Dr Oscar Duke shared a ‘hack’ that could help people without needing to go to the pharmacy for over-the-counter medication.
BBC Morning Live’s resident GP Oscar Duke has revealed a bargain 68p kitchen staple that could tackle cold and flu symptoms without a trip to the chemist. It comes as a ‘winter vomiting bug’ sweeps the UK with a ‘stay home’ alert issued.
In a 2024 appearance on the show, the medical expert told presenters Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton how everyday ingredients lurking in your cupboards might help beat seasonal bugs.
Discussing the power of ordinary table salt, Dr Duke explained that mixing it with water could provide ‘instant relief’. Most supermarkets stock table salt cheaply, with Tesco selling a bottle for 68p while Asda and Waitrose have options for less than £1. You may already have some in your cupboards.
Dr Duke started by reminding viewers that no cure exists for viruses causing common colds – only symptom management is possible, reports Gloucestershire Live.
“Most treatments focus on easing discomfort as the virus runs its course,” he explained. “It is crucial to understand that current remedies do not eliminate the virus but may assist in symptom relief.”
He then revealed: “Saltwater drops can reduce symptom duration by about two days.”
For creating homemade saltwater, he recommends adding three teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate to a bowl of cooled boiled water.
“One teaspoon of this mixture can be combined with 250 ml of water, which is about a cup,” he explained. “The solution can be administered using a spray, dropper, or even by sniffing it from the palm to help break down secretions.”
Dr Duke cited a recent study that revealed the science behind salt water’s advantages. He said: “A recent study conducted in Edinburgh involved around 400 children to investigate the effects of saltwater drops on cold symptoms.
“The study found that using saltwater drops could reduce the duration of symptoms by approximately two days. However, it is important to note that the virus itself is likely still present. The saltwater may help clear some of the mucus that contributes to discomfort.”
READ MORE: Gran loses fingers and toes after they turn black following doctors’ blunderREAD MORE: ‘Tea addict’ who drank 20 cups a day with 4 sugars sheds 6st – without ditching habit
According to the NHS, cold symptoms develop gradually over two to three days. The primary symptoms include:
- a blocked or runny nose
- sneezing
- a sore throat
- a hoarse voice
- a cough
- feeling tired and unwell
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- aching muscles
- a loss of taste and smell
- a feeling of pressure in your ears and face
Alongside saltwater, Dr Duke suggests honey, which is highlighted in national guidelines as a potentially useful treatment for cold symptoms. A study discovered a night-time dose of honey can ease symptoms; it can also be mixed into hot beverages.
NHS GP does one thing every September to fight winter bugs as virus sweeps UK
‘I went for a routine eye test, six months later I was blind in both eyes’
The BBC doctor also states: “Chicken soup has also been the subject of considerable research. Studies suggest it may aid in clearing mucus from the respiratory airways. Homemade chicken soup is believed to be more effective than store-bought versions.”
Eating nourishing foods like chicken soup can be one of the most best methods for managing cold symptoms.