KITLIVING
The common cold is a viral
infection of the upper
respiratory tract and can
affect the nose, throat,
larynx and sinuses.
There are over 200 different viruses; the
most common culprits are the rhinovirus,
coronavirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial
virus). Colds are generally self-limiting
and will clear up within 2 weeks but
people often want support in managing
symptoms such as coughing, sore throat,
runny nose, sneezing, headache, or a
fever. A number of herbs can be used to
help manage these symptoms.
Echinacea (Echinacea
angustifolia) is one of the most
commonly used herbs and with good
reason: a meta-analysis of 14 studies,
evaluating the effect of Echinacea on the
incidence and duration of the common
cold, found that Echinacea decreased
the chances of developing a cold by 58%
and reduced the duration of the cold by
1.4 days Echinacea is well known now in
Europe and is grown as an ornamental
garden plant but its medicinal use started
with Native Americans hundreds of years
ago where it was used for pain relief,
wound healing, and as an antidote against
various poisons as well as managing cold
symptoms.
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)
has wide culinary use in cordials, wines
and desserts but its medicinal use is
for relieving cold symptoms including
catarrh and fevers. It is also used for hay
fever due to its anti-catarrhal action. The
flowers, berries and leaves are all used
and research on the berries found that its
constituents can impede the replication
of certain viruses in the body. The same
study also showed that it can reduce
the duration of influenza viruses by up
to 4 days NOTE 2. Elderberry also has
immune-modulating activity; it supports
the body's innate defence mechanism
by increasing the production of cytokines
which encourage the movement of
immune cells towards sites of infection
and inflammation.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has
been traditionally used for respiratory
system conditions including coughs. It has
been approved by German Commission
E (scientific advisory board) for use in
bronchitis. Like other members of the mint
family, it is rich in essential oils, particularly
thymol, which has an expectorant action,
expelling mucus from the lungs and relieving
congestion. It often appears in in cough
syrups, sometimes accompanied by licorice
which soothes mucous membranes and
eases coughs.
Andrographis (Andrographis
paniculata) is widely used in China, India,
Thailand, and Malaysia, for treating sore
throat, flu, and upper respiratory tract
infections. It is also used in Scandinavian
countries prophylactically and for
symptomatic relief of upper respiratory
infections. Studies show a significant
reduction in symptoms such as sore
throat, tiredness, muscular aches and
malaise compared to a placebo. The
duration and severity of the infection was
also reduced.
Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a
number of anti-viral compounds which
are readily released from the lungs and
respiratory tract, hence its particular
affinity for coughs and colds. Its sulphur
compounds, most notably allicin, have
been well studied and fresh garlic has
been shown to kill rhinovirus type 2, one
of the viruses responsible for the common
cold. Allicin begins to break down as soon
as it is chopped or crushed and is partially
destroyed by heat, so fresh garlic is better
than some commercial products.
Note: Seek the expert advice of a medical
herbalist before use. Medical herbalists
tailor herbal prescriptions and diet and
lifestyle advice, to meet the needs of
individuals. The National Institute of
Medical Herbalists is the UK's leading
professional body representing herbal
medicine practitioners. Not all herbs are
suitable in pregnancy, while lactating or if
you are taking other drugs. When using
herbs, the NIMH recommends seeking
the advice of a qualified medical herbalist.
To find your nearest NIMH herbalist
clcik here: http://bit.ly/20bhzec