The common cold is the most prevalent illness among Americans, notes MedlinePlus. There are 1 billion cases of the common cold per year in America alone. The common cold is transmitted from person to person by inhaling drops of infected mucus from the air and touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles and telephones. There is no cure for the common cold, but symptoms may be managed by drinking fluids, resting and taking drugs such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Herbs are sometimes used to prevent and treat the common cold, although evidence to support their efficacy is limited.
Echinacea
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in America and helps boost the immunity system and the body's ability to fight infections. An analysis of clinical trial data published in the July 2007 issue of "The Lancet Infectious Diseases" found that evidence gathered so far suggests echinacea may decrease the incidence and duration of the common cold. Echinacea is not a suitable treatment for people with multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases or liver disorders. It may also interact with immunosupressive drugs.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is often used to relieve symptoms of the common cold such as cough and sore throat. It is sometimes used in balms that are rubbed on the chest to break up phlegm and decongest the airways. The leaves of the plant are used to make eucalyptus oil, which has expectorant and antibacterial properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that you should not use eucalyptus if you have an inflammatory disease, liver disease or high blood pressure. Do not use eucalyptus if you have asthma, because it may trigger an asthma attack.
Ginseng
Ginseng may help stave off a common cold and may reduce the severity of cold symptoms, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The roots of the ginseng plant contain chemicals known as ginsenosides, which are believed to be the medicinally active part of the plant. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that short-term ginseng use is safe for most people, but long-term use may cause side effects including headache and gastrointestinal problems. Do not use ginseng if you have diabetes, because it may affect your blood sugar levels.
References
- MedlinePlus: Common Cold
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Common Cold
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
- "The Lancet Infectious Diseases"; Evaluation of Echinacea for the Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis; S.A. Shah et al; July 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Common Cold
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eucalyptus
