-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
rhinitis/common cold
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
The common cold is an infection that usually involves the nose and throat. The symptoms are sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and sometimes joint aches and a sore throat.
Many factors can decrease the ability of the immune system and cause a person to catch a cold. These factors include improper diet, stress, not enough rest, lack of exercise, and abuse of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs.
Nasal discharge, coughing, and fever are ways in which the body re-establishes its balance and eliminates the virus and waste products. Therefore, symptoms should not be simply suppressed. Instead, attention should be focused on strengthening the immune system and speeding up healing.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Beta-carotene 100,000 Units twice daily. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.
2. Vitamin C For adults, 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours. For small children, 250 milligrams every 2 hours. Decrease the dose if diarrhea results. It's better to use vitamin C with bioflavonoids, which improve its action.
3. Zinc 15-25 milligrams every 2 hours only while symptoms are present. Zinc lozenges, which coat the throat when it is sore, can be used. Zinc gluconate and zinc gluconate-glycine are the forms which have demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in studies.
4. Thymus Tablets 1 every 2 hours.
THE PROPER DIET FOR COLDS AND FLU WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Increase liquid intake to at least 10 cups a day for an adult. Drink water, soups, herbal teas, broth, and citrus fruits, especially grapefruit. Note: Grapefruit juice may interact with some medications so check with your physician or pharamacist.
2. If you do not have much appetite, it is not essential to eat solid foods for 2 or 3 days unless you are pregnant. If you do wish to eat, have light meals of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
3. At least while symptoms are present, eliminate milk and dairy products, which lead to mucus production.
4. Try to eliminate sweets such as pastries and candies, which slow down the white blood cells, the part of the immune system which fights the virus.
HERBS USED FOR COLDS AND FLU:
1. Garlic 2 capsules or 1 clove, 3 times a day with a meal or beverage.
2. Onion-honey syrup Chop an onion in a bowl and cover with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Allow it to sit for 8 hours, then mash and strain. For an adult, 1 teaspoon every 2 to 3 hours. Half a teaspoon for small children.
3. Onion and Garlic can be made into a tea with the herb Sage and lemon and honey. Use 2 cups of boiling water, 1 teaspoon onion or garlic, 1 teaspoon Sage leaves, and lemon and honey to taste. Steep 5 minutes, and drink 1 cup per hour while hot. This may encourage sweating, which can speed up recovery.
4. Some studies have shown that the old remedy of chicken soup aids in expelling mucus and quickening recovery.
5. The following herbal mixture can be used as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract. Mix the following:
Echinacea 2 parts
Astragalus 2 parts. This is a Chinese herb.
Golden Seal 1 part
Yarrow 1 part
For an adult, 1 teaspoon of the tincture 4 times a day. For children, 5 drops times the age 4 times a day.
In capsule form these herbs can be used in combination, up to 10 capsules a day in divided doses
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under your tongue. Take 3 times a day.
Influenzinum 30C or Aconite 30C: At the first sign of a cold, only to be taken for the first day.
Allium cepa. 12C: For clear, burning, watery nasal discharge.
Kali bichromicum 12C: For thick, yellow-greenish discharge or crusts in the nose.
Natrum mur 12C: For recurring colds with sneezing and a whitish nasal discharge, sticky like egg whites.
AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES:
1. For nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, breathe the steam of a vaporizer or a pot of boiling water for 5 to 15 minutes. Drape a towel over your head and the pot to prevent the loss of steam. This treatment is even more effective if you add the oil or leaves of Eucalyptus, Pine, Cloves, or Thyme. If you are not using a commercial vaporizer, be sure not to burn yourself.
2. Remember to get plenty of rest. Most people catch a cold or flu when they miss sleep or are overworked, stressed, or overexposed to bad weather.
If a sore throat or cough is present, you may want to refer to the article on sore throats (pharyngitis) or on cough.
Clinic
Footnotes
Al-Nakib W, Higgins PG, Barrow I, Batstone G, Tyrrell DA. Prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds with zinc gluconate lozenges. J Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 1987 Dec;20(6):893-901.
