The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that the use of herbal remedies is increasing among Americans. In a 2007 NCCAM survey, nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults indicated that they used one or more types of complementary and alternative medicine, such as herbal supplements. Certain kinds of herbs appear to reduce your risk of getting flu and alleviate symptoms if you do get sick.
Echinacea
According to a 2007 report in "Alternative Medicine Reviews," echinacea is the most recognized herb for the prevention and treatment of flu. In vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) studies in two species of echinacea--E. purpurea and E. Augustifolia--have demonstrated the herb's effectiveness in triggering both cellular and humoral (antibody) responses. However, echinacea preparations have performed inconsistently in randomized clinical trials. Some studies have found a significant reduction in the severity and duration of symptoms in patients treated with echinacea, while others have concluded there was no benefit. Taken orally, echinacea rarely produces side effects, says NCCAM, with one caveat. Echinacea is a member of the daisy family, so people with history of asthma or other allergies to other plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies, probably should avoid echinacea.
Elderberry
According to the respected "German Commission E Monographs," translated into English by the American Botanical Society in 1998, elderberry, also known as European elder, provides effective relief for colds, fevers and catarrh (excessive respiratory tract secretions). Influenza-infected human cells treated with elderberry extract demonstrate diminished ability to infect other cells, compared with untreated cells. Elderberry also mobilizes phagocytes, which are specialized cells that engulf and digest virus-infected cells. In clinical trials, elderberry was shown to reduce the duration of influenza symptoms from seven or eight days to three or four days in treated individuals. NCCAM recommends that only cooked, ripe, black or blue elderberries or supplements prepared from these be consumed. Other kinds of elderberry can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea.
Astragalus
According to a 2002 article in "Alternative Health Medicine," tonics made from Astragalus membranaceus are a traditional Chinese medicine remedy for both colds and flu. Although human clinical trial data is lacking, astragalus root extracts boosted survival from 20 percent to between 30 and 40 percent among treated animals in studies of Japanese encephalitis virus. Astragalus is rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, multiple trace minerals and amino acids, all of which contribute to its immuno-supportive properties. According to NCCAM, clinical trials are under way to assess the effects of astragalus on the body, especially the immune system. Astragalus is considered safe for most adults; however, people who are taking immunosuppressant drugs should not take astragalus without consulting their health care provider because it may interfere with the effectiveness of these drugs.
References
- "Alternative Medicine Reviews"; Colds and Influenza; M. Roxas and J. Jurenka; 2007
- "Complete German Commission E Monograph"; American Botanical Council; M. Blumenthal; 1998
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Astragalus; D. McKenna, K. Hughes, K. Jones; 2002
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