Colds and flu – non-traditional and folk treatments – review of the research
Cold – respiratory infection, called one of the hundreds of possible virus. Since these viruses are widespread, You can say, that cold depresses immunity, that allows one from viruses to develop in the body.
Colds are most often occurs in winter, and while there are no accurate data, why this happens. Almost everyone occasionally suffers from cold, but some people get sick quite often, while others tend to stay sick for a long time.
Influenza type B, occurs in the form of a worldwide epidemic every winter. The predominant flu symptoms are high fever, general malaise and muscle pain. Colds occur primarily respiratory symptoms, usually, pretty minor compared to the flu. Besides, as a complication of influenza may develop pneumonia, especially dangerous for older people.
Traditional medicine could not cure, Neither prevented colds. Besides, None of the treatments cannot be guaranteed to shorten the duration of colds, or even make a significant temporary relief. Cough syrup may relieve symptoms, and actually acts mainly as placebo. Some of the non-traditional methods of treatment, described below, can improve the condition of the patient.
People often want to take antibiotics for colds, and many doctors prescribe their, though antibiotics do not work on viruses. Many believe, what, When the mucus becomes yellow, it means, that there is a bacterial infection, for which antibiotic treatment. Nonetheless, viruses can also produce yellow mucus and even if bacteria produce excess mucus, they mostly have no symptoms.
Cold, However, may be complicated by bacterial infections. In such cases, antibiotic treatment can be shown.
The case is somewhat better with the flu. Medicines against influenza provides protection against several strains of influenza virus. There are medicines against influenza virus, that can help prevent the flu, as well as reduce its duration and severity of illness.
The basic techniques for the treatment of influenza and colds natural remedies
Various treatments natural means sometimes provide relief of symptoms of flu and colds. Some of them are used in the treatment of acute bronchitis.
Supplementation, containing zinc
One of the most famous alternative means for the treatment of acute respiratory infections – cinksoderžaŝie medicines. As expected, certain forms of zinc produce ions, that directly inhibit viruses in your nose and throat.
Zinc intake may also be useful in cases, When the immune system is not functioning properly, or if there was a shortage of zinc in the body. Because zinc is usually insufficient in diet, especially in children and the elderly, nutritional supplements, containing zinc may be useful for patients with mild colds. A double-blind study in a group of 50 man found, that supplement zinc compared to placebo helps reduce infection. Besides, more than a dozen other studies have been discovered, supplement of zinc in the diet can increase resistance to respiratory and other infections in children, and that they can reduce the severity of symptoms.
However, an overdose of zinc may even worsen symptoms, so take it with caution.
Evidence of use of the gel for nose and tablets, containing zinc
The use of the pill, containing zinc gluconate or zinc acetate, found a few ambiguous, but in general the positive results to reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. For Example, in a double blind test 100 people like this, who were the early symptoms of colds, given the pill, that or contain 13.3 mg of zinc gluconate in a form or a placebo. Participants took the pill several times daily, While their cold symptoms not decreased. The results were positive. Coughing disappeared within 2 days in the Group, host preparation of zinc against 4 days in the placebo group. Angina disappeared after 1 day against 3 days in the placebo group, nasal discharge through 4 day (against 7 days), and headache through 2 day (against 3 days). Positive results were also seen in the double-blind studies of zinc acetate. However, not all studies have shown a positive result, but in the end, the effectiveness of the pill with zinc is suitable to treat cold symptoms.
Expected, that zinc tablets excipients play a significant role in its effectiveness. According to this, certain aromatic, such as citric acid and tartaric acid may prevent, to zinc ingibiroval viruses. Besides, chemical forms of zinc gluconate or zinc also zinc acetate may be ineffective. This is especially true of zinc sulfate. As fillers, sweeteners, such as sorbitol, sucrose, dextrose, and mannitol showed positive results, While glycine in combination with zinc did not lessen the symptoms of colds and flu.
Using zinc as nasal means somewhat controversial. In addition to unstable results in studies, using zinc nasal gel may cause pain and possible loss of smell.
In one double-blind placebo-controlled study 213 people with colds were taking zinc gluconate in gel form for nose or placebo in each nostril every 4 o'clock. The results were significant: participants, taking zinc were sick an average of 2, 3 day, and those, who received placebo, rooting on average during 9 days. Furthermore observed 75% reduction in the duration of symptoms. Somewhat more modest, but still significant results were seen with the cinkosoderžaŝim nasal gel in a double blind, placebo-controlled study 80 people with colds. However, in the majority of similar studies in the form of zinc gluconate nasal gel showed no advantages. In another study, in which participated 77 man, failed to reduce cold symptoms even with almost permanent congestion nasal passages gel with glukonatom zinc.
