Doctor debunks bizarre potato cold and flu hack and issues warning about trying it

One user even commented on the clip that the use of potato-based medicine is a tradition in her Serbian hometown. The trend gained traction as the ‘tripledemic’ hit the U.S., with the nation seeing a severe flu season earlier than expected. Flu hospitalizations rose to the highest level in over a decade as parents also grappled with high cases of RSV in children – and COVID-19 always looming in the background. Do a test patch by placing a small piece of raw potato on the skin. Check your skin every 15 minutes to make sure there’s no reaction. If you see any redness or color change, or feel itching or other skin irritation, remove the potato immediately.

If you need to be unblocked please e-mail us at and provide the IP address and reference number shown here along with why you require access. WCNC would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather. Despite the TikTok connection, this is not a new remedy but an old wives’ tale stemming back to the middle ages when many people believed it could help protect you from bubonic plague. Some historians say it may also date back to ancient Chinese medicine. “It’s not really indicative of toxins being removed from your body, more of a reaction that is taking place within the potato,” Dr. Robinson said. How potatoes are cooked and processed affects their nutrition.

Low-heat or slow-cooking methods help to keep the most nutrients in potatoes and other vegetables.

The user said you cut a potato in half and make a few slices. Then, put one slice between each foot and cover it with a sock overnight while you’re asleep. Indeed, the viral clip shows that the potato slices were blackened after being inside the socks all night — which left some viewers feeling queasy. There are plenty of people who’ve tried the potato remedy and say it got rid of their cold or flu symptoms. However, there’s no clinical evidence to show that this folk remedy works.

Flu cases are high right now, so many people have tried this and say it works. I wouldn’t use potatoes in place of a doctor, but I’m sure trying it out won’t hurt you. Happy Valley villain James Norton shows off his wounds and shares snaps with onscreen son Ryan in behind the scenes look ahead of finale . Vaping addict from Ohio is left fighting for her life with deadly lung condition after smoking entire…

While Vigan mentioned she “saw an article” touting the cough and cold home remedy, she didn’t include her source—but the idea isn’t entirely out of left field. An American mum originally shared the remedy, known simply as “potato sock,” which instructs viewers on how to correctly complete the remedy. Since she posted her video, which has garnered more than 6.6 million views, there have been hundreds of clips showing social media users trying out the health hack. Other users on the app have shared similar stories claiming that the potato sock remedy has worked for them.

Allergic reactions might be more likely to happen if you use lotion or other products on your feet at the same time as the potatoes. Western medicine and science have shown that sulphuric compounds in onions have the ability to kill bacteria and viruses—but only when ingested, and in very limited studies. There isn’t data to back those results you apply those same onion compounds externally onion in your sock to your skin, as myth-busting website Snopes notes. When it comes down to it, there’s no solid scientific evidence that onions on your feet can cure a cold. Then again, there’s also no evidence that they don’t,either. The claim also was supported by TikTok users including Isabelle Lux, who shared her own experience using the potatoes in her socks in another viral video.

Potato juice has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory compound to relieve pain, swelling, and redness in joints. It was specifically used for those suffering from arthritis. Sometimes, people would even tie pieces of potatoes around their joints to help relieve the pain. When used to make juice, potatoes can help allay stomach disorders and swelling. When crushed into a fine powder and mixed with water, it can help hasten weight loss.