Colds and flu are common illnesses that can affect anyone. While there is no cure for either the viruses that cause the common cold or the flu virus, there are some natural remedies that can help relieve symptoms and boost the immune system. Check out which herbs are definitely worth having in your home medicine cabinet.
Echinacea
This plant has anti-inflammatory properties that it could help fight infection and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. But is it scientifically proven? Here, studies give us mixed results.
The review of more than a dozen studies published in The Lancet makes it clear that Echinacea may be useful especially as a preventive solution. The review notes that taking Echinacea can reduce the risk of catching a cold by about 58% and also shorten the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. On the other hand, there is a study that concludes that taking Echinacea has no significant impact on the common cold and might only reduce the duration of symptoms by half a day. We still do not have enough knowledge about the properties of this plant. It is also sometimes difficult to compare the results of different studies because their participants take different forms and doses of Echinacea. It is also possible that the herb may only prove useful against some of the more than 200 types of viruses that cause the common cold.
Echinacea can be administered as a tea, capsules or tincture. However, it should not be used by people with autoimmune disorders or allergies to plants in the same family as ragweed, chrysanthemums or marigolds.
Ginger
This spice has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that can help soothe the throat, clear nasal passages, and relieve nausea. Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments for centuries. But is there any science behind this tradition?
Yes! Although it has not yet been proven that ginger can cure the common cold, studies suggest that it may help prevent it as well as relieve cold symptoms. What is certain is that ginger root has abilities to prevent or relieve sore throats, reduce congestion and reduce inflammation. It displays antibacterial and antiviral properties; it is also an antioxidant.
To make ginger tea, you will need about 1.5-2 cm of fresh ginger root, peeled and cut into slices. Boil four cups of water in a pot and add the ginger slices. Boil for about 15 minutes and strain the liquid into a cup. You can add a little honey or lemon juice to taste. Alternatively, ginger can be chewed raw or taken in capsule or powder form.
Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties that can help fight infection and prevent further complications of the disease. Some studies have proven these properties. One of them, conducted in 2014, found that participants who took garlic every day had fewer colds than those who received a placebo. Another study, which tried to explore the possible effects of garlic on the immune system, observed that participants who took garlic regularly reported fewer and less severe symptoms if they caught a cold. This suggests that garlic might help reduce inflammation. The key compound present in garlic, allicin, has been shown to be effective against many different types of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Garlic can be eaten raw, cooked or taken as a supplement. However, it may interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, so consult your doctor before using it.
Elderberry
This berry has antiviral and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and mucus production in the lungs. Several studies have shown promising results in proving the antibacterial and antiviral properties of elderberries. Already a 2012 test tube study reported that elderberry has several properties that allow it to fight the flu. Elderberries act on some symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion and cough.
The results of other studies showed that while elderberries didn’t really help prevent colds, they certainly could shorten the illness. The researchers reported that people in the placebo group tended to have longer and more severe colds than those taking elderberry extract.
Elderberries can be administered as syrup, juice, tea or capsules. However, it should not be eaten raw or uncooked, as it may contain toxic substances that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Mint
This herb contains menthol, which can help loosen phlegm and make breathing easier. Peppermint oil is also used as a natural fever reducer. A 2003 study proved the antiviral properties of peppermint oil. Menthol is also used in many cough drops to help soothe sore throats and calm coughs. Peppermint essential oil can be inhaled as a vapor, applied as an oil, or drunk as a tea. However, it should not be used by people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because it can worsen symptoms.
Remember that these remedies do not replace a doctor or medicine. If symptoms worsen, you have a fever, difficulty breathing or other serious conditions, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Bibliography:
Brazier, Yvette, Benefits, uses, and side effects of EchinaceaMedical News Today, [accessed 9.09.23].
Echinacea for the Common ColdWebMD, [access 9.09.23].
Richards, Louisa, How ginger can help with a cold, Medical News Today, [accessed 10.09.23].
Dresden, Danielle, Can garlic prevent or treat the common cold?, Medical News Today, [accessed 10.09.23].
Vandergriendt, Carly, Is Elderberry an Effective Treatment for Colds and the Flu?, healthline, [accessed 10.09.23].
Tiralongo, Evelin, Shirley S. Wee, Rodney A. Lea, Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial, „Nutrients” 2016, no. 8(4), p. 182,
McDermott, Annette, Can Essential Oils Treat or Prevent Colds?, healthline, [accessed 10.09.23].
2023-10-31 20:08:17
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