The Common Cold
Content Created/Medically Reviewed by our Expert DoctorsUnproven Prevention Methods: Fact or Myth?
The following commonly used treatments that people often swear by to treat or even “cure” their colds.
Read the research results below to see why these treatments may mostly be myths!
Echinacea
- Echinacea is a dietary herbal supplement that some people use to treat their colds.
- Researchers, however, have found that while the herb may help treat your colds if taken in the early stages, it will not help prevent them.
- One research study found that echinacea is not effective at all.
Vitamin C
- Many people are convinced that taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds or relieve symptoms.
- To test this theory, several large-scale, controlled studies involving children and adults have been conducted.
- To date, no conclusive data has shown that large doses of vitamin C prevent colds. The vitamin may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms, but there is no clear evidence of this effect.
- Taking vitamin C over long periods of time in large amounts may be harmful. Too much vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea, a particular danger for elderly people and small children.
Honey
- Honey has been considered to be a treatment for coughs and to soothe a sore throat.
- A recent study conducted at the Penn State College of Medicine compared the effectiveness of a little bit of buckwheat honey before bedtime versus either no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), the cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold medicines.
- The results of this study suggest that honey may be useful to relieve coughing, but researchers need to do additional studies.
Zinc
- Zinc lozenges and zinc lollipops are available over the counter as a treatment for the common cold; however, results from studies designed to test the efficacy of zinc are inconclusive.
- Although several studies have shown zinc to be effective for reducing the symptoms of the common cold, an equal number of studies have shown zinc is not effective. This may be due to flaws in the way these studies were conducted, or the particular form of zinc used in each case. Therefore, additional studies are needed.
