Herbs for Fighting Cold and Flu

Many herbs have been used for hundreds of years against incidence and symptoms of cold and flu. Some have even enjoyed positive modern research results. Black elderberry (as Sambucol, from Nature's Way) was shown to reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of influenza strains A and B.¹ Goldenseal, oregano, myrrh and rosemary are proven antibacterial herbs.^2,3,4,5 Licorice, an antiviral, has known mucosal protective benefits that make it an ideal sore throat herb.^6,7 Also antiviral is Andrographis paniculata, which has been shown to counter the common cold, flu and other respiratory infections.^8,9

One of the most popular, time-honored traditions of supplementing with medicinal herbs during the late-year cold and flu season is to sip a brewed cup of herbal tea. "Taking to time to nurture oneself, sipping a soothing aromatic herb tea and relaxing into the healing process—it almost makes being sick worthwhile," quipped David Hoffmann, medicinal herbalist for Traditional Medicinals. The company makes a range of cold season tea products, from Echinacea Plus to Cold Care and Throat Coat teas, which contain herbs such as elder, yarrow, licorice, peppermint and Echinacea.

"The use of herbal remedies to ease the discomforts of the common cold, and even influenza, is an ancient and worldwide phenomenon," Hoffmann said. "For example, Echinacea was used by the Native American peoples for thousands of years before being introduced into Europe in the early 20th century." He explained the herbs in Gypsy Cold Care® are based on a traditional European formulation that can be traced back to the earliest writings of Dioscorides and Galen during the time of the Roman Empire.

The key to effective herbal supplementation in tea form is similar to herbs in pill form: quality. However, Hoffmann suggested consumers need not be concerned about the minutiae of manufacturing quality, as long as the product is made from pharmacopoeial-grade herbs. "This is the grade of botanicals that is defined in official governmental quality standards books (e.g. European Pharmacopoeia), which require the testing, release and use of only those herbs that meet or exceed the standards of quality, composition, identity, strength and purity that are well-defined in the pharmacopoeial monographs," he explained. "This certification ensures that the herbal material being used is of the highest therapeutic quality."

Formulation is an equally important consideration. "Herbal combinations are not combined randomly, but are based on therapeutic principles developed over generations of herbalist in many different cultures," Hoffmann said. "Thus, to ensure the best outcome, use combinations that have been formulated following traditional guidelines, taking into account safety and quality concerns." He conceded this is difficult for the customer to determine, but buying from reputable herb company eases this challenge.

For information on other natural treatments for cold and flu, see our articles, "Probiotics and Colostrum for Cold and Flu Season" and "The Purple Coneflower's Immune-Bolstering Powers" 

References:

1. Zakay-Rones, Z et al. "Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections." J Int Med Res. 2004;32(2):132-40.

2. Mahady GB et al. “In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to isoquinoline alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis and Hydrastis canadensis.” Phytother Res. 17, 3:217-21, 2003.

3. Oussalah M et al. "Mechanism of action of Spanish oregano, Chinese cinnamon, and savory essential oils against cell membranes and walls of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes." J Food Prot. 69,5:1046-55, 2006.

4. Dolara P et al. “Local anaesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of sesquiterpenes from myrrh.” Planta Med. 66, 4:356-8, 2000.

5. Del Campo J et al. "Antimicrobial effect of rosemary extracts." J Food Prot. 63,10:1359-68, 2000.

6. Lengsfeld C et al. "Large molecules as anti-adhesive compounds against pathogens." J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 Jun;59(6):777-86.

7. Fiore C et al. "Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species." Phytother Res. 2008 Feb;22(2):141-8.

8. Mahady G et al. "Is there clinical evidence supporting the use of botanical dietary supplements in children?" J Pediatrics. 2005; 146(3):311-17.

9. Coon JT and Ernst E. "Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy." Planta Med. 2004 Apr;70(4):293-8.