Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your head cold. According to MayoClinic.com, the common cold, or head cold, is a viral infection of your nose and throat. Common symptoms associated with a head cold include runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, sneezing and congestion in your nasal passages. Before taking herbs to help treat your head cold, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb that may be helpful in treating your head cold. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a small plant with a single stem, jagged leaves, small flowers and raspberry-like fruit. Goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, thrives in rich, shady soil in the northern United States. Goldenseal has a bitter, astringent taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that goldenseal is an alterative, astringent, laxative and antimicrobial. Goldenseal, notes Tilgner, is used to treat colds, flu, sore throats, middle ear infections and numerous other problems associated with your mucus membranes. Before taking goldenseal to help treat your head cold, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Elderberry
Elderberry is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your head cold. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that elderberry, or Sambucus nigra, is a tree native to Europe and certain parts of Asia and Africa, although it now grows in the United States too. The dried flowers and the cooked berries of the plant are used to treat numerous health problems, including colds, flu, fever, sinus infections, constipation, coughs and skin conditions. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," elderberry is a nutritive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral that is used to shorten the severity and duration of head colds. Smith notes that large doses of this herb may have a mild laxative action. Before taking elderberry to help treat your head cold, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Hyssop
According to Botanical.com, hyssop, or Hyssopus officinalis, is a bushy, evergreen plant that grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet. Hyssop is native to southern Europe. The budding aerial parts of the plant are used to treat infectious conditions of your lungs and digestive system, low-grade fevers and soft tissue injuries. Hyssop has a slightly bitter and spicy taste. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that hyssop may be used to treat head colds, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and chronic nasal catarrh, or inflammation of your nose and throat with increased mucus production. Hyssop is an antiviral, expectorant and astringent. Before taking hyssop to help treat your head cold, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
