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Chicken soup and sickness

Chicken soup has been a popular home remedy for the common cold since at least the 12th century. Eating chicken soup while you have a cold will not do you any harm, but it will not cure your cold.

Drinking warm liquids, such as soup, may give you relief from your symptoms for a short time. The steam from chicken soup may open up congested noses and throats. Soup also provides fluid, which thins mucus and helps prevent dehydration.

References

Barrett B. Acute respiratory infection colds and flu. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 19.

Text only

  • Chicken soup and sickness

    Chicken soup is believed to contain an amino acid that is similar to a drug used to treat some respiratory infections.

    Chicken soup and sickness

    illustration

    • Chicken soup and sickness

      Chicken soup is believed to contain an amino acid that is similar to a drug used to treat some respiratory infections.

      Chicken soup and sickness

      illustration


    Review Date: 10/20/2022

    Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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