| See Common Cold for just a quick list of the supplements discussed below. |
| Natural
Remedy |
What
experts say about these common cold remedies |
Vitamin C
|
 (What's this?)
There are controversies over the effectiveness of using vitamin C to
prevent and cure the common cold. Studies show that taking vitamin C
does shorten the duration of the cold by up to one and a half
day. It also seems to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Dose:
Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg (1 to 3 grams) daily. Divide into two doses.
Higher doses (megadoses) have been used.
Click
here to jump to the full review on vitamin C and to get
detailed information on megadose therapy.
|
Zinc
(Lozenges and
nasal sprays) |
Zinc lozenges relieve the symptoms of sore throat and runny nose. It
also seems to reduce the duration of the common cold. Studies in lab
show that zinc interferes with viral replication.
Zinc
nasal sprays seem to be even more effective than the lozenges. Clinical
studies show that in the nasal spray group, 74% of the
subjects experienced reduction in symptoms
compared to only 53% for the lozenges group.
Dose:
Use lozenges containing
13 to 25 mg of zinc gluconate or acetate. Allow one lozenge to
slowly dissolve in the mouth every 2 hours while awake. Start taking
the
lozenges at the first sign of the cold.
Mild side effects from the lozenges include a bad taste in the mouth,
nausea and vomiting.
Note:
Studies using other forms of zinc didn't show any benefit. Stick
with zinc gluconate or acetate lozenges.
|
Echinacea
(Echinacea
purpurea) |
Several clinical studies support the fact that echinacea reduces the
severity and duration of the common cold symptoms. This is one of the most popular common cold remedies.
Dose:
Take 500 mg four times daily of the raw herb on the first day, then use
250 mg four times daily for up to 10 days. Tincture
- Use 2 to 4 mL four to six times daily.
Note:
Studies don't seem to show that it can prevent the cold. Avoid using in children as
there are reports of allergic reactions such as rash.
|
| Ginseng |
Ginseng is shown to stimulate the immune system and can be helpful in
preventing and treating the common cold.
Dose:
Take 100
mg daily to prevent catching the cold. Higher dosages have
been used. Click here to
get the full review and other dosages for ginseng.
|
| Garlic |
Some clinical studies show that taking garlic regularly seems to reduce
the chance of catching the cold and the
flu. This is one of the many popular common cold remedies.
Dose:
Take 200 to 400 mg up to three times daily.
|
Andrographis
|
Andrographis is shown in clinical studies to help
reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold. There
is some evidence that using andrographis can reduce the risk of
catching the cold by up to 50%.
Andrographis
stimulates the immune system and increases the activity of
germ-fighting white blood cells. It also seems to have anti-allergic
activities to help with symptoms such as running nose and
watery
eyes.
Dose:
Take 400 mg three times daily to treat the cold. Start within 72 hours
of the appearance of cold symptoms. Dosage of 200 mg once a day for
five days per week is used to prevent the cold.
|
| Propolis |
Extracts
of propolis reduce the cold symptoms and duration in
children. Studies done in adults also show that it helped shorten the
duration of the cold faster than a placebo.
Dose:
Take 500 mg one or two times daily.
|
Astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus) |
There
is some evidence that taking astragalus may reduce the chances of
catching the common cold. Studies show that it can boost the immune
system and have a positive effect on the immune cells in our body.
Dose:
Dosages used to prevent the cold is 4 to 7 grams daily. Higher doses
should be used with caution.
|
| Sage |
Sage
shows antiviral activities in animal and lab studies. Mouthwash
containing sage is shown to reduce the pain from sore throat. It is
popular in Europe for treating mouth and throat inflammation.
The German Commission E approves its use for sore throat.
Dose:
Infusion
- Use 3 grams of the herb in 150 mL of water or use 3 drops of the
essential oil in 100 mL of warm water. Gargle up to three times daily
or as often as needed to get relief from sore throat.
|
Slippery Elm
(Ulmus
rubra) |
Slippery
elm lozenges seem to help treat the pain from a sore throat. It
is a demulcent, soothing and protecting an irritated mucous membrane.
