Herbal Remedies by Symptom

Cold & flu - Medicinal Plants & Herbal Remedies

The Omnia Sana plant database documents 38 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
Good evidence

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

ElderSambucus nigra
Good evidence

inferred from antiviral action

GarlicAllium sativum
Good evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorum
Good evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

PelargoniumPelargonium sidoides
Good evidence

Common cold and acute respiratory tract infection

Siberian GinsengEleutherococcus senticosus
Good evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

BlackcurrantRibes nigrum
Moderate evidence

inferred from antiviral action

Panax GinsengPanax ginseng
Moderate evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

ThymeThymus vulgaris
Moderate evidence

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)

Oyster mushroomPleurotus ostreatus
Limited evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

AngelicaAngelica archangelica
Preliminary evidence

Diaphoretic / expectorant support during colds

AstragalusAstragalus membranaceus
Preliminary evidence

Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)

Blue gum eucalyptusEucalyptus globulus
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Lions maneHericium erinaceus
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

NoniMorinda citrifolia
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

OliveOlea europaea
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

Rhodiola RoseaRhodiola rosea
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

SelfhealPrunella vulgaris
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

Black CuminNigella sativa
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

BorageBorago officinalis
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

ChagaInonotus obliquus
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

CordycepsCordyceps militaris
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Dense-flowered MulleinVerbascum densiflorum
Preliminary evidence

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

Japanese RoseRosa rugosa
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Lemon balmMelissa officinalis
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

Licorice rootGlycyrrhiza glabra
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

LindenTilia cordata
Preliminary evidence

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

LingzhiGanoderma lingzhi
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

Pleurisy RootAsclepias tuberosa
Preliminary evidence

inferred from diaphoretic action

Purple coneflowerEchinacea purpurea
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Ribwort PlantainPlantago lanceolata
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Sea buckthornHippophae rhamnoides
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Shiitake (mushroom)Lentinula edodes
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

Stinging NettleUrtica dioica
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

Turkey tailTrametes versicolor
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antiviral action

White cloverTrifolium repens
Preliminary evidence

inferred from immunomodulator action

YarrowAchillea millefolium
Preliminary evidence

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.