Herbal Head Cold

Head colds are also known as the common cold because they are the most common cause of illness in both children and adults. When you come down with a cold it means you have a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract. There are more than 200 types of viruses that can cause colds, which are more common in the colder winter months. People tend to stay indoors more in winter which means they are in closer contact with each other at this time of year and are more likely to infect each other. The cold, dry air may also weaken resistance. The symptoms of a head cold (as opposed to a chest cold) are usually mild and may include fever, sneezing, blocked or runny nose, cough and sore throat. This can impact daily life and leave people feeling tired and run down. Some people, including those with a weakened immune system, can develop more serious illnesses as a complication of a head cold such as bronchitis, a sinus infection or pneumonia. While the best treatment for the common cold is prevention through nutrition, lifestyle and prophylactic herbal medicine there is no such thing as perfect protection. Instead there can be reduced risk, symptom reduction and quicker recovery.

Herbal Head Cold is a strong, balanced formula that has been specifically designed to reduce the duration and intensity of upper respiratory tract infections. The herbs in Herbal Head Cold complement each other to produce a powerful remedy that effectively targets the infection and reduces congestion. It contains traditionally used, and scientifically proven, herbs with anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, immune-stimulating, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal actions. Herbal Head Cold can be taken to either help prevent infection or alleviate the symptoms of a current infection.

A short description of each herbal component in Herbal Head Cold:
Elder Flowers (Sambucus nigra) are one of the most traditional and reliable herbs for use in the treatment of colds, influenza and fevers. They are indicated for any catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. As a gentle relaxing diaphoretic they open the pores to cool the body, encourage sweating and help to expectorate phlegm, and so are indicated in fevers accompanied by stuffy sinus.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is the most researched and popular herb for assisting immune function in Western Herbal Medicine. It has traditionally been used in North America for the prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms. As an immune modulator, echinacea can be used both as a preventative and as treatment for a wide range of infections. Many studies have proven that echinacea successfully reduces the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections and that it can inactivate and/or inhibit many viruses at different levels.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an anticatarrhal herb for the upper respiratory tract particularly where there is profuse watery flow.
Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) is ideal for coughs as it acts as a gentle expectorant while soothing inflamed membranes.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) may be used as the central ingredient in any fever management program including respiratory infections. It is a diaphoretic that can open up the peripheral circulation, helping to reduce unpleasant symptoms and keeping the body temperature from rising too high.
Lime Flowers (Tilia cordata) are commonly known as a diaphoretic to promote perspiration and are used in common cold and antitussive preparations. They have a relaxing, mild sedative action making them an ideal remedy for the treatment of acute feverish upper respiratory tract infections. Lime flowers are significant for upper respiratory tract catarrh and congestion, especially when headaches are associated with an increase in sinus pressure.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in the nose and throat. It is a mild diaphoretic and an efficient lymphatic, helping to remove the metabolic and immune toxic by-products from acute infections. 

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Classically a warming circulatory tonic, cinnamon is used for this purpose across many modalities including TCM, Western Herbalism and Ayurvedic Medicine. Cinnamon exhibits analgesic and astringent activity, making it applicable to reduce catarrh in the nasal passages while easing a sore throat. Cinnamon is pleasant tasting and encourages the assimilation of additional herbs in a medicinal complex.

References

Colds. Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia c2021 State of Victoria. (updated 23 May 2022; accessed 8 Jun 2023). Available from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/colds

Elder. Jim McDonald Herbalist.  cJim McDonald. (accessed 8 Jun 2023). Available from https://herbcraft.org/elder.html

Hudson J, Vimalanathan S. Echinacea—A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2011;4(7):1019–1031. Published 2011 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/ph4071019

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