Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic preparation derived from duck liver and developed by French physician Joseph Roy to treat various forms of illness. Astragalus is an herb with a long history of use in Native American and Chinese herbal traditions for its immunity benefits Both oscillococcinum and astragalus are used to treat colds and flu.
Small Effects
Oscillococcinum produced a small improvement in flu symptoms, though not sufficient to recommend its use as a first-order treatment, according to a Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center study published in the July 2006 issue of the journal "Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews." The review of previously published research found evidence that oscillococinum decreased the length of illness by 0.28 days and increased patients' perception of the effectiveness of their treatment. However, oscillococcinum shows no effectiveness as a cold and flu preventive. Researchers called for further, large-scale studies.
Insufficient Evidence
A review of research on complementary medicine for treating and preventing influenza, published in the November 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Medicine," found that oscillococcinum's effectiveness has not been sufficiently supported by research. Authors noted that studies performed up to 2011 lacked sufficient scale and quality. Other natural remedies in the study include elderberry, American ginseng and a commercial preparation containing Siberian ginseng and the herb Andrographis paniculata.
Immune-Activating
Astragalus may suppress influenza by activating your body's immune response. White blood cells known as T cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils all increase when you take astragalus, according to Shawn M. Talbot, author of "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements." Traditional Chinese medicine uses astragalus in conjunction with other herbs that complement its effects, such as ginseng, cordyceps and ashwagandha. Take caution, because astragalus' immune-stimulating qualities may aggravate symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Avoid astragalus if you have an autoimmune condition or take immune-suppressing drugs. Consult your doctor for guidance and supervision in the safe use of this herb.
Colds and Flu
Astragalus' best use is as a preventive against colds and flu, says Shawn Talbot, Ph.D., author of the book "The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health -- And What You Can Do About It." Most of the research on this herb, done in test tube and laboratory animal studies, shows it to be effective against bacteria and viruses by increasing the ability of white blood cells to contain an infection by engulfing pathogens. Astragalus is safe at normal doses of 250 mg to 500 mg per day. However, gastrointestinal disturbances may occur from high levels, says Talbot. Use lower doses when combining astragalus with other herbs.
References
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for Preventing and Treating Influenza and Influenza-like Syndromes; A. Vickers, et al; July 2006
- "American Journal of Medicine"; Complementary Medicine for Treating or Preventing Influenza or Influenza-like Illness; R. Guo, et al; November 2007
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements"; Shawn M. Talbott; 2006
- "The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health ... "; Shawn Talbott; 2007
- Creighton University: How It Works
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