Abstract: Following a tolerance study, double-blind placebo controlled trials were conducted to determine the prophylactic effect of zinc gluconate lozenges on rhinovirus challenge and, in a third study, their therapeutic efficacy when given at the start of colds caused by virus inoculation was tested. In the prophylaxis study a total of 57 volunteers received lozenges of either zinc gluconate (23 mg) (29 volunteers) or matched placebo (28 volunteers) every 2 h while awake during a period of four and a half days. They were challenged with 10(2) tissue culture infecting dose (TCID50) of human rhinovirus 2 (HRV-2) on the second day of medication, and were monitored daily for symptoms and signs of colds and laboratory evidence of infection. Zinc reduced the total mean clinical score from 8.2 in the placebo group to 5.7 and the reduction of the mean clinical score was statistically significant on the second day after virus challenge. In the therapeutic study 69 volunteers were inoculated with 10(2) TCID50 of HRV-2 and those who developed cold symptoms were randomly allocated to receive either zinc gluconate lozenges (six volunteers) or matched placebo lozenges (six volunteers) every two hours they were awake for six days. Treatment of colds with zinc reduced the mean daily clinical score and this was statistically significant on the fourth and fifth day of medication. Similarly, medication also reduced the mean daily nasal secretion weight and total tissue count and these reductions were statistically significant on days two and six for nasal secretion weights and days four to six of medication for tissue counts when compared with placebo.
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.
Bradley PR (ed.) British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1. Bounemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.
Beuscher N, Scheit KH, Bodinet C, Kopanski L. [Immunologically active glycoproteins of Baptisia tinctoria]. Planta Med. 1989 Aug;55(4):358-363. [Article in German]
Abstract: Chromatographically purified fractions of aqueous-ethanolic extracts from Baptisia tinctoria roots contained a strong lymphocyte DNA synthesis-stimulating activity. Electrophoretic analysis of these fractions revealed four distinct protein bands with molecular masses of P1 = 58 kD; P4 = 31 kD; P5 = 26 kD; and P6 = 14 kD. They contained carbohydrate as determined by periodic acid Schiff staining. An estimation of the approximate amount of sugar was done by using human transferrin as a reference, this method revealed the following values: P1 = 27%; P4 = 12%; P5 = 14%; and P6 = 8%. The mixture of proteins and every single band were immunoreactive with a polyclonal antiserum against Baptisia proteins determined in immune and dot blots, respectively. Electrophoretically purified proteins were characterized by tryptic cleavage and determination of their amino acid content. They contained several common amino acids, predominantly aspartic acid, glutamic acid, threonine, and alanine. The content of glucosamine and/or galactosamine was less than 0.2 Mol-per cent. The four proteins revealed pI values between 5.3 and 4.7. Protein P 4 was immunochemically related to phytohemagglutinin but, in contrast to PHA-P, it exhibited no hemagglutinating activity and no leucagglutinating activity like PHA-L.
Dorn M, et al. Placebo-controlled, double-blind study of Echinacea pallidae radix in upper respiratory tract infections. Compl Ther Med 1997;5:40-42.
Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1984 Jan;25(1):20-24.
Abstract: As a possible treatment for common colds, we tested zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. One 23-mg zinc lozenge or matched placebo was dissolved in the mouth every 2 wakeful h after an initial double dose. After 7 days, 86% of 37 zinc-treated subjects were asymptomatic, compared with only 46% of 28 placebo-treated subjects (P = 0.0005). Side effects or complaints were usually minor and consisted mainly of objectionable taste and mouth irritation. Zinc lozenges shortened the average duration of common colds by about 7 days.
Eby G. Wheres the bias? Ann Intern Med 1998;128:75. (Letter)
Egert D, Beuscher N. Studies on antigen specifity of immunoreactive arabinogalactan proteins extracted from Baptisia tinctoria and Echinacea purpurea. Planta Med. 1992 Apr;58(2):163-165.
Abstract: In a series of experiments the cross-reactivity of antibodies raised against arabinogalactan proteins from Baptisia tinctoria and Echinacea purpurea was studied in order to prove the antigen specificity of the extracted glycoproteins/polysaccharides. Using the antigen-antibody reaction in a competitive ELISA it was evident that antibodies against glycoproteins from Baptisia tinctoria were specific because none of the other antigens like those from Echinacea purpurea, Thuja occidentalis, arabinogalactan from larch, LPS from E. coli 055:B5, and from Salmonella typhimurium were able to inhibit the antigen-antibody reaction. The same results were obtained from ELISA experiments with Echinacea purpurea. From these studies it was concluded that the antigenic regions of immunoreactive proteins from both medicinal plants show structural differences.