Dose:
As a lozenge, follow manufacturer's direction. A typical lozenge
contains about 150 mg of slippery elm.
|
| Elderberry |
Elderberry is a rich source of anthocyanidins,
tannins, flavonoids
and rutin. These chemical substances are known to benefit and regulate
the immune system in our body as well as acting as an antioxidant.
Elderberry
juice seems to reduce the severity of the
symptoms and shortens the duration of the
flu by about 50%. Some experts believe that it can also
help with cold symptoms.
Dose:
Typical dose used is 15 mL (1 tablespoon) taken up to four times daily.
Take within 2 days of the start of symptoms for maximum benefit.
|
| Cordyceps |
Cordyceps is shown to regulate and boost the immune system. It
may be helpful in treating viral infections.
Dose:
Take 500 mg two or three times daily.
|
| Goldenseal |
Goldenseal may
provide relief from the pain of a sore throat. It possesses antiviral
and immune boosting effects in laboratory studies.
Dose:
Typical dosage is 4 to 6 grams of the root extract taken up to three
times daily.
|
| Oil of Oregano |
Oil of oregano shows potent activity against viruses and may be helpful
in killing off the cold virus.
Dose: Herbalists suggest using 500 mg up to four times daily as per
manufacturer directions.
|
Boneset
(Eupatorium
perfoliatum) |
In lab studies on cells, boneset seems to boost immune cell functions.
It is
traditionally used to help cure viral infections.
Dose:
Steep
1 to 2 grams of the herb in 150 mL of boiling water. Drink three times
daily.
Extract
(1:1) - Use 1 to 2 mL three times daily.
|
| Peppermint Oil |
Helpful
Peppermint oil seems to help treat sinus and chest congestion.
Dose:
Use 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil in 150 mL of hot water and inhale up
to three times daily to help with nasal congestion.
Humidifier
- Peppermint oil along with eucalyptus oil may be added to humidifier.
|
| Eucalyptus Oil |
Helpful
Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus may be helpful with sinus and
chest congestion.
Dose:
Use 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in 150 mL of hot water and inhale up
to three times daily.
Humidifier
- The essential oil may be added to a humidifier along with peppermint
oil.
|
Ginger
(Zingiber
officinale) |
Helpful
Ginger
is well known for helping with nausea and vomiting in motion sickness.
Ginger will also help treat sore throat, fever and pain. It
will
settle the stomach and reduce coughing. As well, it has a sedative
effect, helping you sleep better at night.
Dose:
Take 500 mg or use the tea formulation. Use up to four times daily as
needed for the duration of the cold.
|
| Probiotics |
Helpful
Probiotics
contain bacteria that are found naturally in the digestive system. It
will help to restore balance and enhance the immune system. Some
evidence suggests that it might help to prevent the common cold.
Dose:
Take yogurt or lactobacillus capsules containing at least 1 billion
live cells. Take one to three times daily with food for the duration of
the cold symptoms.
|
| Catnip |
Helpful
Catnip is classified as a diaphoretic (promotes sweating), thus it may
be helpful in treating colds with a fever.
Dose:
Use prepared tea bags or make a decoction by
boiling 1 to 2 teaspoon in a cup of water (250 mL) for 10
minutes. Drink three times daily.
|
Aniseed
Blackberry
Blueberry
Borage
seed oil
Forsythia
Honeysuckle
Stinging
nettle
Yarrow
|
Helpful
These following common cold remedies have been traditionally used to treat all the
symptoms.
Some
of these herbs have been shown to have antiviral activities and immune
boosting activity in lab studies. Others, such as blueberry and
blackberry show anti-inflammatory benefits and is traditionally used to
treat sore throat
and other cold symptoms.
|
| See Common Cold for just a quick list of the supplements discussed above. |
