NATURAL REMEDIES FOR THE RELIEF OF COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS: THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE USE OF FINIFLU
CHRISTOPHER IAN WRIGHT *
Red Pharm, Cold Meece Estate, Cold Meece, Staffordshire, ST15 0SP, United Kingdom
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Some over-the-counter natural remedies, such as Finiflu TM, claim to provide relief from the symptoms of the common cold and flu.
Materials and Methods: The current article searched PubMed to assess the evidence to support the use of Finiflu in the symptomatic relief of cold and flu symptoms. The evidence for its individual ingredients (i.e., garlic, onion, chilli and chocolate) was also assessed. The literature search focused on the following symptoms - cold and flu, specifically the relief of cold and flu symptoms, congestion, cough, mucus and a runny nose. The search terms focused primarily on review articles in humans.
Results: Search results showed limited data supporting the use of Finiflu or its individual ingredients - garlic, onion, chilli and chocolate.
Discussion: Studies assessing the efficacy of Finiflu or its individual ingredients (garlic, onion, chilli and chocolate) for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms is limited. At the present time, therefore, more data (efficacy and safety trials, case studies and case reports) is needed to assess the effectiveness of Finiflu. Studies may also consider exactly what ingredients are effective, which combinations are effective and at what dose these ingredients are effective.
Practical Application: Cold and flu supplements are available on the market. This article explores if there is data to support the health benefits of Finiflu, which is marketed to help treat the symptoms of cold and flu.
Keywords: Cold and flu, symptomatic, garlic, onion, chilli, chocolate