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Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Common Cold/Sore Throat

Also indexed as:Sore Throat & Colds, Cold and Sore Throat
Coughing. Aching Sneezing. Take a few simple actions to knock out the annoying common cold. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
Common Cold/Sore Throat: Main Image

Related Topics

  1. Influenza (Flu)
  2. Sinus Congestion
  3. Vitamin C
  4. Zinc
  5. Kid-Safe Cold Care
Coughing. Aching Sneezing. Take a few simple actions to knock out the annoying common cold. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Drink those fluids

    Get plenty of water and other clear fluids to help thin mucus.

  • Take extra vitamin C

    Studies have shown 1 to 4 grams a day may make your cold shorter and less severe.

  • Shorten sick time with echinacea

    At the first signs of a cold, take 3 to 5 ml of this herb as a juice or tincture every two hours to make your cold less severe.

  • Use zinc lozenges

    Use lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate, providing 13 to 25 mg every two hours, to help stop the virus and shorten the illness.

  • Try andrographis or Kan Jang

    Take a standardized extract providing at least 48 mg per day of andrographolides, with or without eleuthero extract (Kan Jang) to reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

  • Be sure to rest

    Give your body some down time to help it fight off the cold.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
  • Keep your hands clean

    Wash your hands frequently to avoid bringing viruses into close contact.

  • Fight stress with vitamin C

    Take at least 500 mg per day if you have a physically demanding lifestyle.

  • Go with garlic

    Take a daily extract containing stabilized allicin for fewer colds and illness days.

  • Take American ginseng

    Use 400 mg per day of a freeze-dried extract to reduce the risk of catching a cold.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
References

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.