CAM and the common cold
MayoClinic.com has reviewed cold remedies that work and don’t.
Here’s a summary of useful CAM options.
- Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevent dehydration.
- Saltwater gargle (8-ounce glass of warm water) can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
- Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion.
- Chicken soup (canned or homemade) has anti-inflammatory actions and helps relieve congestion.
- Zinc seems most effective when taken as a lozenge or nasal spray within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.
There is less enthusiasm for vitamin C or echinacea.
1/15/07 19:22 JR