Colds: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A cold, medically known as upper respiratory tract infection, is a viral infection that affects the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat.

Colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses, which spread through airborne droplets, contaminated surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals. Prolonged colds can lead to complications such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, putting a strain on the immune system. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like echinacea, ginger, and peppermint can be consumed as teas, soups, or infusions.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have allergies or underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of colds, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of colds?

The main causes of colds are viral infections, specifically rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which spread through airborne droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

These viruses are highly contagious and can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected individual. Colds can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as dry air, low temperatures, and humidity, which can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to viral infections. Additionally, factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can compromise the immune system and increase the risk of contracting a cold.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are most likely to catch a cold when they are exposed to a new virus, and the average person catches two to three colds per year.

• Rhinovirus: Rhinovirus is a highly contagious virus that is responsible for causing approximately 30-50% of all colds due to its ability to easily spread from person to person through close contact, contaminated surfaces, and airborne transmission.
• Coronavirus: Coronavirus is another highly contagious virus that is responsible for causing a significant percentage of colds, particularly among children and older adults, due to its ability to spread through respiratory droplets and close contact.
• Adenovirus: Adenovirus is a common virus that is responsible for causing a significant percentage of colds, especially in children, due to its ability to spread through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.
• Influenza Virus: Influenza Virus is a highly contagious virus that is responsible for causing a significant percentage of colds, particularly during influenza season, due to its ability to spread through respiratory droplets, close contact, and airborne transmission.
• Parainfluenza Virus: Parainfluenza Virus is a highly contagious virus that is responsible for causing a significant percentage of colds, particularly in young children, due to its ability to spread through respiratory droplets and close contact.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a highly contagious virus that is responsible for causing a significant percentage of colds, particularly in young children, due to its ability to spread through respiratory droplets and close contact.
• Human Metapneumovirus: Human Metapneumovirus is a highly contagious virus that is responsible for causing a smaller percentage of colds, particularly in young children and older adults, due to its ability to spread through respiratory droplets and close contact.
• Bacterial Co-Infection: Bacterial Co-Infection, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, can cause colds by co-infecting with a viral agent and exacerbating symptoms.
• Allergies: Allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, can cause cold-like symptoms, including congestion, sneezing, and coughing, due to the body's immune response to an allergen.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for colds?

The main medicinal herbs used for colds are Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Sambucus nigra, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Melaleuca alternifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis.

Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia, both exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, stimulate the production of white blood cells and activate natural killer cells, thereby enhancing the body's immune response to infections. Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, and Thymus vulgaris exhibit decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve nasal congestion and coughs. Sambucus nigra's antiviral properties inhibit the replication of the rhinovirus, while Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties soothe the respiratory tract and facilitate mucus discharge.

Ginkgo biloba, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Rosmarinus officinalis, possessing antioxidant properties, help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thereby supporting overall immune function and recovery from illness.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with colds by stimulating the immune system, thereby enhancing the body's natural defense against pathogens, which can contribute to the development of colds.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with colds by releasing eucalyptol, a compound that acts as a decongestant, relieving congestion and making breathing easier.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with colds by reducing inflammation and relieving pain, thanks to its active compound gingerol, which can also help alleviate nausea and other symptoms associated with colds.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with colds by releasing thymol, a compound with antimicrobial properties that can help combat the viruses and bacteria responsible for colds.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with colds by providing antiviral properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of colds, thanks to its active compounds like sambunigrin.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with colds by soothing and calming the throat, reducing inflammation, and providing antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of colds.
• Echinacea angustifolia: Echinacea angustifolia helps with colds by stimulating the immune system, enhancing its natural defense against pathogens, and reducing the severity and duration of colds.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have established evidence to directly help with colds.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with colds by releasing tea tree oil, which contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of infection.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis does not have established evidence to directly help with colds.

What are the main herbal preparations used for colds?

The main herbal preparations used for colds are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Elixir, Poultice, Suppository, Lozenge, Gargle, Ointment.

Decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling herbs in water to extract their medicinal properties, often used to treat respiratory issues such as congestion and cough. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs in a solvent like ethanol, taken orally to reduce symptoms like fever and sore throat. Capsules and elixirs contain dried or concentrated herbs, respectively, and are taken orally to provide sustained relief from cold symptoms like congestion and fatigue.

Other preparations like Salve (topical application for skin irritations), Poultice (local application for congestion), Suppository (local application for sinus relief), Lozenge (oral application for sore throat), Gargle (oral application for throat infections), and Ointment (topical application for skin irritations) also provide relief from various cold symptoms.

• Decoction: Decoction helps with colds by releasing the bioactive compounds from herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Tincture: Tincture helps with colds by dissolving the bioactive compounds of herbs such as Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris in a solvent, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream and rapid relief from cold symptoms.
• Capsule: Capsule helps with colds by encapsulating herbs such as Zingiber officinale and Trigonella foenum-graecum in a controlled-release format, allowing for sustained absorption of their bioactive compounds and prolonged relief from cold symptoms.
• Salve: Salve helps with colds by applying a topical solution of herbs such as Calendula officinalis and Chamomilla recutita directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Elixir: Elixir helps with colds by dissolving the bioactive compounds of herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng in a sweetener or solvent, creating a liquid solution that can be taken sublingually to rapidly stimulate the immune system.
• Poultice: Poultice helps with colds by applying a warm, moist compress of herbs such as Plantago lanceolata and Aloe barbadensis directly to the affected area, drawing out infection and promoting healing.
• Suppository: Suppository helps with colds by delivering a concentrated dose of bioactive compounds from herbs such as Aconitum napellus and Belladonna directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Lozenge: Lozenge helps with colds by dissolving the bioactive compounds of herbs such as Eucalyptus globulus and Myrtus communis in the mouth, providing rapid relief from sore throats and congestion.
• Gargle: Gargle helps with colds by applying a solution of herbs such as Salvia officinalis and Phytolacca decandra to the throat, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the mucous membranes.
• Ointment: Ointment helps with colds by applying a topical solution of herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Hypericum perforatum directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.