Natural Remedies for the Common Cold:

The winter season has arrived and even in South Florida we can get the chills. With the cold season the viral infections of the upper respiratory tract are on the rise and many of my patients present to our clinic complaining about sore throat, cough, and drippy nose.

The most common offender is the Influenza A virus which settles in the respiratory tissue and causes the production of secretion. This virus can trigger a cascade of events ranging from headache, fever, and muscleache to severe pneumonia, heartmuscle damage (Myocarditis, Pericarditis), central nervous system diseases (Encephalitis), and renal failure.

Especially the senior generation can suffer from the severe consequences of such a " simple cold" and are recommended to receive the annual influenza vaccine and every 6-7 years a pneumonia vaccine (Pneumovacc).

Several herbal remedies have found to be effective for the common cold or flu and should be on hand during the winter season:

Astralagus: a chinese herbal remedy also known as huanqi. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune system enhancing properties. Available as tincture or capsules in health food stores or from selected manufacturers.

Garlic: fresh garlic cloves, chopped or crushed, release allicin, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is a home remedy used at the onset of the first cold symptoms. If you don’t mind the odor you should try this effective natural substance.

Echinacea: a widely popular herbal remedy with proven immune-enhancing effects. For several thousand years traditional chinese physicians and American Indians applied the echinacea root extract for wound healing and treatment of infectious diseases. With the introduction of Penicillin its medicinal use was forgotten. It regained popularity in Europe and is now the first choice for the prevention and treatment of the flu. You should take 300mg of the standardized extract three times daily for no more than eight weeks.

Eucalyptus: the aromatic oils of the eucalyptus leaf are an excellent remedy for the treatment of chest congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Put three to five drops of the oil extract in a bowl of steaming hot water, place your face over the bowl and close your eyes, and drape a towel over your head and the bowl. Inhale through your nose (sinusitis) or mouth (bronchitis) for 2-3 minutes and repeat this twice daily.

Goldenseal: a native american medicinal and dye plant used by the Cherokee tribe to heal wounds and relieve mouth ulcers by chewing the fresh root. It has disinfectant properties and can enhance the healing of sore throats by gargling a goldenseal solution. In one cup of warm water mix ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of goldenseal powder. Gargle for a few minutes at least four times daily.

Homeopathic Remedies: natural compounds are diluted to minute doses to alleviate the symptoms caused by large doses of the same substances by stimulating the body’s own healing process to naturally cure illness. Available in dry powder, liquid or pill form. Taken and dissolved sublingually. Widely used in Europe and gaining slow acceptance in the US. A few selected manufactures have quality products available. No side effects are reported. Please contact a physician knowledgeable in homeopathy.

In summary herbal and homeopathic remedies are an excellent adjunct for the treatment of flu-related ailments but do not substitute for prescribed antibiotic or antiviral medication.

Please do not self-diagnose or self-treat recurrent or chronic infections and contact your physician for advice.

Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D. is the medical director of the Aventura Family Health Center. He is a board certified family physician trained in botanical medicine and homeopathy. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and Family Medicine at the University of Miami, School of Medicine.

You can reach him at (305) 937-0700 or at info@miamihealth.com.

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