The cold is a viral infectious disease affecting the upper respiratory tract with symptoms including coughs, a runny nose, and sore throat. While these symptoms are usually mild and may resolve without treatment within a week to 10 days, some populations may experience severe complications and some cases can last as long as three weeks. With no cure and with adults having an average of two to three colds per year (children typically getting many more), it is no wonder millions of people seek to prevent or treat their colds with herbal medicines.
For information on the results from randomised controlled trials and a summary of the findings using meta-analysis, select a herb or compound below and download the related fact sheet. As always, consult your physician before adding new treatments to your regimen or changing any current medication.