2006-08-03 13:37:22 · 10 answers · asked by laffdaddy 1 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
certainly won't hurt. i take zinc and echinacea whenever i get one of those colds that *won't* go away
2006-08-03 13:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by filmguy2678 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It won't hurt, but probably won't help. There were some studies done a few years ago that seemed to show that taking zinc at the first sign of a cold might help, but those studies have since been proved inconclusive.
When it comes to colds, if you take pills and medicines, the cold will last 7-10 days. If you don't, it will still last 7-10 days. The best remedy for a cold is lots of fluids and lots of rest. Take cold medicines if you want temporary relief from some of the symptoms.
2006-08-03 13:43:46 · answer #2 · answered by P-nuts and Hair-dos 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to my knowledge, but Zinc contributes to new cell growth and therefore a healthier immune system. Prevention being better than cure is the best choice. Colds are caused by the Rhino Virus that breeds in the nasal passages. A good nasal flush once or twice a day with common tap water will help flush away this virus before it gets a chance to get a hold.
2006-08-04 23:37:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no evidence that zinc, echinacea, or Vitamin C make any difference in shortening the length of cold symptoms or the severity.
Some small early studies looked promising, but when the did larger studies there was no effect beyond placebo.
Sorry. Oh yea, this includes that new heavily hyped product, Cold FX too. Useless.
Sorry, but prevention by hand washing is still the most effective way at preventing colds and flu.
2006-08-03 13:57:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Zinc, Vit. C and echineaca are supposed to help reduce the severity and duration of a cold.
2006-08-03 13:42:30 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very individual. If I take zinc lozenges as soon as I feel a cold start, it usually makes it less severe and not last as long.
2006-08-03 13:41:50 · answer #6 · answered by ckm1956 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
zinc is good for fever blisters. I haven't heard either way on a cold, but it can't hurt you.
2006-08-03 17:35:00 · answer #7 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, zinc is the only thing known to kill the cold virus.
2006-08-03 13:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by kb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't think it cures the cold but it lessens the severity of it. it'll help it end quicker
2006-08-03 13:41:14 · answer #9 · answered by shizzlechit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No,but it can shorten the duration.
2006-08-03 14:17:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