offering up a touch of nostalgia. Here are eight of Abuela’s remedies and the truth behind them:
1. Té de Jengibre, Limón y Miel (Ginger, Lemon, and Honey Tea)
Did you get served some té de jengibre, limón y miel? Turns out this remedy is a powerhouse of goodness. Ginger reduces inflammation, lemon provides vitamin C, and honey soothes the throat. “And honey can calm a cough,” Dr. Ferrer adds.
2. Agua de Canela (Cinnamon Tea)
You’ve had this one, right? It’s the tea Abuela served for sore throats and all around discomfort. Does it work? Yes! “In small quantities, cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory,” Dr. Ferrer explains, “but stick to small quantities.”
3. Vicks VapoRub (El Vivaporú)
El Vivaporú is the king of all cold and flu remedies. Naturally, we want to know if this magical menthol-smelling ointment lathered on our chests, throats, and sometimes even feet, works. The answer is: yes!
“Anything that is menthol opens the nasal passages,” Dr. Ferrer says. “Vivaporu also helps with inflammation. But the location of its placement on the body doesn’t matter.”
The doctor has a warning though. “There’s one caveat. We have a great tendency to exaggerate and too much Vivaporu is not good.”
He explains that inhaling the steam from boiling water with the Vicks can be dangerous. “People can burn their nasal passages,” he says.
4. Sopa de Pollo (Chicken Soup)
The sopa de pollo, or caldo de pollo, seems to be Abuela’s go-to remedy, which makes her a total genius! “This is the No. One natural remedy with the most scientific evidence proving that it works,” Dr. Ferrer says. “When you have the homemade chicken soup, not a canned one, studies show that it can protect you and help combat the viruses.”
5. Ajo con Miel (Garlic with Honey)
Some Abuelas serve up raw garlic mixed with honey as a natural cold fighter. Does it work? Kind of. “We do know that garlic has incredible anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Ferrer explains. “But the garlic can be too much for some people.”
Plus, we already know that honey soothes coughs., so here’s the verdict: if you can tolerate the strong taste, then this one just might help.
6. Cebolla en la Mesita de Noche (Onion by the Bedside)
Some abuelas believe that placing a cut onion next to your bed helps absorb germs and ease coughing overnight. So, is she right or wrong? Well, it looks like Abuela may have been right again. “There’s no evidence to support this one,” Dr. Ferrer says. However, when the cut onion is breathed in, he says “it has a similar effect as Vivaporu. It can open up the nasal passages.”
7. Periódico en el Pecho (Newspaper on the Chest)
After rubbing Vicks on your chest, some Abuelas place a sheet of newspaper over it to “trap the heat.” She can’t be right about this one too, can she? “Once again, she was right,” Dr. Ferrer says. Even though it’s not exactly scientifically proven, the combination of Vivaporu with the newspaper can create a warming effect, which may provide comfort. Also, the menthol opens up those nasal passages, which always helps, the doctor explains.
8. Gárgaras con Agua Salada (Gargling with Salt Water)
Forget the Nyquil for a sore throat. Abuela’s go-to for any sore throat is gargling with salt water. Does it work? “Yes, yes, yes,” Dr. Ferrer says. Gargling with warm salt water reduces throat inflammation and kills bacteria.
Final Verdict: Abuela Was (Mostly) Right!
They seem odd, but Abuelas cold and flu remedies, for the most part, are helpful when you’re sick. “These remedies are timeless,” Dr. Ferrer explains.
He adds, “These remedies worked before modern medicine was widely available, and they still have benefits today.”
So, next time you’re sick, go ahead and brew that tea, rub on the Vivaporú, and listen to your Abuela. Turns out, she was right. As Dr. Ferrer says, “Abuelas know.”
