Herbal Remedies by Symptom

Cold & flu — Medicinal Plants & Herbal Remedies

The Omnia Sana plant database documents 42 medicinal plants traditionally used for cold & flu. Each is rated by strength of evidence and linked to its full monograph and cited scientific sources.

Also known as: common cold, flu, influenza, upper respiratory infection.

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AndrographisAndrographis paniculata
Traditional use

Symptomatic relief of the common cold and acute upper respiratory tract infection (reduces symptom severity and duration)

AngelicaAngelica archangelica
Traditional use

Diaphoretic / expectorant support during colds

AshwagandhaWithania somnifera
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

AstragalusAstragalus membranaceus
Traditional use

Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)

BirchBetula pendula
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

Black CuminNigella sativa
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

BlackcurrantRibes nigrum
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

Blue gum eucalyptusEucalyptus globulus
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

BorageBorago officinalis
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

ChagaInonotus obliquus
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

CordycepsCordyceps militaris
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Dense-flowered MulleinVerbascum densiflorum
Traditional use

Demulcent and mild expectorant for cough and cold with sore throat and dry, irritating cough

ElderSambucus nigra
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

GarlicAllium sativum
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

HeartseaseViola tricolor
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorum
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Japanese RoseRosa rugosa
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Lemon balmMelissa officinalis
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

Licorice rootGlycyrrhiza glabra
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

LindenTilia cordata
Traditional use

Diaphoretic infusion for feverish colds and flu (promotes sweating to support a fever)

LingzhiGanoderma lingzhi
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

Lions maneHericium erinaceus
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

NoniMorinda citrifolia
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

OliveOlea europaea
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

OreganoOriganum vulgare
Traditional use

Aromatic support for coughs and colds (traditional)

Oyster mushroomPleurotus ostreatus
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Panax GinsengPanax ginseng
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

PelargoniumPelargonium sidoides
Traditional use

Common cold and acute respiratory tract infection

Pleurisy RootAsclepias tuberosa
Traditional use

inferred from diaphoretic action

Purple coneflowerEchinacea purpurea
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Rhodiola RoseaRhodiola rosea
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Ribwort PlantainPlantago lanceolata
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Sea buckthornHippophae rhamnoides
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

SelfhealPrunella vulgaris
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

Shiitake (mushroom)Lentinula edodes
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

Siberian GinsengEleutherococcus senticosus
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

Stinging NettleUrtica dioica
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

ThymeThymus vulgaris
Traditional use

Expectorant for productive (chesty) cough associated with cold and bronchitis - a fixed thyme-ivy extract combination outperformed placebo in acute bronchitis (faster, greater reduction in coughing fits)

Turkey tailTrametes versicolor
Traditional use

inferred from antiviral action

White cloverTrifolium repens
Traditional use

inferred from immunomodulator action

YarrowAchillea millefolium
Traditional use

Diaphoretic (supports the body during colds and fevers)

Educational information compiled from the Omnia Sana plant database. Not medical advice — always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.