Generally speaking, colds can divide into common cold (COLD) and influenza (FLU). The common cold is a common respiratory disease caused by a variety of viruses, while influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. Under normal circumstances, there are hundreds of different viruses that cause colds.
Under normal circumstances, if you have a mild cold, it is not recommended to take medicine,and medicine is the most common type of cold medicine. Nowadays, as the situation of drug abuse is becoming more and more serious, people’s awareness of health is also increasing. At the same time, the awareness of natural medicines and plant-derived ingredients has increased. Consumers will gradually choose some natural medicines or natural plant extract to fight colds and flu.
Prevent or relieve colds and flu with natural plant extract
Here are some natural plant extract ingredients or formulas that can help prevent colds or relieve cold/flu symptoms.
Elderberry + Vitamin C + Zinc
Many anti-cold supplement formulas contain elderberry, vitamin C and zinc. The “iron triangle” helps improve the body’s immune system; helps children develop strong bones and brain development; resist free radicals; and help fight colds; relief to reduce the length and degree of cold.
Garlic extract
People use garlic to prevent and treat colds for centuries. It has antibacterial and antiviral “magic” effect. In 2009, there was an important literature reviewing those randomized controlled trials on garlic. The study mentioned in this review had a reasonable survey design of 146 people. In this study, half of the people took a garlic dietary supplement (which contains 180 mg of garlic extract) a day for 3 months, and the other half took a placebo. The results showed that 65 patients in the placebo group had a cold, while only 24 patients in the garlic group. At present, there is not much evidence on garlic extract to resist colds, but it is worthy of further research.
Echinacea extract
Echinacea is a commonly used herb for colds and flu. It is very popular in some European countries, and local residents believe that this herb helps promote immune system health and reduce disease symptoms.
The entire echinacea plant can be used medicinally. It can be dried or freshly squeezed. Some teas, ointments, pills, and juices contain this plant extract, and it is often mixed with other herbs and fruits. Echinacea products sold on the market are usually a mixture of these three species. However, since herbal products are not well regulated and controlled, consumers should pay attention to the fact that some products labeled as containing echinacea may not contain any such plant ingredients at all and will not have corresponding health effects.
Echinacea is considered an herbal medicine that can be used directly and safely. Studies have confirmed that pregnant women and children can also safely consume this herb. Proponents believe that this herb can effectively prevent colds or shorten the recovery time, and it is better to combine with other herbs. But be careful, especially for children, echinacea extract containing alcohol should be avoided. Some people may have allergic reactions to echinacea, such as skin rashes. Therefore, people with asthma or weed allergies should avoid consuming these products. Please consult a doctor before use.
Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract has great effect on infectious and malignant microorganisms. It can stop the onset of colds and other viral diseases, fungal, mold and yeast invasion, mild and severe bacterial infections and protozoan parasitic infections.
Not only preventive, olive leaf extract provides a safe and effective treatment in the fight against microorganisms. Studies have also proved that the extract only attacks pathogens and is harmless to the human intestinal bacteria, which is another advantage over artificial antibiotics. In addition, it also has antioxidant effects, strengthens the immune system, and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Citrus bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines and grapefruits. Quercetin and hesperidin in citrus flavonoids have antibacterial and antiviral abilities.
Studies have shown that quercetone and hesperidin can significantly inhibit the infection of poliovirus, herpes simplex virus, negative influenza virus and multiplication of somatic viruses. The mechanism of this function is that the flavonoid and the virus form a complex with no infectious ability, and the reaction process has little effect on the organism itself.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley contains a lot of iron, vitamin A and vitamin C, and is a spiced leafy vegetable. The leaves of parsley contain a variety of plant volatile oils, so they are mostly used as Spices. The volatile oil extracted from fruits (ie seeds) and roots contains flavonoids, which have diuretic detoxification and antiseptic effects. Parsley oil is also used in Western dentistry for local anesthesia and gum antibacterial treatment.
The most outstanding effect of parsley oil comes from its strong antioxidant effect. Animal experiments show that the active ingredients in parsley oil can resist harmful chemicals, smoking and other carcinogens, and inhibit the formation of tumors, especially lung tumors. The large amounts of carotene, lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and other vitamins and minerals contained in parsley have direct or auxiliary antioxidant effects.
Horseradish (Latin scientific name: Armoracia rusticana)
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), belongs to the order of the Papaveraceae, and the cruciferae and horseradish belong to the perennial erect herb originated in eastern Europe and Turkey. It has been cultivated for more than 2000 years. The root has a special spicy taste and contains allyl isothiocyanate (C3H5CNS), which can be used as a seasoning.
The plant can be used as feed. Horseradish is rich in various vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, cobalt, and zinc. Horseradish leaves contain glucose isothiocyanate (glucosinolate), the main component of which is allyl glucose isothiocyanate, also known as sinigrin, and a small amount of glucose phenyl isothiocyanate. The whole plant contains volatile oil and mustard oil. The seeds contain fatty oils and alkaloids.
Andrographis paniculata
This plant grows in Asia and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat infections and fever. Many cold medicines contain this ingredient. Of course, it is usually mixed with other herbal ingredients. Andrographis paniculata is very popular in Europe as a remedy for colds and flu.
Probiotics
Probiotics can enhance intestinal health. Studies have shown that daily intake of probiotics and vitamin C can reduce the risk of children getting the flu by 30%, thereby increasing school attendance.
Jute + Licorice + Aconite
The decoction of these three herbs helps prevent or relieve cold symptoms.
Conclusion
Many ingredients have antibacterial and antiviral effects, so they have a positive effect on preventing or fighting cold symptoms. In fact, there are many ingredients that are very powerful in improving human immunity. The mechanism of action of many natural plant extract ingredients is to improve the body’s immunity, thereby resisting diseases or alleviating disease.
