Last year, I experienced a true allergic reaction for the first time in my life, and I realized just how uncomfortable and persistent allergies can be. I tried a large number of anti-allergic medications, hoping at least one of them would help me control the symptoms. Yet no matter what I took, nothing seemed strong enough. My sneezing continued, my nose stayed stuffy and irritated, and the constant itching in my throat kept returning. I felt exhausted and frustrated because the usual treatments weren’t working for me.
At that time, a friend suggested a very simple folk remedy. Honestly, I didn’t trust it at first. It seemed too basic, almost trivial. I could not imagine that something as ordinary as water—something we drink every single day—could have any sort of healing effect. Still, since nothing else was helping and I was desperate for relief, I finally decided to try it.
To my surprise, I soon learned firsthand that even plain water, when prepared in a certain way, can have a noticeable effect. I ended up believing in its benefits myself.
Here is the recipe:
Boil 5 liters of water for exactly 10 minutes over medium heat. I want to emphasize the boiling time: it must be precisely 10 minutes—not more and not less.
After boiling, allow the water to cool and drink it in small sips throughout the day, whenever you like.
I was shocked when I realized that my sneezing had stopped and that my nose was no longer getting congested, even though I had stopped taking my allergy medications. Whenever I felt that familiar tickling sensation in my throat, I immediately reached for my special water. During the first few days, I even kept a bottle beside my bed at night so I could wake up and take a few sips whenever needed.
This type of water should be consumed consistently and for an extended period. It will not harm you; on the contrary, it seems to help clear the nasal passages and throat, at least based on my personal experience.
Doctor’s commentary:
In general, water plays an extremely important role in the normal functioning of the human body. To maintain essential physiological functions, the body circulates nearly 40,000 glasses of water through its systems every 24 hours, and this process continues every single day throughout a person’s life.
Given such intense internal circulation, it is crucial for us to consume between 6 and 10 glasses of water each day, depending on environmental conditions and individual needs. Anyone who believes that their body does not require this much water is greatly mistaken. Water must be consumed in small portions throughout the day, supplying the body regularly—much like how we continually supply fuel to a car to keep it running.
In many Eastern traditions of folk medicine, boiled water is indeed used for cleansing the body and enhancing immunity. However, several important points must be considered when drinking boiled water for health purposes.
During the boiling process, chlorine and chlorine-containing compounds evaporate from the water. Minerals and colloidal particles settle at the bottom as sediment. The water becomes softer, and the content of volatile components decreases. Harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses present in the water are also destroyed. For this reason, boiling water truly does purify it.
But the process also has negative effects:
The structure of the water changes during boiling. The longer you boil it, the more “lifeless” the water becomes. In traditional beliefs, such water is said to “die,” losing part of its natural vitality.
As water evaporates during boiling, the concentration of minerals—especially salts—increases. Drinking such water frequently and in large amounts may increase the risk of developing kidney stones, joint problems, and atherosclerosis due to the buildup of minerals in the body.
When chlorine in tap water is heated, it can react with organic matter and form harmful compounds. According to scientific findings, people who regularly consume tap water that has been boiled may experience a weakening of the immune system over time.
For this reason, it is better to use spring water—free of chlorine—when preparing boiled drinking water. This greatly reduces the risk of negative side effects. However, even with cleaner water, it is still not recommended to rely on this method for very long periods, because boiling still alters the water’s natural structure.
Despite all this, the temporary use of boiled water can provide a cleansing effect, especially for those who feel sinus pressure, throat irritation, or sensitivity to allergens. Many people find that warm, boiled water is soothing to the upper respiratory tract, helping clear mucus and relieving discomfort.
My personal experience showed me that this simple remedy can bring noticeable relief. For days, I drank the water in small sips, paying attention to how my symptoms changed. Whether the improvement was due to the warmth, the purity of the water, or the increased hydration, I cannot be completely sure. What I know is that it helped ease my allergy symptoms during that difficult period.
Many traditional healing practices also emphasize that warm water supports digestion, improves circulation, and helps remove toxins from the body. While these claims are part of holistic understanding and not always fully backed by modern science, there is no doubt that hydration is essential for well-being.
Even though this method helped me personally, it is important to remember that allergies can be complex, and not all symptoms can be relieved with home remedies. People with chronic or severe allergies should always consult a medical professional. Still, it is interesting to see how sometimes the simplest remedies—those we usually overlook—can offer gentle support to the body.
If you would like, I can also:
• shorten this into a social-media style post
• rewrite it more scientifically
• rewrite it more emotionally or dramatically
• or create a version with subtitles/headings for an article or blog
