As the winter chill sets in across Britain, a medical expert has delivered a much-needed dose of reality on the effectiveness of popular natural remedies for the common cold. Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Oscar Duke provided clear guidance on which cupboard staples genuinely ease symptoms and which are merely old wives' tales.
The Inevitability of Winter Colds
Dr Duke explained that colds become a routine part of British winters for a simple reason. "We're all inside, all the viruses that caused these things are lurking and being spread - mainly airborne or in close contact," he told presenters. "As the weather gets colder, we're shoved inside into these smaller spaces which have less ventilation."
Addressing whether a cure exists for the common cold, the doctor was unequivocal. "A cold is caused by a virus...they evolve and change all the time," he explained, noting this constant mutation is why people can catch colds repeatedly and why finding a definitive cure remains challenging.
Testing Traditional Remedies: The Verdict
During the programme, presenters engaged Dr Duke in a myth-busting game, where he used red 'no' and green 'yes' panels to evaluate common cold treatments.
The Clear Winner: Honey
When asked about honey's effectiveness, Dr Duke gave an enthusiastic endorsement. "Not actually a bad idea," he stated, referencing that honey appears in the NICE guidance for acute cough as recommended self-help treatment.
He explained that scientific studies have shown measurable benefits, with patients reporting reduced symptom severity. "People using honey, lemon and ginger - it's soothing," he said. "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." The verdict? A definite yes for honey.
The Pungent Failure: Garlic
Garlic received a much less favourable assessment despite its reputation for having anti-inflammatory properties. While acknowledging some patients strongly believe in its benefits, Dr Duke revealed the unpleasant side effects he's witnessed professionally.
"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," he confessed. He particularly warned against one dangerous practice: "I would not recommend putting in your ear, which I've had people do that. I've had to remove bits of garlic from their ear."
The official verdict was a firm no, though presenters joked that garlic's strong smell might work as a social distancing method.
The Historical Myth: Onions
Responding to a viewer question about hanging bags of onions on doors - a tradition their mother followed - Dr Duke traced this belief back to the 1600s when people misunderstood how diseases spread.
"They thought that there was something in the foul air," he explained regarding historical plague treatments. "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 theory was that breathing in the onion smell might protect against bad air, but Dr Duke was clear: "Obviously that does not help, and it's going to be a definite no."
Evidence-Based Approach to Cold Season
Dr Duke's analysis provides Britons with practical guidance for navigating cold season. While honey receives scientific backing for symptom relief, both garlic and onions join the ranks of debunked traditional remedies.
The segment, which aired on November 27, 2025, emphasises the importance of turning to evidence-based treatments while understanding that some generational advice, however well-intentioned, lacks medical foundation.
