Here are the cold remedies that do not work – and some that might

For many of us living in North America, the worst flu and cold season is already here. Personally, I've had two colds almost back to back since the New Year. So it's time to go through the long list of remedies that will not stop you or really help you recover from these pesky infections – as well as some some that can really work.

Let's start by clearing the absolute badet.

Any product containing the word "homeopathic" should be avoided as a person who sneezes in the subway. I'm talking about products like Coldcalm or Oscillosoccinum. Homeopathy, so as not to beat an old drum, is one of the most stupid ideas for which credibility has not lost its credibility today, and that says a lot. There is no plausible reason why they should work, and more importantly, no good evidence that they work.

Then, the so-called natural and herbal treatments that shorten or prevent colds are not lacking. But there is not much that excites us here. The British organization Cochrane, long known and respected for its comprehensive reviews of the medical literature, has found little to no solid evidence indicating that cold remedies like echinacea, garlic or the treatments advertised under the name of Chinese herbal medicine can lessen colds. In addition, many studies showing an improvement in the fight against the cold tend to be of poor quality, for example by studying only a small group of people or by not controlling the placebo effect.

It's not just alternative medicine that's missing. Antibiotics are often prescribed to people who complain of cold symptoms. But the germs that cause the disease we would call colds are viruses, not bacteria. So taking antibiotics for a cold, it's like throwing a bucket of ice to help clean the spilled milk – a completely useless effort that will probably make your day more unpleasant. Oh, and that will also contribute to the evolution of impenetrable superbugs, so that's it.

Antihistamines are a little better because they could help lessen the severity of a cold in the first two days. But they do not seem to treat symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose or sneezing. And they do not work at all for children. Nasal sprays containing steroids are also poor against cold, according to the best evidence available (although additional research may be needed).

There is no consistent evidence that over-the-counter cough medicines containing compounds such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) are worth taking because their benefits are uncertain, but their risks, including the potential abuse, are well known.

Some cold medicines are better than others. Pseudoephedrine-containing nasal decongestants, such as Sudafed, have stronger evidence of short-term efficacy, but they must be purchased in small quantities and behind the counter of the pharmacy, as pseudoephedrine is one of the compounds be used to produce methamphetamine. Even if it is used according to the instructions, it can cause strange side effects such as hallucinations and seizures, especially if it is taken at too high a dose. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a quick relief of symptoms, pseudoephedrine is probably your best choice.

A drug sold as a less dangerous alternative to pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine (found in Sudafed PE), seems totally ineffective in treating cold symptoms. In fact, the reputation of phenylephrine has deteriorated so much recently that some doctors have called it a glorified placebo and insisted that it be completely removed from the tablets.

And research has shown that all the cough and cold medicines mentioned above are even less likely to be effective for children and, worse yet, are more likely to produce harmful side effects in children than in adults.

Phew! This is a negative point. Alas, all hope is not lost.

There is good evidence that natural remedies like zinc supplements or vitamin C can help prevent colds during the winter season or to slightly shorten your illness once you have it. For children, a simple spoonful of honey could actually help relieve coughs better than cough medicines. And yes, even very limited research suggests that chicken soup could be useful against the cold.

Studies supporting more natural remedies have their limitations, notice. The problem in general is that colds, by their very nature, are short-lived. It is therefore difficult to determine what really works, because almost anything may seem to have healed you if your cold lasted only a day or two more. But since some remedies in particular are harmless and could By working, I would feel much safer by recommending zinc lozenges and vitamin C pills to my sniffing friends and family rather than to a basket containing cough suppressants or the latest Airborne product.

In fact, time is the only foolproof treatment for colds, at least right now.