Health Alert 63
There is still no cure for the common cold. For most of us malaise, congestion, runny nose, and sore throat can last up to 2 weeks. OTC medications may ease the symptoms of a cold. But they also have some nasty side effects. And nobody wants more annoying symptoms.
Before over-the-counter cold and flu medications, people used herbal ingredients to combat colds. People have used these ingredients safely for thousands of years. I have returned to using them in their practice. I am most pleased with their safety and gentle effectiveness. Three of my favorite herbal remedies for colds are:
• Eucalyptus for congestion and coughs
• Marsh Mallow for sore throat
• Usnea for coughs and anti-microbial properties
The first step to shortening the length and intensity of a cold is to make your body the healthiest it can be. I have spoken before about how important it is to take a multivitamin.
A multivitamin can provide some extra protection against colds. You can learn more about the best vitamins in Health Alerts 11 and 36.
* Modern Science Supports Using Natural Cold Remedies *
Medicinal eucalyptus leaves contains eucalyptol, an oil that relieves congestion. Eucalyptus contains compounds called tannins. Tannins have astringent properties that reduce swelling in the sinuses. Eucalyptol also loosens phlegm. Inhalation of eucalyptus is one of the most effective methods of clearing out congestion.
A British study had twenty healthy subjects with a phlegmy cough inhale either eucalyptus or a placebo. Researchers found that the eucalyptus inhalant was the most effective at stopping the subject’s cough.1
Place a few drops of medicinal eucalyptus oil or a couple dried eucalyptus leaves in pot of boiling water. Remove the water from the heat and inhale the rising vapor. Most health food stores carry the oil and leaves.
People have been using the marsh mallow plant medicinally for thousands of years. We are only now beginning to understand why it works. Marsh mallow is rich in Vitamins B, calcium, iodine, and zinc. Marsh mallow also contains a spongy compound called mucilage. Mucilage has anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties, which ease sore throats.
German researchers analyzed marsh mallow root for cough suppressant properties. Researchers found that 50 mg of marsh mallow extract dramatically reduced the number of coughs in the subjects. 2 You can make an herbal tea from the root. You can also find marsh mallow in capsule form at any health food store.
Usnea is a lichen long revered for it’s anti-microbial properties. Usnea’s active ingredient is usnic acid. Usnic acid has stronger antibiotic properties than penicillin. Usnic acid will kill the bacteria commonly responsible for sinus and throat infections. But unlike antibiotics, it will not harm “good” bacteria, like those in the intestines. Like marsh mallow, usnea contains mucilage, which eases cough.
A recent analysis of usnea found that usnic acid had “very high activity” against bacteria like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pneumococcus. 3 Powdered or dried usnea makes potent teas. This is my favored way of using usnea. You can also find usnea in capsule form at nutrition stores.
1 Morice A., et al. Effect of inhaled methol on citric acid induced cough in normal subjects. Thorax 1994 Oct; 49(10) : 1024-1026
2 Nosalova G., et al. Antitussive action of extracts of marsh mallow. Pharmazie 1992 Mar; 47(3): 224-226
3 Garcia R., et al. Some lichen products have antimicrobial activity. Z Naturforsch 1999 Jul-Aug; 54(7-8): 605-609.