Are ice cubes good for sickness?: A complete guide

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

A startling number of people turn to simple at-home remedies when feeling unwell. But are ice cubes good for sickness? When used correctly, ice cubes offer a simple yet effective way to manage some common symptoms, particularly dehydration, sore throats, and nausea, and can be a valuable addition to your sickness toolkit.

Quick Summary

Ice cubes can be beneficial for specific sickness symptoms, offering a simple way to stay hydrated, soothe a sore throat, and calm nausea. The slow, controlled intake of small amounts of liquid can be less jarring on a sensitive stomach while the cold temperature provides a numbing effect for throat discomfort. However, they are not a cure-all and should be used with caution, particularly with very high fevers.

Key Points

Sore Throat Relief: Sucking on ice cubes can numb the throat, reduce inflammation, and ease pain caused by a sore throat.
Combat Dehydration: For nausea or upset stomach, slowly consuming ice chips provides controlled hydration, preventing vomiting that can occur with drinking too quickly.
Calms Nausea: The coldness from ice can help soothe an upset stomach and calm nausea, particularly that from motion sickness or a virus.
Use with Caution for Fevers: While generally safe for hydration, avoid large quantities of icy drinks with very high fevers, especially for children, to prevent body temperature shock.
Mind Oral Health: Habitual ice chewing (pagophagia) can damage teeth over time. Use ice chips for temporary relief, not as a compulsive habit.
Practice Good Hygiene: Always use clean ice cubes made from safe drinking water to prevent introducing new bacteria to a compromised system.

The therapeutic effects of ice cubes for various ailments

Sickness often comes with a host of uncomfortable symptoms, and finding relief can be a priority. While not a cure, ice cubes can be a helpful and simple remedy for managing specific discomforts. Their therapeutic benefits are primarily linked to the controlled delivery of cold and moisture.

Alleviating a sore throat

One of the most common applications for ice cubes is soothing a sore throat. The numbing effect of the cold can provide temporary relief from pain and irritation. Sucking on an ice cube or an ice pop can help reduce inflammation in the throat's inflamed tissues, and the constant swallowing helps lubricate the throat, easing discomfort when talking or swallowing. This method is often recommended by doctors, especially after procedures like a tonsillectomy, to minimize swelling and pain.

Combating dehydration

When sickness causes symptoms like vomiting, fever, or a severe sore throat, staying hydrated can be a significant challenge. The thought of drinking a full glass of water might be overwhelming and can sometimes trigger nausea. This is where ice cubes shine. The slow-melting ice chip allows for a small, steady intake of fluid, making it less likely to upset a sensitive stomach. This controlled hydration is particularly useful for children and adults who struggle to keep fluids down. For added benefits, consider freezing drinks with electrolytes, such as sports drinks or broth.

Calming nausea and motion sickness

For those experiencing nausea, particularly from a stomach bug or motion sickness, the cold sensation of ice can be surprisingly effective. The coolness can help suppress the parasympathetic nerves, which are often overactive during bouts of nausea. The act of sucking on ice also provides a pleasant, low-odor distraction. Smells can be a trigger for nausea, so the bland nature of ice makes it a safe option. This simple remedy is a reason hospitals provide ice chips to patients recovering from surgery or suffering from persistent nausea.

Potential risks and considerations

Despite their benefits, ice cubes are not a one-size-fits-all remedy and should be used with some precautions. The key is moderation and understanding when they are appropriate.

When to be cautious with fevers

When dealing with a high fever, it is generally okay to have a few ice cubes to stay hydrated. However, consuming a large quantity of very icy drinks or using ice water for sponge baths is not recommended. Extremely cold temperatures can shock the body and cause laryngospasms or other adverse reactions, especially in young children and infants. It's best to allow the body's natural temperature regulation to work, focusing instead on small, steady fluid intake to prevent dehydration associated with sweating.

The risk of pagophagia

For some, chewing on ice can become a compulsive habit, known as pagophagia. While not an immediate danger, this can damage tooth enamel over time. Chewing ice might also be a symptom of an underlying condition like iron-deficiency anemia. If you find yourself craving and compulsively chewing ice, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any nutritional deficiencies. Using ice chips specifically for sickness relief is different from a persistent, habitual craving.

