Battling that bug that's been going around? You might want to consider reinforcing your cold-relief arsenal with this herb: andrographis.

The andrographis plant has been used for years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat respiratory infections and ease cold symptoms. Now, new research lends support to the cause.

Symptom Stopper
In a small study, adults with upper-respiratory-tract infections and sinusitis took andrographis for 5 days. The result? Headache, nasal and throat symptoms, and general malaise improved significantly. Temperatures fell, too. And the herb was well tolerated. Promising. (Now, what about echinacea and chicken soup? Read this article to find out how well they work.)

Safety First
Of course, no matter what one single study concludes, herbs can cause side effects and interact with medicines. So before you jump on the andrographis bandwagon, check with your doctor. Especially if you don't know how much to take. (See these frequently asked questions about herbal remedies.)

For tried-and-true cold-relief advice, take the RealAge Cold and Flu Assessment.

Symptom Checker
Are sore throat and fever signs of a cold or the flu? Check your answer with this symptoms checklist.

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