Natural, Effective Remedies for Colds and Flu

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Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) seems to be an up-and-coming cold season herb. A 2004 research review of seven double-blind, controlled studies concluded that andrographis “may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection,” though the authors called for further research. A Russian study in children found that Kan Jang (andrographis leaf extract and eleuthero root, i.e., Siberian ginseng) was more effective than an echinacea extract in reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

Elderberry. A time-honored European cold and flu remedy is a tea of elder flowers and peppermint leaves. Scientific research however, has focused on the berry from the black elderberry tree (Sambucus nigra). (Red elderberries [S. racemosa] are toxic when taken internally. American elderberries [S. canadensis], which are dark purple, are OK to consume if cooked first.)

An extract of the black elderberries produces beneficial immune actions and helps fight influenza and other respiratory viruses. Two small studies have demonstrated rapid recovery from influenza with a proprietary elderberry extract called Sambucol, which is available in many natural food stores. You also can make your own elderberry syrup. While I can’t guarantee your syrup will contain the same chemical profile of that used in research (Sambucol), it will be tasty medicine. (Black elderberry plants are available from Horizon Herbs, which also carries Richo Cech’s book Making Plant Medicine with instructions on making elderberry syrup. — MOTHER) 

Ginseng and Eleuthero. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) and eleuthero (aka Siberian ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus) all have been reported useful in fighting respiratory viruses. Such immune enhancing herbs may be particularly helpful for the elderly. Ginseng is one of Foster’s stalwart cold and flu remedies. “When I feel like I’m coming down with something, I nibble on the root.” The dose is 1 to 3 grams a day. If the root is not handy, he takes a standardized extract (Ginsana brand).

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has many properties that can relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s an anti-inflammatory, demulcent (soothing to sore throats), antispasmodic (to relax tight coughs) and expectorant (expels respiratory mucus).

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