Judging by Google Trends Data searches for “why do I get so many colds” has risen significantly in July, proving that the common cold is just as much of a problem now as it is in winter. With many of us building back immunity after a long stint of isolation over the last couple of years, colds seem to be catching people off guard. What we’re curious to know is could Tik-Tok provide the secrets to curing a cold? Some of these seem a little far out (and definitely not proven by any means) but if you’ve maxed out on lempsip and are in need of some more cold remedies in your arsenal, why not give these viral tik-tok trends a go?

1) Take some Thyme – 1.4 Million Likes
A viral TikTok video suggests Thyme can expectorate excess mucous and help to clear nasal passageways. Firstly, pour boiling water into a bowl, add 2 tbsp of dried thyme, cover your head with a towel and breathe for 5 minutes.

2) Boil some red onion to drink – 1.4 Million Plays
This viral video suggests drinking this concoction every morning or before you go to bed to get rid of a cold. It includes 2 cups of water, 8 slices of ginger, half a red onion 6 slices of lemon, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and boil for 10-15 minutes.

3) Spray cod in your mouth – 3.95 Million Following / 31,616 Views
Okay, more specifically, ColdZyme, which utilises enzymes found in deep sea cod in its mouth spray. On his popular YouTube channel, Wayne Goss, also known as GossMakeupArtist, shared the product in his video. He said ‘It’s been almost 3 years since I’ve had a full-blown cold. And I’ll tell you what I use to not have a cold. Any time I feel a tickle I use this product and it gets rid of anything – I haven’t been sick for nearly 3 years with a cold.’ 

4) Suck on a lemon– 386K Likes
Another TikTok user says to pour salt and pepper onto a lemon wedge and then suck on the lemon if you have a really bad cough. Other tips include pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and placing your thumb on your third eye for a few minutes to give some relief.

5) Release congestion with a spoon – 88.7K Views
This technique comes from Chinese medicine, using a ‘scraping’ method and a gua shua in a scraping motion on the top of your back, your chest and throat. The woman in the viral video says that any smooth, round surface can be used, such as a spoon! The idea is that this technique helps to break up the mucous, loosening it up in order to get rid of the congestion.

 
6) Massage your fingers– 72K Likes
A palm reader/palmist on TikTok says to help soothe a sore throat you can press on your thumbs in the same spot repetitively, whilst applying gentle pressure to each of your fingers can help relieve sinus congestion. 

7) Eat a spoonful of butter and garlic– 17.1K LikesThis TikTok cold-remedy suggests eating a spoonful of ingredients including one clove of garlic, melted butter and sugar. The user says, it seems gross, but it works every time.