“Doc, what can you give me for this nagging cold?” This is a common question in medicine, and the reply is usually, “Nothing, you just have to wait it out.” Unfortunately, the common approach is symptom suppression: lowering a fever, suppressing a cough, and drying up a runny nose. Basically, entertaining you until your immune system ramps up.

This leads to questions about how to support and enhance the immune system, our bodies’ inherent defense and healing system. While my last article was dedicated to the role of foods and the immune system, I’d like to discuss some lesser-known herbs that can enhance the immune response. In essence, I want to report on herbs that have been shown to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.

 A common herb with a long history of use for treating colds and flu is elderberry.  Typically used as a syrup, tincture or capsule, elderberry has been shown to have antiviral properties.  A 2009 study reported that elderberry extracts have direct antiviral activity against the 2009 H1N1 virus. The added benefit of this herb is that it carries few, if any, reported side effects. Therefore it’s commonly used with children.

An herb that you may not be familiar with is andrographis, or Andrographis paniculata, an herb from Indian and Chinese medicine traditionally used to treat digestive problems and various infections.  The major chemicals in andrographis are diterpene lactones, which are bitter constituents that are known for many effects, including immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory and liver-protective actions. Modern research suggests that the dried herb or standardized extracts can significantly lessen the duration of the common cold.

Attempting to lessen the severity and duration of sickness seems just as sensible as nursing the symptoms that come with the condition.

Dr. Jeff Roush is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing at the Natural Medicine Clinic in downtown Helena. He is available for general questions at the Real Food Market Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-6 and Saturdays from 10-2.