Every year, most people catch a couple of colds or even the flu. They are inevitable most of the time and there really aren’t any medications to prevent or help cure your cold or flu. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, $1.5 billion dollars were spent on cold and flu supplements and the market is growing at twice the rate than over-the-counter remedies are.
Echinacea Natural Herbal Remedy for Cold and Flu
Also known as Echinacea purpurea, echinacea is widely promoted for its ability to boost your immune system and help you to fight colds and the flu. Studies have mixed results as to how effective echinacea is, and it all depends on how it is prepared. Mixed in a juice or in powder form, echinacea was not found to be very effective, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM. But, in a tincture form, Dr. David Leopold says it is more powerful than in pill form.
Goldenseal Natural Herbal Remedy for Cold and Flu
Goldenseal has many uses, according to Drugs.com, including boosting the immune system when ingested. It has not been studied thoroughly yet and the FDA has not made any rulings on its use. While many people validate that goldenseal does boost the immune system, it’s important to know that it can have side effects. You should consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, allergies to plants or if you are pregnant, before taking goldenseal.
Ginseng Natural Herbal Remedy for Cold and Flu
Ginseng has been used for centuries for alternative medicine and is often taken to boost energy and improve overall health. Taking ginseng every day was found to reduce the severity of colds and reduce your chances of catching a cold, according to a 2005 Canadian study.
Pelargonium sidoides Natural Herbal Remedy for Cold and Flu
Extracts from this plant have been shown to reduce symptoms of bronchitis and to speed up recovery time. Clinical studies have validated the use of this plant and the recommended dose is three lozenges every day for six days, according to Drugs.com.
Vitamin C Natural Herbal Remedy for Cold and Flu
A very popular natural remedy to boost the immune system and while study results are mixed, the general consensus is that vitamin C does reduce the severity and duration of a cold. The everyday dose recommendation is 75 milligrams for adult women and 90 milligrams for adult men. Dr. Leopold recommends taking one gram several times a day if you have a cold.
Zinc Natural Herbal Remedy for Cold and Flu
In 1996, a study showed that the duration of the common cold was reduced from 7.6 days to 4.4 days when participants used zinc lozenges. When used in a nasal spray, some people lost their sense of smell. It should not be taken for long periods of time, but doctors do often recommend zinc lozenges to boost the immune system.
Side Effects of Herbal Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu
You should always consult your doctor before taking any herbal products. They can interfere with other medications you are taking, cause allergic reactions and have negative impacts on pregnancy or breast-feeding. Natural herbal remedies should still be treated as pharmaceutical products are; with caution. It is possible to overdose on herbal remedies and side effects should not be ignored.
Safety of Herbal Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu
The FDA does not regulate natural herbal products the same way it does with pharmaceutical products. There is very little regulation for these products and consumers must be vigilant in checking the sources of the products and where they were produced. Some products, produced out of the country, may have other ingredients mixed in with them. Check the FDA’s website or the NCCAM’s website to see if a certain product has any history or consumer warnings.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
Health.com. “Top 7 Natural Cold Remedies: Do They Work?” (accessed November 11, 2010)
Drugs.com. “Ginseng”(accessed November 11, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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