Herbal Remedy For Common Cold

The common cold affects millions of Americans each year. The Ohio State University Medical Center states that the common cold is responsible for more doctor visits and missed school or work than any other illness. The common cold may be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses. Herbal remedies may help strengthen your immune system and combat the common cold. Talk with your doctor before using herbs to treat a cold.

About Common Cold

There are many indications that you may have the common cold. Examples of commonly experienced symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, continual, low-grade fever, mild cough, fatigue, headache, achy joints and muscles, and chills. According to the American Lung Association, infants and young children develop fevers more commonly than older individuals, and people who smoke are more likely to have severe symptoms than people who do not smoke.

Herbal Approach

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that there are many herbs that may help treat the common cold, including astragalus, celery seed, echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic, German chamomile, goldenrod, goldenseal, licorice, linden, marshmallow, peppermint, Siberian ginseng, wild yam and yarrow. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that other beneficial herbs for the common cold may include angelica, meadowsweet, boneset, elderberry, calamus, devil's club, catnip, lemon balm and fennel.

A Popular Herb

Cat's claw is one of the most popular herbs for treating the common cold. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," cat's claw acts as both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. This herb is well-known for its ability to stimulate your immune system and improve the health and function of your leukocytes, or white blood cells. The National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that cat's claw can be used internally or applied to your skin to help treat various conditions.

Additional Information

Balch recommends several helpful non-herbal strategies that may also combat the common cold. She states that taking vitamin C and zinc lozenges when you first notice symptoms -- usually a sore throat or head stuffiness -- can help shorten the duration of your cold. Other helpful strategies include sipping hot liquids such as chicken or turkey broth and remaining as physically active as possible. Remaining sedentary for the duration of your cold may actually make you feel worse.