Why chicken soup is the universal remedy for the common cold and beyond

Food & Drink · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Across cultures, chicken soup is a staple comfort food and a legendary folk medicine. While often dubbed Jewish penicillin, its variations span from Colombian ajiaco to Korean samgyetang. Scientists have investigated its potential to soothe respiratory symptoms, but the reality of its healing power remains a subject of debate.

Chicken soup is a global culinary constant, defined by simmering chicken in water, often with vegetables, grains, or noodles. While its roots likely trace back to the Neolithic period, modern American versions were brought to the United States by Northern European immigrants. The dish is incredibly versatile: it can be a thin, clear broth, a hearty stew with a high ratio of solids, or a refined consommé. In many traditions, such as in Italy or Poland, the meat and vegetables are served separately from the broth, while dishes like the Filipino sopas or the Indonesian soto ayam incorporate specific regional ingredients like evaporated milk or turmeric.

The reputation of chicken soup as a medicinal remedy is widespread, particularly for treating influenza and the common cold. In 2000, researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center conducted an in vitro study on the soup's effect on the inflammatory response. They observed that certain components inhibited neutrophil migration, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory mechanism. Additionally, the soup contains the amino acid cysteine, which shares structural similarities with acetylcysteine, a compound used clinically to treat respiratory infections. However, these laboratory findings are difficult to translate directly to human health.

The clinical significance of these findings remains contested. A 2007 review by The New York Times noted that the research is not conclusive, as it is unclear if the laboratory-measured changes have a meaningful impact on people suffering from actual cold symptoms. Despite this, the cultural belief in the soup's restorative properties persists. Whether it is the Korean samgyetang, believed to prevent sickness, or the Greek avgolemono, used for hangovers and stomach aches, chicken soup remains a deeply ingrained comfort food across the globe, valued as much for its tradition as for its potential health benefits.

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