Medicina Tradicional y Naturopatía Clínica

Abstracto

Natural Remedies for the Relief of Cold and Flu Symptoms: The Evidence for Garlic, Onion, Chilli and Chocolate

Christopher Ian Wright

Some over-the-counter natural remedies claim to provide symptomatic relief from the common cold and flu. The current study used pubmed to review the evidence to support the use of garlic, onion, chilli and chocolate for the symptomatic relief of cold and flu symptoms, congestion, cough, mucous and a runny nose. The search terms focused the search on review articles conducted in humans. Results showed that there was limited data supporting the use of garlic, onion, chilli and chocolate. Future studies are required to support the effectiveness and safety of these ingredients alone or in combination. Studies may also consider exactly what ingredients are effective, which combinations are effective and at what dose these ingredients are effective.