The common cold is typically caused by the rhinovirus. The seasonal flu is caused by one of several strains of the influenza virus. Both sicknesses result in symptoms and infections that do not respond to antibiotics, the conventional medical treatment for bacterial infections. Other medicines and vaccines are used to combat the cold and flu. Additionally, certain herbs may help alleviate symptoms. Check with your doctor before trying herbal remedies.
Echinacea
One of the most common herbal cold and flu remedies is purple coneflower, or echinacea. It is a tall, flowering herb used in Native American and folk medicine to treat a variety of infectious conditions. It is both naturally antibacterial and anti-viral. Herbalists use echinacea to treat cold and flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, laboratory and animal studies show that the chemical components in echinacea help enhance the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have antiviral and antioxidant effects. The recommended dose is 300 mg, three times per day for seven to 10 days. Consult your doctor before taking echinacea for a cold or the flu.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a tall tree found throughout the Mediterranean and subtropical regions. The leaves produce aromatic oils and are used in herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Eucalyptus tea can be used to treat respiratory infections and reduce fevers and inflammation in the body. Eucalyptus oil is also used topically to relieve chest congestion, open sinuses and alleviate coughs. UMMC notes that the herb is often recommended by professional herbalists to treat the common cold and flu. As an herbal tea, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. can be taken up to three times per day. Get your doctor's OK before using eucalyptus for your illness.
Garlic
Garlic is a common cold and flu remedy that has received some attention because of recent scientific studies. The main chemical constituent in fresh garlic, allicin, has been found to have both antibacterial and anti-viral properties. UMMC cites one study of 150 participants that found garlic helps to both prevent and treat the common cold. Of note, the allicin in fresh garlic is not easily absorbed by the body, and fermented, or aged, garlic is the preferred variety for medicinal use. The therapeutic dose is 600 to 1,200 mg daily.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract is an age-old remedy for infections, especially those of a chronic nature. According to Clayton College of Natural Health, it is considered both anti-viral and antibacterial. It is also used to help boost the immune system. Olive leaf extract can be found in herbal teas, tincture or capsule form. Few studies exist that have evaluated olive leaf for safety or effectiveness. Check with your health care practitioner for appropriate use of this herb.
Elderberry
Elderberry is one herb that has specifically been studied in the treatment of the flu virus. One oft-cited study is an Israeli study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." Researchers found that elderberry extracts successfully inhibited the growth of both influenza A and B viruses, and 90 percent of study participants felt complete improvement within two to three days. They concluded that elderberry extract, also called sambucol, is a safe, effective treatment for seasonal influenza. The typical dose is 500 mg, twice daily. Talk to your doctor about using elderberry to treat the flu.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Common Cold
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eucalyptus
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- Clayton College of Natural Health Herb Reference Guide: Olive Leaf Extract
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenze Virus In Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by Elderberry Extract; Z. Zakay-Rones, et al.; 1995
