Doctor warned: 5 folk remedies for treating runny nose that can be dangerous

April 29, 2025 / Moscow.
With the beginning of the spring season of colds and viruses, many Russians are again resorting to "grandma's" methods of treating a runny nose. However, general practitioner Irina Dvorkina warns: some of these methods can do more harm than good to the body.

"When a person gets sick, they are ready to use everything they can find in the kitchen. But it's important to understand - not all folk remedies are safe. Especially if you continue running errands and ignore doctors' advice," - Dvorkina explained in a conversation with the portal Championat.com.

🚫 Here are 5 methods that should be forgotten:

Lemon, ascorbic acid, powders with "megadoses" - none of this helps if you're already sick. Vitamin C may slightly reduce the duration of illness, but taking it "in one go" at the first symptoms is pointless.

Breathing over a boiling pot is dangerous. There's a high risk of burns to the mucous membrane and skin, especially in children. For people with hypertension and vascular problems, this practice can cause complications.

The smell - yes, works as an "antiseptic" on public transport. But there is no proven real antiviral effect. Neither from decoctions nor from cloves hanging on a thread.

Such mixtures often cause irritation of the mucous membrane and can be dangerous for the stomach. Especially in people with gastritis and other digestive problems.

The main mistake is taking antibiotics for a runny nose. In 90% of cases, it is caused by viruses, not bacteria. Self-medication can lead to microbial resistance to drugs - and this is a real threat.

🔍 What does the doctor recommend?

- Use only saline sprays or rinses
- Maintain air humidity in the room
- Rest more
- Drink water
- And be sure to consult a therapist if symptoms persist for more than 5 days

📌 Conclusion: not all time-tested remedies actually help. Some of them should be left in the past - along with cotton compresses and mustard plasters.