In addition to the direct impact of the virus during infection, zinc supplements (no pills) may play a role in reducing the risk of contracting colds. In two randomized studies, that included 394 healthy child, researchers have identified, that groups, who took zinc, There were fewer colds, school absenteeism and antibiotic prescriptions.
Ekhinatsyeya
Before 1930-ies echinacea was one of the most popular funds against colds and flu. She lost her position with the advent of sulfanilamidnykh antibiotics. Ironically, sulfa antibiotics were ineffective against colds, like any other antibiotics, While echinacea, It looks like, has some positive effect. In Germany at the moment echinacea continues to be the main remedy for minor respiratory infections.
Ekhinatsyeya, considered, temporarily boosts your immune system, Although most of the recent studies, questioned this assertion. Also contrary to popular belief there is no reason to believe that echinacea strengthens or “nourishes” the immune system when taken for a long time.
There are three main types of echinacea: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, ehinateya pale. Mix, containing aerial parts Echinacea purpurea (flowers, leaves, stems) has the best evidence of effectiveness in treating colds and flu. Echinacea purpurea root showed no efficacy in the treatment of these diseases.
Use of echinacea showed a slight decrease in symptoms and duration of the common cold and its termination, When echinacea was adopted at the beginning of the disease. Nonetheless, Echinacea is not effective for prevention of colds. She also is ineffective when administered in children.
Reduction in symptoms and duration of the common cold when taking echinacea
A double-blind placebo-controlled study, a total of more than 1000 man found, What are the different forms and types of echinacea may reduce the symptoms and duration of colds, at least in adults.
For Example, in one double-blind placebo-controlled study, 80 subjects with early symptoms of colds were given Echinacea purpurea extract or placebo. The results showed, that persons, who took echinacea recovery was much faster: Total 6 days, compared with 9 days the group receiving placebo. In another double-blind study, researchers found a decrease in symptoms while taking Echinacea purpurea preparations compared to placebo in 282 patients with colds.
Another double-blind placebo-controlled study showed a decrease in the severity of symptoms of the common cold. Results in 246 participants showed, that treatment with echinacea purpourna significantly reduces cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and fatigue.
Besides, in three double-blind placebo-controlled trials involving a total of about 600 participants were obtained similar results with a combination of drugs, containing echinacea Purple Coneflower root and pale, together with wild Indigo and white pine.
Although the above data suggest, that elevated part of Echinacea purpurea is active against colds, two studies failed to find benefits. One of them was a double-blind placebo-controlled study 120 Adult, and another larger study (407 participants) involving children. The reasons for these negative results are not clear. The root of echinacea uzkolistna also showed effectiveness in large studies.
A study of the effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea root part were less favourable. In one study 246 persons with respiratory infection started recently gave either placebos, either one of the three preparations of Echinacea purpurea: the first included only aerial parts of plants, the second was made on 95% from the aerial parts of (leaves, stems and flowers) and 5% from the root, and the third contains only the roots of plants. The results showed significant improvement in symptoms while taking drugs, produced from the aerial parts of, but the preparation of the roots was not effective. In large randomized studies scientists have found, that dried echinacea root (10,2 grams during the first 24 hours after the onset of colds and 5,1 grams per coming 4 day) do not improve symptoms more, than placebo or no treatment.
Aborting cold initially using echinacea
A double-blind study showed, that echinacea can not only make colds shorter and reduce its severity, but it can also heal colds at the initial stage. In this study, 120 people took echinacea purple or placebo, as soon as they started signs of colds.
Parties to take echinacea or placebo dosage 20 drops every 2 hours a day, then 20 drops 3 times a day in total 10 days. The results were promising. 40% people in the group taking echinacea found, that their initial symptoms actually turned into a real cold (comparison with 60% placebo, that actually got sick). Besides, those, who got sick because of the cold, improvement in symptoms began earlier in the group taking echinacea (4 the day instead 8). Both of these results were statistically significant.
Prevent colds using echinacea
A number of researchers tried to find out, whether daily consumption of echinacea can prevent colds, but the results showed no positive effects.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study 302-m healthy volunteers given spirit tincture, containing either the root of Echinacea purpurea, uzkolistna echinacea root, or placebo for 12 weeks. The results showed, that taking Echinacea purpurea may reduces the 20% the number of people, who are sick because of the cold, ehinateya orchids and shows a 10% decrease in the incidence of. Nonetheless, difference was not statistically significant. It means, that a positive result, If it was, could be a fluke.
