although the research on whether they work shows mixed results some octors said they do find relief from natural remedies. “i use echinacea and goldenseal because they help boost the immune system and fight off microbes ” says lauren richter do assistant professor of family and community medicine at the university of maryland center for integrative medicine. even so studies haven’t found much evidence that echinacea prevents upper respiratory infections but some of its extracts (such as e. pallida and e. purpurea) may help you feel better if you are already sick. what about zinc? some studies show it can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of colds while others have found the evidence isn’t strong enough yet to recommend it. most doctors aren’t convinced that using herbal remedies is worth the effort. and one note of caution if you do take herbal remedies: check with your doctor first. just because they’re all-natural doesn’t mean they don’t have side effects; for example some studies have shown that zinc nasal sprays and swabs may reduce your sense of smell. more important herbal remedies may interfere with medicines you’re already taking.
are there any herbal remedies for preventing or shortening the duration of colds?