Coughs & Colds
| Echinacea, native to North America, is one of the most popular herbs used for avoiding coughs, colds and sore throats or at the very least minimising their consequences. It strengthens the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production and it inhibits the enzyme hyaluronidase, thus making cells less susceptible to viral take-over. It also helps regenerate cells that have been damaged. There are no known contraindications to Echinacea. The above ground part of the plant Nasturtium contains Benzyl mustard oil (benzyl isothiocyanate), which has been shown in in vitro studies to have bacteriostatic, virostatic and anti-mycotic properties. Benzyl mustard oil is accumulated and excreted mainly in the respiratory and urinary tract. Clinical data have shown it to be effective in the treatment of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections. It should not be used in infants. Herbal medicines such as Echinacea, Thyme and Aniseed have a long history of use in helping to relieve the symptoms of or prevent coughs. |
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| Useful Herbs for Coughs | |
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AniseedUses: Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract1.
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ThymeUses: Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial catarrh and pertussis1.
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| Useful Herbs for Colds | |
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ConeflowerUses: Prolonged viral and bacterial infections. Protection against colds and influenza. 2.
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NasturtiumUses: Catarrh and other infections. 3 4.
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| References  1European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy Monograph. 2British Herbal Compendium Volume 1. British Herbal Medicine Association 1992. 3Bundesanzeiger No 162 29th August 1992 Commission. 4Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe. Dieter Podlech. HarperCollins 1996.  |
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