In another double-blind placebo-controlled study included 109 patients with a history of four or more cases of colds during the previous year. They had juice purpourna echinacea or placebo for 8 weeks. However, neither frequency, Neither the duration and severity of colds have not diminished.
Nonetheless, recent research using a combination of products, containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin c showed positive trends. In this double-blind placebo-controlled study 430 children aged 1 to 5 years, adopted the above-mentioned drugs or placebo for 3 the winter months. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of respiratory infections. It is not clear, some of the components of this mixture was responsible for lowering the manifestations of colds.
Andrografis
Andrografis is a shrub, growing throughout India and other Asian countries, sometimes referred to as Indian echinacea, because it is considered, that their healing properties similar. It has long been used in medicine, including during the flu epidemic in Indian 1919 year, during which andrografisu attributed the main credit for halting the spread of the disease. Recently it has become popular in Scandinavia treatment for colds.
Although we do not know, How andrografis can protect against cold, some evidence suggests, that it can stimulate immunity. Interesting, component andrografisa, andrografolid, It is used to inhibit viruses, but do not affect the immune system, as the whole plant extract.
According to several, well-planned research (almost all of whom used the patented extract production from one of the companies), andrografis can reduce cold symptoms, and also helps to prevent its occurrence.
Reduction of symptoms of the common cold when administered andrografisa
A total of seven double-blind placebo-controlled studies, including almost 1000 man, found, that andrografis (or a combination of drugs, containing it as a primary component) significantly reduces the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold.
For Example, in the 4-day, double-blind placebo-controlled study 158 adults with colds revealed, that using the extract of andrografisa can significantly reduce symptoms of the common cold. The participants were given either placebo, either daily 1200 mg extract, contains 5% andrografolida. The results showed, that 2-4-day treatment there was a significant improvement in symptoms compared with control group participants, taking a placebo.
In the other three double-blind placebo-controlled trials, comprising a total of approximately 400 man, apply your own combinations of plants, containing andrografis and spiny Eleutherococcus (the so-called Russian ginseng) and showed a positive trend. Expected, that this combination may be more effective, than echinacea.
This combination also showed improvement of symptoms in two double-blind studies to reduce the duration of, the severity and frequency of complications of influenza.
Andrografis also was compared with acetaminofenom (paracetamol). In a double blind study 152 adults with sore throat and fever, participants received andrografis (dose 3 or g 6 grams per day for 7 days) or paracetamol. High dose andrografisa (6 g) reduced symptoms of fever and sore throat about the same, how paracetamol, but low-dose andrografisa (3 g) were not as effective. In both groups there was no significant side effects . Studies are currently under way with the use of various forms and doses of andrografisa, different from the above.
Prevent colds using andrografisa
According to the results of one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, andrografis can increase resistance to colds. The study involved a total of 107 students, all over 18 years. The study lasted 3 of the month, and use a patented extract from andrografisa. Fifty-four participants took two tablets 100 mg standardized to 5,6% andrografolida daily, that is significantly less, than 1200 mg 6000 mg per day, that were used in studies for the treatment of colds. Other 53 the student received a placebo. Then, Once a week throughout the study, the doctor assessed the status of all participants.
By the end of the study only 16 people in the host group andrografis had colds, compared with 33 in the placebo group participants. This difference was statistically significant, pointing, that andrografis reduces the risk of catching cold twice compared with placebo.
Vitamin C
Vitamin c may slightly reduce the symptoms of the common cold, When it occurs, but, probably, will not be able to prevent it.
Treatment colds using vitamin c
Numerous studies have shown, that supplements of vitamin c, taken at a dose of 1000 mg or more per day may reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the duration of colds. Nonetheless, the effect of taking a fairly modest. Besides, at least one study showed, that vitamin c may increase the effect of traditional medicines to treat colds, such as acetaminophen. According to the majority of these studies, intake of vitamin c during the cold season useful. For Example, Overview 29 placebo-controlled studies involving nearly 1000 episodes of illness revealed, that taking vitamin c at least 2000 mg per day reduces the symptoms and effects of colds. Nonetheless, high doses of vitamin c are not able to reduce the number of patients with common cold during the season spread of ARI.
But many people use vitamin c for colds differently: they are starting to take it after the advent of colds. In reviewing the 7 randomized and non-randomized studies, the researchers found, that taking high doses of vitamin C (eg, in 2000 – 4000 mg) When the first signs of illness does not diminish the severity or duration of colds.
