Dr. Oscar Duke, a familiar face on BBC Morning Live, recently offered valuable insight into what truly helps when dealing with a cold. By distinguishing between effective home remedies and those best discarded, he highlighted that your most powerful aid might already be in your pantry.

In a conversation with the show’s hosts, Dr. Duke explained that while colds are nearly inevitable for many in the UK, there are strategies to hasten recovery. He cautioned viewers to approach remedies with a discerning eye, warning that some methods might simply be popular myths lacking real efficacy.

Dr. Duke remarked, “This time of year, colds seem to strike just when you least want them to, like before a big event or office party. Since we’re indoors more, the viruses responsible for these ailments thrive, spreading quickly in the confined, less ventilated spaces that come with colder weather.”

When asked if a cold can be cured, he clarified that it cannot, as colds are caused by ever-evolving viruses. These viruses can become more severe, which explains why symptoms may feel worse over time. Their constant mutation is why colds remain a persistent issue and why a cure is so elusive, he emphasized.

In a fun segment with the presenters, Dr. Duke addressed various supposed remedies, aiming to separate fact from fiction. Using a playful system of red and green paddles, he helped debunk common myths surrounding cold treatments.

True or false?

Honey

When questioned about the effectiveness of honey for colds, he responded, “Actually, not a bad idea. Honey is listed in the NICE guidance for acute cough as a recommended home remedy, suggesting it can indeed be beneficial.”

“Some studies have shown some benefit again, not curing, but reducing the severity of the symptoms so they get patient to give a score of how bad their symptoms are and it does go down by a couple of points for people using honey.

“So people using honey, lemon and ginger – it’s soothing. It’s a bit of sugar. It will make them feel a little bit better – often you have in a warm drink and that’s helpful as well because that warmth is nice for the back of the throat. So we will give honey a yes.”

Onions

Another viewer wrote in to say their mum used to hang a bag of onions on the door. In response, the BBC doctor said this idea dates back centuries and may not be helpful. He explained: “I think this is something that you hear about and it comes from history – even in the 1600s when we didn’t really fully understand how viruses and things were spread, they thought that there was something in the foul air.

“So in terms of plagues, and all these sorts of conditions, they would hang these bags of onions on the back of the door. The air probably didn’t smell great anyway, but if you were breathing in a different smell, then maybe you weren’t getting it. Obviously that does not help, and it’s going to be a definite no.”

Garlic

Garlic is a kitchen must-have. But can it really help a cold? The short answer? No. The long answer? “I hear a lot of chat about garlic and garlic has some anti-inflammatory properties. But overall, I see a lot of patients who are a big fan of garlic”, Dr Duke said.

Joking that it may work to keep people away if you have a smelly breath, he added: “People really believe in this, and if it works for you and it’s not doing any harm, then why not give it a try – even if there is a placebo effect. But I’ve got to say the number of people whose throats I have to look into who I’ve just had a whole bulb garlic. I’m never grateful for that.

“I would not recommend putting in your ear, which I’ve had people do hat. I’ve had to remove bits of garlic from their ear, but overall it’s going to be a no for the garlic.”