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The common cold is an infection caused when a virus enters your body through the nose or mouth and attaches to the lining in your sinuses, throat or bronchial tubes. A cold often lasts three to seven days and can wear down your body's resistance, making you more at risk for bacterial infections. There are more than 200 cold viruses. Colds are the most common infections in the United States. The average person has two to three colds a year.
Symptoms
- Head and chest congestion
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Stuffiness
- Runny nose
- Mild headache
Be aware that herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume if a product is considered "natural" that it is harmless. Many substances do not have sound science behind them to prove their safety or how well they work. Manufacturers may not be giving you what you think you are getting, or the way the substance is processed may be unhealthy or unsafe.
With many of these products, doctors do not know enough about them. Herbs and supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or can worsen your health conditions. Consider that some supplements, such as vitamin A, may be unsafe when taken in mega doses.
It is strongly advised that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. If you are taking an herb or supplement and notice any unusual symptoms, stop taking the substance immediately and talk to your doctor.
| Herb or supplement |
Claims |
Possible Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the experts say |
| Echinacea |
Prevents and cures colds. |
Do not take Echinacea if you have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis or HIV/AIDS. People who have allergies to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Echinacea. May cause severe allergic reactions.
Few side effects have been reported when taken at recommended doses. Most common side effects include stomach discomfort and nausea.
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The evidence is conflicting. Studies suggest taking Echinacea when cold symptoms first start could reduce how long you have your cold and the severity of symptoms. But these studies are small and poorly designed. Future research should give better answers. Also, don't bother with Echinacea if you are trying to prevent a cold - it doesn't work. |
| Zinc |
Cures or shortens colds. |
Large doses of zinc (50 mg or more) can impair how well your body absorbs copper, harm your immune system, impair blood cell formation and reduce HDL cholesterol levels (the good kind). A study by the National Cancer Institute found men taking high doses (100 milligrams daily) were more likely to develop prostate cancer. People with diabetes should not take zinc supplements.
High doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and a metallic taste in the mouth. Other side effects of too much zinc include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, sweating, loss of muscle coordination and hallucinations.
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No evidence says zinc supplements fight colds or prevent them. Research has been conflicting. Your best bet is to get your zinc from foods like meats, seafood, dairy, beans and wheat germ. |
| Eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol |
Decongestant |
Do not take by mouth. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in animals. Don't take if you have allergies to eucalyptus oil or a history of seizures, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or abnormal heart rhythm. Some over-the-counter medications include eucalyptus. May interact with drugs that cause drowsiness and with blood sugar medications. Possible side effects are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and wheezing. |
Evidence so far does not say this can help with congestion during a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. More research is needed. Do not take this. Talk with your doctor first. |
| Vitamin C |
Cures or shortens the duration of a cold. |
Vitamin C has a diuretic effect.
While vitamin C is generally safe in high doses (more than 2,000 mg daily), it can cause diarrhea, gas or stomach upset. |
Most studies lead researchers to conclude that vitamin C does not prevent or treat colds. Some experts suggest that vitamin C may help only if you have low levels of this nutrient to begin with. |
Dietary modifications
Chicken soup may do some good. One theory is that it has drug-like agents similar to those in modern cold medicines. Spices that are often added to chicken soup, such as garlic and pepper, work the same as modern cough medicines by thinning mucus and making breathing easier.
Drink plenty of liquids, such as juice and water, to help replace fluids lost during a cold.
Conventional treatments
You'll have to wait out your cold. No medication is available to cure it. Do not ask your doctor for antibiotics because they treat only bacterial infections and not viruses that cause colds. You can get some relief with over-the-counter drugs.
Many cough and cold combinations treat symptoms, and these products may include any of the following: oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, guaifenesin, iodinated glycerol, diphenhydramine, codeine and dextromethorphan. You can look for a combination of the following:
- Antihistamine (may block the action of histamines that cause increased nasal secretions)
- Antitussives (may help reduce coughing)
- Decongestants (may help reduce nasal swelling and congestion)
- Analgesics (may help reduce fever and pain)
If you have questions about any of these medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This article was reviewed and updated
June 2007.
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