People's Pharmacy

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Cold Remedies May Pose Unsuspected Risks

Posting Date: 12/12/2005

Lots of cold remedies also contain antihistamines. Ingredients such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine may slow down sniffles by drying out mucus secretions, but they can also make a person drowsy or spacey. Driving under the influence of an antihistamine could be dangerous.

Some people turn to herbs to avoid problems with OTC drugs. Studies of echinacea have produced mixed results, however. The most recent research was disappointing.

Alternatives include astragalus or andrographis. These Chinese herbs have a long history of use against upper respiratory symptoms.

Zinc is also promoted as a way to combat the common cold. As with echinacea, though, the research is inconsistent. Some studies show benefit, while others show none.

We discuss several approaches to the common cold along with our favorite chicken soup and hot toddy recipes in our Guide to Cold Remedies. Anyone who would like a copy may download it for $2 from the Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com. Or send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. Q-20, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

With a cold it?s important to stay home and not share it. That?s why we love garlic-based remedies. They may not cure a cold, but they keep others far enough away that they?re less likely to catch it!

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.