Prevention

Certain supplements and some herbal medicine products could act on the immune system by strengthening the body’s defenses. They may reduce your chances of getting a cold or nasopharyngitis.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Studies indicate that in conjunction with an influenza vaccine, ginseng reduces the incidence of acute respiratory infections^3,4.

echinacea (Echinacea sp). Several studies^5-10 analyzed the effectiveness of echinacea in preventing colds and respiratory infections. The results depend on the type of echinacea preparation used and also on the type of virus responsible for the respiratory infection. Echinacea would also lose its preventive effectiveness after 3 months of use. Read the opinion of pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne in the Echinacea sheet.

Vitamin C. According to a meta-analysis of 30 trials and 11 people², taking vitamin C supplements daily is ineffective in preventing colds. These supplements would not have more effect for the prevention of nasopharyngitis.

Astragalus (Astragalus membraceanus or Huang qi). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root of this plant is used to increase the body’s resistance to viral infections. According to some Chinese studies, astragalus may strengthen the immune system and thus prevent colds and respiratory infections¹¹. It would also reduce symptoms due to viruses and speed healing.