Colds and Nasal Congestion

Studied for preventing colds; it may shorten them but may not prevent them.

Mostly studied for colds and flu; it may shorten symptoms and make them less severe.

A traditional remedy for colds, flu and a stuffy nose. Not tested for colds in people.

Traditionally used for colds, blocked nose and sinusitis, often combined with xanthium. Not tested on its own in trials.

Traditionally used by the Cherokee as a poultice for colds. Not studied for colds in people.

One of the most widely used Native American cold remedies, as a tea or steam. Not studied in people.

Used as a tea for colds and flu; an extract stopped flu viruses infecting cells in the lab. Not tested in people.

It may slightly lower the chance of catching a cold, but a Cochrane review found no meaningful benefit for treating colds.

Elder flower is recognized in Europe for early cold symptoms.

Leaf decoctions were a widely used First Australian remedy for colds and flu. Not studied in people.

Used as a tea or steam inhalation for cough with a cold. Never use it in children under 2½.

A nasal ointment has traditionally been used for nose irritation with a cold, but European regulators found no adequate data.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to relieve cold symptoms.

Used by herbalists for sinus congestion from allergies and colds. Not tested in trials.

Promoted for colds and upper respiratory infections, but there's no evidence it helps the common cold.

Recognized in Europe for cough with a cold.

A traditional Chinese remedy for flu and viral infections; acted against flu viruses in lab studies. Not tested on its own in trials.

One of the plants used most often in Jamaica for colds and flu.

Traditionally used for breathing problems. It hasn't been tested in clinical trials.

Used in Chinese medicine and patent medicines for colds ("wind-heat"). Not tested on its own in trials.

Traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians for colds and flu. Not studied in people.

One of the plants used most often in Jamaica for colds and flu.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to relieve cold symptoms.

A popular traditional remedy for colds in Trinidad. This use hasn't been tested in people.

A traditional Chinese remedy for colds in summer heat and damp. Not tested on its own in trials.

Traditionally used for colds and flu. It hasn't been studied in people.

Traditionally used for breathing problems in tropical America. This use hasn't been tested in people.

An anecdotal Jamaican remedy for colds. This use hasn't been tested in people.

Traditionally used for colds and fever.

Bark tea was a Native American remedy for colds, coughs and fever. Not tested in trials.

A traditional Chinese remedy for the early stage of colds and flu; a related decoction shortened fever in a flu trial.

One of the plants used most often in Jamaica for colds and flu.

Clinical reports suggest it may help colds; better trials are needed.

An anecdotal Jamaican remedy for colds.

A traditional remedy for colds. Not tested in trials.

Traditionally used for colds and flu.

Many Southwestern peoples drank a root or plant tea for colds and chest congestion. Not studied in people.