Question
In your opinion, what herbs help when you have a cold, especially for nasal congestion and coughs.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Sallie

Four different categories of herbs are utilised to help combat the common cold.

First, herbs that stimulate the immune system to fight the infection are used during and possibly to prevent colds. Echinacea and Asian ginseng are two examples in this category.

Second, herbs that promote a mild fever, hence sweating (known as diaphoretics) may be useful. Because a fever is a sign of the immune system working, it may be that diaphoretics are also immune stimulators like the first category. Elder, boneset and yarrow are three examples.

The third category includes herbs that may directly kill the viruses that cause colds, based on test tube studies. Goldenseal, myrrh and usnea are examples.

Finally, some herbs are used just to alleviate symptoms such as sore throats. These herbs tend to be high in mucilage and are soothing and anti-inflammatory or have tannins that are astringent. Marshmallow and red raspberry are two examples. Symptom-relieving herbs may have other active constituents and mechanisms of actions. As you can see in the following list, many herbs fit in more than one category, such as goldenseal (immune stimulating and antiviral).

Immune-stimulating:
Asian ginseng, astragalus, boneset, echinacea, eleuthero, goldenseal, hyssop, linden, schisandra, wild indigo.

Diaphoretic:
Boneset, elder flower, hyssop, linden, yarrow.

Symptom-relieving Astringent (soothe sore throat):
Blackberry, blueberry, red raspberry.

Mucilage (soothe sore throat):
Marshmallow, mullein.

Reduce nasal stuffiness:
Eucalyptus, peppermint.

Relieve aches and pains:
Meadowsweet.

Miscellaneous sore throat relief:
Sage, yarrow.

cheers