A recent study in the medical journal, the lancet reported that herb echinacea reduced common cold and also shortened the duration of common cold. however new england journal of medicine had reported that echinacea may not help common cold. it is possible that the two studies different viruses. also FDA does not regulate herbal supplements and hence study results may not be conclusive. Vitamin C is known to reduce cold symptoms although it may not prevent common cold.
a person can be infected with cold virus upto 24 hours before the cold symptoms can be seen. best defense against common cold is to wash your hands every time you are in public places. Washing hands prevents viruses from entering your mouth or nose.
personal hygiene such as washing hands with soap may be the best natural health solution and cure for preventing common cold.
Tags: common cold, echinacea, jama, lancet, medical journals, natural health, zinc