Are These Tried and True Cold Remedies as Good as They Claim?

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

We’ve all had our mother tell us to “drink more orange juice,” when we feel a stuffy nose or sore throat coming on, but does that really work? Below, we look to find the truth about these “tried and true” cold remedies:

Vitamin C: For years people have argued whether or not excess amounts of Vitamin C actually prevent or reduce the length of a cold, but recent studies have shown that 200 mg (or more) of Vitamin C in no way alleviated cold symptoms.

Airborne: As of today, there are no complete and credible studies compiled on the effects of Airborne. But through personal testimonies, people have claimed that Airborne does work to reduce the likelihood of catching a cold if it’s taken everyday - so don’t plan on taking a tablet right before you get on a plane.

Echinacea: Originally, a 2006 review by the Cochrane Collaboration, this herb was no better than a placebo at preventing colds. But earlier studies say that when certain parts of an Echinacea supplement are made into an Echinacea-purpurea, then it may be somewhat effective at treating colds early on in adults.

Cold-Eeze: Similar to Airborne, Cold-Eeze has been shown to strengthen your immune system if it is taken daily over a long period of time - but they won’t automatically help your cold or symptoms.

Chicken Soup:  Hot fluids are always a good idea when you have a cold, in fact -- research determined that hot soup with a variety of veggies may act as an anti-inflammatory.  

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this winter season, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit us on the web.