What medicinal herbs can help relieve symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) with pulmonary congestion?

From the Guidelines

Several medicinal herbs, including Andrographis paniculata SHA-10 extract, have been shown to significantly impact symptoms of common cold without important adverse events, making them a potential option for relieving upper respiratory infection symptoms involving pulmonary congestion. When considering herbal medicines for URI symptoms, it's essential to note that the current evidence is mostly based on studies with limited sample sizes and variable quality, as seen in the european position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2020 1. Some key points to consider when using herbal medicines for URI symptoms include:

• Andrographis paniculata SHA-10 extract has been shown to have a significant impact on symptoms of common cold without important adverse events, although a formal systematic review is missing 1.
• Echinacea products have not been shown to provide benefits for treating colds, although there could be a weak benefit from some Echinacea products 1.
• Zinc administered as zinc acetate or zinc gluconate lozenges at a dose of >=75 mg/day and taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms significantly reduces the duration of common cold 1.
• Other herbal medicines like BNO1016 and Cineole may also have significant impacts on symptoms of common cold, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness 1. It's crucial to weigh the potential benefits of herbal medicines against the risk of adverse effects and to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new remedies, especially in patients with underlying medical conditions or taking other medications. In terms of specific herbal remedies, Andrographis paniculata SHA-10 extract can be considered as a potential option for relieving URI symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and optimal dosage. Additionally, combining herbal medicines with other evidence-based treatments, such as nasal saline irrigation or steam inhalation, may help to alleviate URI symptoms and improve quality of life 1.

From the Research

Medicinal Herbs for Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) with Pulmonary Congestion

The following medicinal herbs have been studied for their potential to relieve symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) with pulmonary congestion:

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): has spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties, and has been shown to be effective in alleviating cough and dyspnea in URI patients 2, 3, 4
• Primrose: has expectorant and secretolytic activity, and has been used in combination with thyme to treat URI symptoms 2
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): has non-specific immunomodulation effects and has been used to treat upper respiratory tract diseases 3
• American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): has non-specific immunomodulation effects and has been used to treat upper respiratory tract diseases 3
• Pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides): has antibacterial and antiseptic effects and has been used to treat respiratory tract diseases 3
• Honey: has been shown to be an effective antitussive in children with acute cough due to URI 5

Combination Therapies

Some studies have investigated the use of combination therapies, such as:

• Thyme and primrose extracts with thymol: has been shown to be effective in alleviating cough and dyspnea in URI patients 2
• Thyme and other medicinal plants: such as Echinacea, American ginseng, and Pelargonium, have been used to treat upper respiratory tract diseases 3

Non-Pharmacological Home Remedies

Non-pharmacological home remedies, such as:

• Herbal teas
• Thyme inhalations
• Honey and lemon have been reported to be effective in relieving URI symptoms by patients in some studies 6