Prevent colds using vitamin c
Although some studies show, that regular intake of vitamin c during the cold season may help prevent the common cold, most other studies showed the lack of positive results in this direction.
Vitamin c has shown some promise for preventing colds type, that develop after endurance exercise. The use of vitamin c before and during the competition can help prevent colds later. Besides, vitamin C, helps prevent respiratory infections among persons, who have a deficiency of this vitamin.
Essential oils
Eucalyptus is a standard ingredient in cough drops and in oils. A standardized combination of three essential oils was tested for its usefulness in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Studied combination, called essential monoterpeny, which include cineol of eucalyptus, D-limonene from citrus fruits, and Alpha-pinene from pine. Numerous double blind studies have shown their effectiveness when administered for acute bronchitis, hronicheskom bronchi, sinus infections and other respiratory diseases in adults, and children. Cineol dose 200 mg three times a day showed benefits in a double blind, placebo-controlled study 152 people with symptoms of colds. The second study involving 150 patients also showed favorable results cineole compared with a combination of other plant components.
Eucalyptus oil is also one of the components of the, used in ointments to reduce nasal congestion. In one study, 138 children (aged 2-11 years) infection of the upper respiratory tract have been divided into three groups for the use of oils (kamfora, menthol and eucalyptus oil), Vaseline, or remained without treatment. Children, who used essential oils before bed marked improvement of night symptoms (decreasing cough, nasal congestion) compared with two other groups.
Ginseng
While most people in the West perceive ginseng as a stimulant, in the East, it is widely believed, that ginseng can improve immunity to illness. As mentioned above, Echinacea, ineffective for preventing respiratory infections. But, It looks like, the regular use of ginseng can fill this gap.
There are three different plants, that is called ginseng: Asian or Korean ginseng, American and Siberian Ginseng “Ginseng” (the spiny Eleutherococcus). Most plant is actually not a ginseng.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study 323 people showed, that Ginseng extract, accepted on 400 mg per day may help prevent the common cold. Participants have, that used for extract 4 months noted fewer colds, compared with those, who took placebo. Comparative advantages were also seen in relation to the per cent of participants, that hurt cold two or more times.
Two double-blind placebo-controlled studies, involving a total of about 100 man, shown, that American Ginseng may help prevent flu-like disease in the elderly.
Garlic
Garlic has a long history of use for treatment or prevention of colds. However, until the 2001 year, There was no scientific evidence, that it really helps when ARI. In fact, many people joked, that garlic just makes a person so bad smell, the rest stay away, and cannot transmit viruses.
Nonetheless, Currently, there is some evidence, that garlic can really help when ARI.
In one 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled study 146 persons received either placebo, or garlic extract between November and February.
The results showed, that participants, who took garlic almost two thirds less prostužalis′ in comparison with those, who received placebo. Besides, participants have, that prostužalis′, but take garlic restoration took place on the day faster compared to the placebo group.
Benefits were also seen in smaller-scale double-blind studies.
It is necessary to pay attention, what these studies do not indicate, that garlic helps when you have a cold.
Probiotics
Probiotics – useful organisms, that inhabit the digestive tract. Not only can they help prevent intestinal infections, but also help prevent the common cold.
7-month double-blind placebo-controlled study 571 children in pre-school institutions in Finland found, that drinking milk enriched probiotics bacteria Lactobacillus GG slightly reduced the number and severity of respiratory infections. In another controlled study, Probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium Lactis Bb-12) children are taken daily and greatly reduced the risk of developing acute otitis media and recurrent respiratory infections compared to placebo.
Benefits were also seen in the other three major studies, in which probiotics alone or in combination with multivitamins and minerals helped prevent colds and/or reduce its duration and severity in adults.
Another controlled study involving 20 healthy runners found, that Lactobacillus fermentum, taken during the 4-month period, during winter training were significantly more effective in reducing the number and severity of respiratory symptoms, than placebo.
Besides, Small double blind studies found evidence, that the use of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum increases the effectiveness of flu vaccines. Probiotic preparations were taken in two steps: for one, two weeks before the introduction of the vaccine, as well as during the two weeks after vaccination.
Other proposed alternative treatment
Various other natural treatments have shown that there are certain prospects for prevention or treatment of colds and flu.
Prevention of respiratory infections in non-traditional methods
Multi-use/polymineral supplements or additives, containing zinc and selenium, According to some studies,can help to prevent respiratory infections in the elderly. Nonetheless, This claim has not been rechecked by independent research.
