Best cold or flu medicine
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Best Cold or Flu Medicine: A Comprehensive Review
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Cold and Flu
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for over 2000 years to treat infectious diseases, including the common cold and influenza. TCM's approach involves understanding external environmental factors such as "cold, heat, dryness, and dampness" that may cause a cold. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that TCM is effective and safe for treating colds, with active ingredients demonstrating antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and antioxidative properties1. TCM can be considered a complementary or alternative approach to cold treatment, although more large-scale RCTs are needed for further verification1.
Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies
Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) also offers a variety of natural remedies for the prevention and relief of cold and flu symptoms. Notable antiviral medicinal plants include honeysuckle flowers, thyme leaf, green chiretta, andrographis, peppermint oil, and calendula. Expectorant plants such as snake root, tulsi, licorice root, slippery elm, clove, and sage leaf are also recommended. Immunostimulant plants like eucalyptus, Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, and ginger root are commonly used2. These natural remedies are considered important complementary and alternative medicines due to their bioactive components and fewer side effects compared to modern medicine2.
Herbal Medicine for Cold and Flu
Several herbs have shown promising results in treating cold and flu symptoms. Key antiviral herbs include Thymus vulgaris, honeysuckle flowers, Andrographis, yarrow, peppermint leaf and oil, and calendula. Expectorant herbs such as tulsi, snake root, licorice root, clove, slippery elm root, and marshmallow are also effective. Immunostimulant herbs like Echinacea root, eucalyptus, garlic, ginseng, and ginger root play a significant role in managing these illnesses3. These herbs are part of traditional Asian medicine and have been recognized for their therapeutic potential3.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
OTC medications are widely used for symptomatic relief of cold and flu. A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine has been shown to be safe and more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms such as pain, fever, and congestion4. Another review highlighted the efficacy and safety of common OTC analgesics like aspirin and paracetamol for treating cold and flu symptoms5. These medications provide symptomatic relief and are a mainstay in the treatment of common colds9.
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Black elderberry has been used as an alternative treatment for cold and flu. Clinical trials have shown that elderberry can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, including fever, pain, congestion, and cough6. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials confirmed that elderberry supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms, presenting a safer alternative to antibiotics and prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza10.
Conclusion
In summary, both traditional and modern approaches offer effective treatments for cold and flu symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Iranian Traditional Medicine provide a range of herbal remedies with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine are effective for symptomatic relief. Black elderberry is a promising natural alternative that has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Each of these options provides valuable tools for managing cold and flu, catering to different preferences and needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Common Cold: Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.
TCM is effective and safe for treating colds, with potential therapeutic effects in preventing colds and treating their sequelae.
Systematic ReviewIranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu.
Iranian traditional medicine uses antiviral, expectorant, and immunostimulant medicinal plants to treat cold and flu symptoms, offering a complementary and alternative medicine option.
Systematic ReviewTraditional Herbal Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Cold and Flu in the Autumn of 2020, Overlapped With COVID-19
Traditional herbal medicine, based on traditional Asian medicine, can effectively prevent and treat cold and flu, potentially benefiting modern drug therapy.
Systematic ReviewSymptomatic treatment of the common cold with a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine is safe and more effective than placebo in symptomatic treatment of common cold or flu-like syndrome in adults.
RCT
Rigorous JournalEfficacy and safety of over‐the‐counter analgesics in the treatment of common cold and flu
Over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin, paracetamol, and aspirin, are safe and effective in treating common cold and flu symptoms.
Literature Review
Highly CitedSambucus nigra (black elder) as alternative treatment for cold and flu
Elder berries show potential in reducing cold duration and severity, but no clinical trials have been conducted on elder flowers for common cold and flu.
Literature ReviewCombination cold and flu medicines for special populations
Combination cold and flu medications may not be suitable for certain patients with certain medical conditions or other medications, requiring careful evaluation before selecting a suitable product.
Colds, flu and coughing: a review of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines
Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies have no proven efficacy, but symptomatic therapy can make patients feel better, making them the mainstay of common cold treatment.
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Black elderberry supplementation effectively reduces upper respiratory symptoms, offering a potentially safer alternative to antibiotic misuse and prescription drugs for common cold and influenza cases.
Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited