Doctors are trying out a non-traditional treatment for colds and flu.

Overview

Superbugs are developing increased resistance to antibiotics, causing 700,000 deaths worldwide annually. The global health crisis has been acknowledged by the United Nations, predicting a rise in the death toll to 10 million by 2050.

This resistance is mainly attributed to the excessive use of antibiotics in farming and inappropriate prescription practices by physicians. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral illnesses such as colds and flu, yet they are frequently prescribed for these conditions.

To address this concern, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is focusing on reducing antibiotic prescriptions for specific infections and exploring alternative non-pharmaceutical treatments.

If successful, healthcare providers in the UK might soon recommend an herbal solution known as Andrographis paniculata for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This herb, also known as Indian echinacea and the king of bitters, has a rich history in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for various health issues.

Extensive laboratory research has been conducted on Andrographis, revealing multiple active compounds that provide diverse health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

Moreover, initial examinations of Andrographis have displayed encouraging results. A comprehensive review from 2017, consisting of 33 randomized controlled trials with over 7,000 patients, demonstrated that the herb alleviated symptoms of RTIs, like cough and sore throat, with minimal adverse effects.

The favorable results of these investigations have prompted NHS authorities to launch a trial involving 20 medical practices to evaluate the effectiveness of Andrographis in reducing antibiotic prescriptions. The trial will entail participants consuming Andrographis capsules or a placebo multiple times per day for a week.

Dr. Michael Dixon, NHS England’s National Clinical Lead for Social Prescription, has shown enthusiasm about the potential of natural remedies such as Andrographis in decreasing reliance on antibiotics, describing it as a significant advancement.

Andrographis is commonly available at health food shops in the US. Alongside Andrographis, other remedies for colds and flu, like elderberry extract, echinacea, goldenseal, NAC, and quercetin, are advised for symptom relief and prevention.