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More About Cold Medicine

Herbal Cold Medicine and Cold Medicine for Kids

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 21, 2011

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Herbal Remedies

For those who want to try natural or herbal remedies rather than traditional manufactured cold medicine, there are no shortage of products. It is important to remember that this class of cold medicine is not evaluated by the FDA, so any statements about their ability to help reduce symptoms are not verified. Some common herbal cold remedies include:

  • Airborne Tablets (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, manganese, magnesium, amino acids, riboflavin - in orange flavors, propietary herbal blend)
    Airborne is marketed as a way to boost your immune system to prevent colds rather than as a way to treat them.
  • Zicam Cold Remedy (zinc)
    Zicam Cold Remedy gel and nasal swabs have been pulled from the market by the manufacturer due to concerns by the FDA that it may be linked to a loss of the sense of smell.
  • Vitamin C
    There have been many studies performed on Vitamin C to see if it can prevent or treat the common cold. Find out more about this vitamin and what the research shows.
  • Echinacea
    Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy that many people use to treat cold symptoms. There has not been much evidence to show that it is effective but it remains very popular.

Cold Medicine for Kids

The rules about giving cold medicine to kids have changed drastically in recent years. We now realize that many of these medications have no significant value for children because they do not relieve symptoms in kids the way they do in adults and in some cases they may have very serious side effects. Always check with your child’s healthcare provider before giving him any cold medicine.

Concerned about giving your kids cold medicine? Try these tips for treating your child’s cold symptoms without medication.

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