One small double-blind research has shown, that an additional intake of arginine may be useful for preventing the common cold in children.
Gargling green tea extract showed promise for the prevention of influenza. In a double blind, placebo-controlled study 124 inhabitants of Japanese homes have rinsed throat green tea or placebo within three months. All participants were given standard flu vaccines. The results showed, that residents, which enjoyed tea extracts were less likely to develop influenza, than, who used placebo. Besides, another double-blind study showed, consumption of green tea can help prevent colds and flu.
There is some evidence, that taking glutamine helps prevent infection. For Example, a double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the benefits of receiving additional glutamine (5 g) at the end of lessons 151 athlete. The result showed a significant reduction in infections among drug taking athletes. Only 19% athletes, who took the glutamine sickened, compared with 51% among those cases were, who took placebo.
On the other hand, some evidence suggests, the combination of vitamin e and beta carotene may increase the risk of colds after sports.
Evidence as to, vitamin e, taken separately, can prevent respiratory infections are inconsistent.
Thymus (thymus) plays an important role in immunity. Annual, a double-blind placebo-controlled study 16 children with frequent respiratory infections found, the treatment of thymus extract may reduce disease progression. Nonetheless, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 60 athletes could not find any substantial evidence of use thymus extract for preventing infections after sports.
Rice bran extract showed some promising results for preventing or treating the common cold in the elderly.
There are a number of versions, that some substances kelp (Marine cabbage) can help prevent infection by some viruses, including the flu. Nonetheless, evidence is still more theoretical nasjat, rather than practical.
Various plants, expected, enhance immunity over a long period of admission (These include ashwagandha, Astragalus, garlic, maitake, reishi, and Suma). Nonetheless, so far there is no serious evidence, they really work. Besides, some plants, including ginger, kudzu, milfoil, as they say, help prevent the common cold, If taken at the first signs of infection, but then again, There is no scientific evidence, they are effective.
Products, containing colloidal silver is sometimes used with conviction, that they will prevent colds or help in strengthening the immune system, However, because colloidal silver may cause irreversible changes in skin color, It is not recommended to use it.
There is some evidence, that supplement vitamin e might increase the immune response to vaccines against influenza. Data from two double-blind studies suggest, that combined multivitamin/polymineral supplements can also improve this response. However, in another study, tablet of multivitamins without minerals actually worsened the reaction of participants to the vaccine. The reason for these differences is not clear yet, However, serious suspicion caused the, that some scientists, who reported on the benefits of some of these studies, engaged in questionable research activities.
In a double blind, placebo-controlled study 124 man, an additional dose of Chlorella 200 mg or 400 mg/day did not help improve the response to influenza vaccine.
Treatment of respiratory infections non-traditional methods
Standardized product, contains elderberry Berry, combined with small quantities of echinacea and bee propolis, has been widely touted as a medicine against colds and flu. There is some evidence to show, that this mixture may stimulate the immune system and also hinder the development of viruses. In a preliminary double-blind trial of this combination significantly reduced recovery time after epidemic influenza B (a relatively mild form of the flu). Another small double-blind study found a similar effect in relation to the influenza A and B.
Inhalation of essential oils have shown little promise for treating colds.
Plant Pelargonium used to treat colds and other respiratory infections. A double-blind study 133 Adult, that sickened flu showed, that the use of standardized extract of Pelargonium, received on 30 ml three times a day significantly reduced the severity and duration of symptoms compared to placebo.
In a double blind placebo-kontroliruemm study in total over 300 man, the combination of herbs (Primula, gentian root, Sambucus, sorrel, Verbena) showed promise for treatment of sinusitis.
One study shows little evidence that, that a standardized combination of Horseradish and Nasturtium could be useful for the treatment of rhinitis in children.
Other plants (hyssop, Ivy leaves, Linden, mistletoe, mullein, oregano, mint) It is recommended to take, to reduce cold symptoms, but significant scientific evidence on their effectiveness is missing.
In a double blind, placebo controlled study of colostrum intake did not cause a positive effect in patients with angina. (The researchers excluded people with presence of streptococci, but some participants, perhaps, sore throat caused bacteria, not viruses of colds).
In a significant (254 party) double-blind placebo-controlled study failed to detect, that the use of Sea-buckthorn berries reduces symptoms or length of colds.
A randomized study 410 people with H1N1 flu, found, that those, who took a combination of 12 Chinese herbal medicines (200 ml, 4 times daily) together with oseltamivir (75 mg twice a day) within five days, cured faster compared to those, who has only oseltamivir.
