This herb is very sweet due to its high content of glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for most of licorice s medicinal properties, including its ability to soothe throat tissue. Licorice is effective when taken as a syrup or throat lozenge. People with kidney or heart problems or a history of high blood pressure should avoid regular use of licorice as it may cause salt and water retention. Elderberry Elderberry is commonly used to treat the runny nose and sore throat associated with the common cold.
Elderberry works by inducing sweating and stimulating circulation.
It also has cough suppressant effects. Two to four grams a day during the cold episode seem to be most effective without causing diarrhea. Zinc Gluconate Zinc gluconate lozenges have been found helpful in reducing the duration of cold symptoms, particularly when started within the first 24 hours of cold onset. Call if you have tried the self-care measures discussed above and your symptoms persist or worsen.