Ellingwood F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 11th ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1919, 1998.
Felter HW, Lloyd JU. Kings American Dispensatory, 18th ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898, 1983.
Garland ML, Hagmeyer KO. The role of zinc lozenges in treatment of the common cold. Ann Pharmacolther 1998 Jan;32(1):63-69. (Review)
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critique the medical literature on the use of zinc lozenges for treatment of the common cold. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE searches (January 1966-June 1997) identified human clinical trials on the use of zinc lozenges for the treatment of the common cold. Bibliographies were also reviewed for relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of zinc lozenges in adults for the treatment of the common cold, with the clinical end points of reduction in duration and/or severity of cold symptoms. DATA EXTRACTION: All double-blind placebo-controlled, human clinical trials on the use of zinc lozenges for the treatment of the common cold were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: The use of zinc lozenges in the treatment of the common cold has been suggested to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Of eight double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, four found zinc lozenges to be effective, while the other four reported no difference between zinc and placebo therapy. Potential reasons for the discrepancy between the results of these trials include inadequate placebo control, formulation of the lozenge, and the dose of zinc used. Common adverse effects include unpleasant taste, mouth irritation, and nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of the common cold with zinc gluconate lozenges, using adequate doses of elemental zinc, may be effective in reducing duration and severity of cold symptoms. The benefit appears to be maximal if the lozenges are started immediately after the onset of symptoms. The formulation of the lozenges also appears to be important because the addition of citric acid or tartaric acid may reduce efficacy due to chelation of zinc ion. Although zinc gluconate lozenges have dominated clinical trials thus far, further studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of zinc acetate lozenges and to determine whether their adverse effect profile is more favorable to that of zinc gluconate lozenges. Patients should play an important role in the decision-making process and must decide whether the benefit gained from treatment with zinc lozenges outweighs the potential adverse effects.
Grimm W, Mueller HH. A randomized controlled clinical trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Am J Med 1999 Feb;106(2):138-143.
Hemilä H. Does vitamin C alleviate the symptoms of the common cold? A review of current evidence. Scand J Infect Dis 1994;26:1-6.
Jackson JL, Peterson C, Lesho E. A meta-analysis of zinc salts lozenges and the common cold. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:2373-2376.
Macknin ML, Piedmonte M, Calendine C, et al. Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold in children. A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 1998;279:1962-1967.
Macknin ML. Zinc lozenges for the common cold. Cleveland Clin J Med 1999;66:27-32. (Review)
Melchart D, Linde K, Worku F, et al. Immunomodulation with echinacea. A systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine 1994;1:245-254. (Review)
Melchart D, Walther E, Linde K, et al. Echinacea root extracts for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections. Arch Fam Med 1998;7:541-545.
Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995.
Petrus EJ, Lawson KA, Bucci LR, Blum K. Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical study of the effectiveness of zinc acetate lozenges on common cold symptoms in allergy-tested subjects. Curr Ther Res 1998;59:595-607.
Saketkhoo K, Januszkiewicz A, Sackner MA. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. Chest. 1978 Oct;74(4):408-410.
Abstract: Nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance were measured in 15 healthy subjects before and at 5 and 30 minutes after drinking hot water by sip or straw, hot chicken soup by sip or straw, and cold water by sip. A sham drinking procedure with straw was also employed. Hot water by sip increased nasal mucus velocity from 6.2 to 8.4 mm per min, hot chicken soup by sip from 6.9 to 9.2 mm per min, and chicken soup by straw from 6.4 to 7.8 mm per min five minutes after administration. These increases were statistically significant compared to cold water, hot water by straw and sham. All values returned to their baseline at 30 minutes except cold water which significantly decreased the nasal mucus velocity from 7.3 to 4.5 mm per min. There were no significant changes from baseline in nasal airflow resistance 5 and 30 minutes following the above treatments. We conclude that drinking hot fluids transiently increases nasal mucus velocity in part or totally through the nasal inhalation of water vapor. Hot chicken soup, either through the aroma sensed at the posterior nares or through a mechanism related to taste, appears to possess an additional substance for increasing nasal mucus velocity. Finally, hot liquid might be superior to cold liquids in the management of fluids in upper respiratory tract infections.
Schilcher H. Phytotherapy in Paediatrics. Stuttgart, Germany: Medpharm Scientific Publishers, 1997.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenhburg, Sweden; Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers, Ltd., 1988.