by Melanie Grimes

Created on: February 04, 2008   Last Updated: February 03, 2011

Natural herbal remedies can help comfort a person who has the cold or flu, and support the immune system.

Pelargonium sidoides
Marketed under the name, UMCKA COLDCARE, was discovered in 1897 by an English traveler to South Africa, who called it, Steven's Consumption Cure. This remedy is made from a species of geranium traditionally used by Zulu healers for respiratory and digestive ailments. Research has shown relief of respiratory symptom as well as shortened duration and severity of sinus and bronchial irritation. The remedy is made from roots and prepared homeopathically. Missionary doctor Adrien Swchehaye in Switzerland published cured cases as far back as 1929. i Dosage: 1 tsp 4 to 5 times a day.

Elderberry
This herb is known to support the immune system and to stimulate the body's ability to fight viruses. Elderberries have been used in medicine since Fifth century, for treating the flu and ill effects of the chills, and been referred to by Hippocrates, Dioscurides and Plinius. Even Shakespeare mentions it in his play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, "What says my Aesculapius? My Galen? My heart of Elder?" Studies have shown elderberry to inhibit replication of human influenza virus type A, type B and animal strains from swine and turkeys in cell cultures and to reduce the duration of the flu by approximately four days.

Studies conducted on elderberries marketed under the brand name, SAMBUCOLii, show a reduction of flu symptoms. During a Southern Israel flu epidemic in 1992-93, improvement in flu symptoms was noted within 24 in 20% of participants. This included a reduction of fever, muscle aches and pains and coughing. By the second day, 73% felt better compared to 6% who were not treated.
Dosage: one teaspoon, four times daily, at first sign of a cold.

Olive leaf extract (OLE)
Olive leaf has been shown to be an excellent antibacterial. This herbal supplement fights bacterial and viral infections. Dosage: 500-1000 milligrams every few hours or two capsules four times a day.

Grapefruit leaf
Best taken in capsules, as it can be bitter. Research has shown GSE to be effective as an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic.

Garlic
Garlic is great as a preventative and as a treatment. Take two tablets three times a day until mucus production has slowed down dramatically, or until the color of mucus becomes clear rather than yellow or green. Garlic can also help treat ear infections. Squeeze a garlic clove until the juice runs into a cotton

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