Echinacea
A Strong clinical evidenceEchinacea purpurea
Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered.
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Immunity
Herbs used during cold season and to support the immune system. Evidence varies widely from herb to herb.
8 herbs · 3 with clinical evidence (A/B) · 1 not marked avoid in pregnancy
Ginger
A Strong clinical evidenceZingiber officinale
Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.
Willow Bark
A Strong clinical evidenceSalix spp.
Willow bark extract may help with short-term low back pain. It contains salicylates, so it is unsuitable under 18 and with blood thinners.
Chamomile
T Traditional useMatricaria recutita
A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation.
Elderflower
T Traditional useSambucus nigra
Elderflower tea is traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers the flowers only.
Garlic
T Traditional useAllium sativum
Garlic powder is traditionally used to help prevent hardening of the arteries, and garlic extract to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Linden
T Traditional useTilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos
Linden (lime) flower tea is traditionally used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and mild symptoms of stress in adults and older children.
Pelargonium Root
T Traditional usePelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme
Pelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it.