Old Wives’ Tales: Myth, Truth, or Something In Between?

By Faith Haney, PostGlo Student Intern

As cold and flu season are in full force, you may be hearing some common sayings circulating as advice for staving off sickness. It can be tempting to turn to these “old wives’ tales” as simple solutions to safeguard your health, but is there actually any truth to them?

Old wives’ tales refer to traditional beliefs originating before scientific evidence was widely available that have been orally passed down to subsequent generations. While some of them may be based on a grain of truth, most have no factual evidence to back them up and are derived from anecdotes and superstition. Let’s dive deeper into some popular old wives’ tales to determine whether they’re worth following.

“Feed a cold, starve a fever”

Verdict: False

Contrary to common belief, you actually should be eating and drinking MORE when you’re sick. When you have a cold or fever, your body requires a significant amount of energy to enable your immune system to effectively fight off the illness (van den Brink et al., 2002). Ensuring adequate consumption of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals is crucial to recovery. Likewise, drinking enough fluids is key for healing from both colds and fevers, which can cause dehydration. Proper hydration is important for regulating body temperature, protecting your organs, and flushing out waste. 

“Chicken soup cures a cold”

Verdict: False… mostly

While there’s no magical ingredient in chicken soup that will cure a cold, it is still a great food to eat while sick to support the healing process. The broth provides hydration; the chicken offers 

protein; the vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals; and, if served hot, the steam may provide some relief from congestion by opening the sinuses (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). 

“Onions in your socks”

Verdict: False 

Some people believe placing onions in their socks will treat a cold or flu by drawing viruses and bacteria out of a person and the surrounding air. This folk remedy dates back to the bubonic plague, when people placed sliced onions around their homes to prevent contracting the illness. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to support the curative properties of onions in socks. However, incorporating onions into your diet can provide extra immune support from the quercetin (a flavonoid) that onions contain.

“Don’t go outside if you have a cold”

Verdict: False-ish (depending on the weather)

While prioritizing sleep and rest is crucial for fighting illness, venturing outside for some fresh air and sunshine if the weather permits and you have the energy can be beneficial for the healing process. However, take care not to expose yourself to air that is too cold and dry, as this may worsen symptoms (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025). In addition, avoid going out with others to prevent spreading your cold. 

“Avoid dairy when you’re sick”

Verdict: False

There is a widespread belief that dairy products can increase phlegm production and exacerbate symptoms when you’re sick. While a glass of milk may not be appealing when you aren’t feeling well, it won’t necessarily make your symptoms worse. By contrast, milk can aid in hydration, especially if you are losing fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea, and it also provides protein, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to immune function and rehydration from fluid losses. 

In conclusion, these old wives’ tales may be ubiquitous, but there isn’t evidence to prove they contain the keys to preventing or curing illness. This winter, forego the superstitions and focus on adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition to restore your health.

References

Cleveland Clinic (2025). Sinus pressure: Causes and how to find relief. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24690-sinus-pressure 

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2025). The do’s and don’ts of easing cold symptoms. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dos-and-donts-of-easing-cold-symptoms 

van den Brink, G. R., van den Boogaardt, D. E., van Deventer, S. J., & Peppelenbosch, M. P. (2002). Feed a cold, starve a fever?. Clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunology, 9(1), 182–183. https://doi.org/10.1128/cdli.9.1.182-183.2002