The importance of hygiene

As with any food or drink, proper hygiene is essential. Ensure your ice trays and machine are clean and that the water used is from a safe source. Cross-contamination can occur, so storing ice cubes in a clean container and avoiding handling them with unwashed hands is a simple but important step in preventing further illness.

How to incorporate ice therapy safely

Incorporating ice cubes into your sickness management is straightforward and safe if done correctly. Here are some methods:

Plain ice cubes: Sucking on a simple, clean ice cube is the most direct method. Allow it to melt slowly in your mouth.
Immunity cubes: Consider making "immunity cubes" by freezing a mixture of lemon, ginger, or mint with water. These can offer additional soothing properties and antioxidants.
Ice pops or frozen fruit: If you prefer something with more flavor, frozen fruit popsicles or frozen grapes can also provide similar cold therapy and hydration.
Flavored ice chips: Freezing diluted juice or broth into ice chips can add a bit of flavor and electrolytes, which is especially helpful for those with a reduced appetite.

Comparing ice cubes to other sickness remedies

Understanding how ice cubes stack up against other common home remedies can help you make the best choice for your symptoms.


Remedy	Primary Benefits	Best For	Considerations
Ice Cubes	Hydration, soothing sore throat, calming nausea	Nausea, mild dehydration, sore throat pain	Risk of pagophagia, needs clean preparation
Warm Tea with Honey	Soothes sore throat, anti-inflammatory, helps with congestion	Sore throat, cough, congestion	Can worsen some nausea, not for infants
Salt Water Gargle	Reduces throat inflammation	Sore throat, early stages of cold	Not suitable for children, temporary effect
Immunity Cubes	Hydration, soothing, adds vitamins (depending on ingredients)	Overall immune support, general sickness	Best used as a supplement to other treatments
Steam Inhalation	Loosens mucus, opens airways	Sinus and chest congestion, stuffy nose	Requires caution with hot water, not for young children

Conclusion

In summary, are ice cubes good for sickness? Yes, for specific symptoms, they can be a helpful and safe home remedy. They provide an excellent way to maintain hydration during times of nausea and offer immediate, localized relief for sore throats. However, they should be used judiciously, particularly in cases of high fever, and are not a replacement for proper medical care. Combining the controlled intake of cold water from ice with other simple remedies like rest and nourishing food can aid in a quicker and more comfortable recovery. For more authoritative medical guidance, always consult resources from reputable health institutions, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with care. Small amounts of ice chips can help you stay hydrated during a fever, which is crucial. However, avoid very large quantities of icy drinks, especially with very high fevers, as the body's temperature regulation is already at work. Focus on consistent, small sips of fluid.

Both can offer relief. Hot drinks like tea with honey can be soothing and help with congestion, while the cold from ice cubes or popsicles can numb the inflamed tissues and reduce pain signals. The best option depends on your personal preference and what provides the most comfort for you.

Yes, sucking on ice chips is often recommended for nausea or an upset stomach. It allows for slow, steady fluid intake that is less likely to trigger vomiting than a full glass of water. The cold sensation can also have a calming effect on a queasy stomach.

For temporary use during sickness, risks are minimal. The main concerns are for those with a compulsive habit of chewing ice (pagophagia), which can damage teeth, or for very high fevers where extreme cold can be jarring to the system. Always use clean, sanitary ice.

If swallowing is difficult due to a sore throat or general weakness, ice chips are an excellent option. They melt slowly, requiring less effort to swallow than a gulp of water, and their numbing effect can make the process more comfortable.

Yes, you can freeze fluids with added benefits. For example, making 'immunity cubes' with ingredients like ginger, lemon, or mint, or freezing diluted electrolyte drinks can offer additional nutritional support and flavor during illness.

The benefit lies in the controlled, gradual intake. For someone with nausea or vomiting, a large volume of liquid is often rejected by the stomach. Ice chips provide hydration in small, manageable amounts that are easier for the body to tolerate, helping to rehydrate slowly and effectively.