Herbs for the common cold
When winter comes, linden, rose hip and mountain tea move into Turkish kitchens. None of these herbs cures a cold, but some are accepted in Europe for traditional use in easing its symptoms.
In short
Echinacea may slightly shorten a cold, but results are inconsistent. Elderflower, linden and mountain tea are used by tradition to ease symptoms.
The plants, strongest evidence first
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea
It may have a small effect in preventing or shortening colds, but results are inconsistent. Short-term use is accepted in Europe.
Elder Sambucus nigra
Elderflower is recognised for traditional use in the early symptoms of a cold. The berries must be cooked; raw berries are poisonous.
Thyme and oregano Thymus
Recognised as a traditional herbal medicine for productive cough.
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
Its steam and oil are recognised for traditional use in cough from colds. The oil must not be applied to children’s faces.
Ginger Zingiber officinale
In China fresh ginger root is boiled and drunk for colds; this use rests on tradition.
Rose hip Rosa canina
The fresh fruit is very rich in vitamin C, but drying and boiling destroy much of it.
Linden Tilia tomentosa
Traditional use for cold symptoms is accepted.
Mountain tea Sideritis türleri
Recognised for traditional use in cough from colds.