by Karen Schroeder, MS RD
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Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching... were all familiar with the misery that
accompanies a cold. And when a cold strikes, many people immediately think of
antibiotics to cure what ails them. However, antibiotics are not effective
against colds. This is because colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are
designed to fight bacteria, not viruses.
However, some of these natural therapies may help minimize the misery of a cold:
- Zinc
- Echinacea
- Andrographis
- Vitamin C
Zinc
How does it work?
Zinc—in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc acetate—can be given as a nasal spray
or as a lozenge to treat a cold. These forms of zinc release ions that directly
inhibit viruses in the nose and throat.
What is the scientific evidence?
The findings from scientific studies of zinc have been mixed, however, the
overall results appear to be favorable. For example:
Zinc nasal spray
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, people given zinc nasal
spray (zinc gluconate) had cold symptoms for 2.3 days, while those who took
a placebo were sick for 9 days.
- Another study, which used a different form that had a lesser amount of
zinc, did not find any benefit from the use of zinc.
Zinc lozenges
- In a double-blind trial, people took either zinc lozenges (13.3 mg of
zinc gluconate) or placebo lozenges several times daily until their cold
symptoms subsided. Those taking zinc saw all their symptoms disappear 1-3
days quicker as compared with the placebo group.
How do I use it?
The usual dosage is 13 to 23 mg of zinc as zinc gluconate or zinc acetate every
2 hours. Begin taking zinc at the first sign of a cold and continue until
symptoms subside; never take these forms of zinc for longer than two weeks.
Also, check the ingredient list and dont buy a lozenge that has citric acid or
tartaric acid. These are often added to improve flavor, but they can block
zincs antiviral action.
Echinacea
How does it work?
Echinacea is thought to work by temporarily stimulating the immune system,
although this has not been proven. There is no evidence that echinacea
strengthens or "nourishes" the immune system when taken over the long term.
There are three main species of echinacea:
- Echinacea purpurea
- Echinacea angustifolia
- Echinacea pallida
E. purpurea is the most widely used, but the other two are also available. It
isnt clear if any one type is better than the others.
What is the scientific evidence?
Echinacea has been the subject of much study. Among some of the cold and
flu-related research is the following:
- Several double-blind placebo-controlled studies enrolling a total of more
than 1,000 individuals have found that echinacea can make colds shorter and
less severe.
- Among a group of 80 people with early cold symptoms, those given E.
purpurea recovered in 6 days; those given placebo recovered in 9 days.
- A study of 246 people given E. purpurea found that those taking the herb
had significantly less severe symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat,
sneezing, and fatigue than those taking placebo.
- Several studies have tried to determine if taking echinacea regularly will
prevent colds. However, no studies have shown this to be true.
How do I use it?
Echinacea is usually taken at the first sign of a cold and continued for 7 to 14
days. The three main types of echinacea can be used interchangeably. Depending
on the form, dosages are:
- Echinacea powdered extract – 300 milligrams (mg), 3 times a day
- Alcohol tincture (1:5) – 3 to 4 milliliters (ml), 3 times daily
- Echinacea juice – 2 to 3 ml, 3 times daily
- Whole dried root – 1 to 2 grams (g), 3 times daily
Andrographis
How does it work?
Andrographis is a shrub found throughout India and other Asian countries. It is
sometimes called "Indian echinacea" because it is believed to provide many of
the same benefits. It is unclear how andrographis helps to prevent and treat
colds, but some evidence suggests that it might stimulate immunity.
What is the scientific evidence?
According to a few well-designed studies, andrographis can reduce the symptoms
of colds and possibly prevent colds as well. Heres a sampling of the evidence:
- Three double-blind placebo-controlled studies enrolling a total of about
250 people have found that andrographis significantly reduces the duration and
severity of cold symptoms.
- In a 4-day double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 158 adults with
colds, people were given either 1,200 mg daily of an andrographis extract
(standardized to contain 5% andrographolide) or placebo. By day 2 of
treatment, and even more by day 4, people given the andrographis extract had
significant improvements in symptoms as compared with those given the
placebo. The greatest relief was seen with earache, sleeplessness, nasal
drainage, and sore throat, but other cold symptoms improved as well.
- Another double-blind study, which involved 152 adults, compared
andrographis with acetaminophen for the treatment of sore throat and fever.
A dose of 6 g/day of andrographis decreased symptoms of fever and throat
pain as well as acetaminophen. However, 3 g/day of andrographis did not have
any effect. There were no significant side effects in either group.
- According to one double-blind placebo-controlled study, andrographis may
increase resistance to colds. Over the course of three months, volunteers took
either a dried extract of andrographis (two 100-mg tablets standardized to
5.6% andrographolide) or a placebo daily. By the end of the study, twice as
many people in the placebo group as in the treatment group had colds.
How do I use it?
A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day. Doses as high as 1,000
to 2,000 mg 3 times daily have been used in some studies. Andrographis is
usually standardized to its content of andrographolide, typically 4 to 6%.
Vitamin C
How does it work?
Vitamin C is a nutrient of great controversy. While some experts believe
megadoses of this vitamin can keep you healthy, others feel it is over-hyped.
The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Many studies have found that vitamin C supplements—at a dose of 1,000 mg daily
or more—can modestly reduce symptoms of colds and help you get over a cold
faster. This evidence regards daily use of vitamin C throughout the cold season.
Many people use vitamin C for colds in a different way: they only begin taking
it when cold symptoms start. Relatively few studies have evaluated this
approach.
What is the scientific evidence?
A large double-blind placebo controlled trial was recently conducted to
determine whether vitamin C helps when taken only at the onset of a cold and for
the following two days. The volunteers were divided into four groups depending
on the amount of vitamin C they took per day: 30mg (considered the placebo),
1000mg, 3000mg, or 3000mg with additives.
The results showed no difference in the duration or severity of cold symptoms
among the four groups. And the researchers concluded that high dose vitamin C
does not help to lessen the effects of the common cold.
There are two main possible explanations for these negative results:
- Taking high dose vitamin C at the onset of a cold is not as effective as
taking it continuously.
- Taking vitamin C at the onset of a cold could work, but that two days of
treatment isnt long enough
How do I use it?
Vitamin C is available as a single dietary supplement. There is as much
controversy about recommended levels as there is about the true health benefits
of this vitamin. Many nutritional experts, though, recommend a total of 500 mg
of vitamin C daily. This dose is almost undoubtedly safe. The Upper Limit (UL)
established by the Food and Nutrition Board is:
|
Age |
Upper Limit |
| 1-3 years |
400 mg |
| 4-8 years |
650 mg |
| 9-13 years |
1,200 mg |
| 14-18 years |
1,800 mg |
| 19+ years |
2,000 mg |
Source:
Natural Health Encyclopedia