From the Guidelines
Herbal medicines like Andrographis paniculata SHA-10 extract have shown significant impact on symptoms of common cold without important adverse events, and should be considered as a treatment option. When looking at the most effective herbs for upper respiratory tract infections, several options have been studied, including Andrographis paniculata SHA-10 extract, which has been found to have a significant impact on symptoms of common cold without important adverse events 1. Other herbal medicines like BN1016 and Cineole may also be beneficial, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Some key points to consider when using herbal remedies for upper respiratory tract infections include:
- Andrographis paniculata SHA-10 extract has been shown to reduce symptom severity when taken as 400 mg extract daily for 5 days 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
- Echinacea products have not been shown to provide benefits for treating colds, although there could be a weak benefit from some Echinacea products 1
- Vitamin C may be useful for people exposed to brief periods of severe physical exercise, and may help reduce the duration and severity of colds in supplementation studies 1
It's also important to note that while herbal remedies can be beneficial, they should complement rather than replace conventional treatments for severe infections, and those with medical conditions or taking medications should consult healthcare providers before using herbal remedies. Additionally, antibiotics should not be prescribed for patients with the common cold, as they are not effective and lead to significantly increased risk for adverse effects 1.
From the Research
Herbs for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- Echinacea is a commonly used herb for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Efficacy of Echinacea
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that echinacea preparations may have a preventative effect on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, but the effect is debatable 2
- Another study found that echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications, with ethanolic extracts appearing to provide superior effects 4
- A review article found that echinacea has a beneficial effect, but clear conclusions and recommendations cannot be made due to a lack of standard product and variability in dose and outcome measures 3
Types of Echinacea
- Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia are commonly used types of echinacea 3, 6
- Both the upper parts and roots of the plant are used, and various forms of administration, such as tablets, extracts, and teas, have been used 3