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Non-Ephedrine Cold Remedies

Ephedrine is the active ingredient in ephedra sinensis (also called ma huang), a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Today, ephedrine and synthesized ephedrine-based compounds such as pseudoephedrine are used in a variety of applications and are often found as decongestants in cold medicines. These medicines have the potential to produce unwanted side effects and are under an increasing amount of scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because of the major role that ephedrine and psudoephedrine have in methamphetamine production. Non-ephedrine cold remedies can provide a safer alternative.

  1. Ephedrine Side Effects

    • Ephedrine increases blood pressure and heart rate. In the short-term it can cause anxiety, restlessness, seizures, muscle spasms, irritability, vomiting, nausea, headaches, urinary problems and insomnia, while in the long-term heart attacks, stroke and heart arrhythmias can occur.

    Legality

    • The FDA created the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which was incorporated into the Patriot Act in 2006. It bans the over-the-counter sale of cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine (consumers must now get them from behind the counter in pharmacies) and limits the amount of medication containing pseudoephedrine individuals can buy. Also, consumers are required to show photo identification and provide personal information (address, phone number) to stores, which is kept on file. Many cold medicines such as Tylenol now contain the safer active ingredient phenylephrine as opposed to pseudoephedrine.

    Fluids

    • Drinking plenty of fluids is one non-ephedrine cold remedy. While colds cannot be flushed out of the system, fluid intake can help ease symptoms. Water, lemon water, honey water, juice and clear broth all help prevent dehydration and help clear up congestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as coffee should be avoided as they contribute to dehydration.

    Saltwater

    • Gargling with saltwater can help relieve throat irritation and pain. The Mayor Clinic recommends using mixture made by dissolving a half-teaspoon of salt into an eight-ounce container of warm water.

    Nasal Spray

    • Saline nasal sprays can be bought over the counter and help combat nasal congestion. As opposed to nasal decongestants, sprays do not cause symptoms to return or worsen once use is stopped.

    Chicken Soup

    • Chicken soup has been a common cold remedy for generations. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors have now proven that it does have beneficial effects on flu and cold symptoms. Chicken soup serves as an anti-inflammatory by preventing immune system cells called neutrophils from responding, and it also helps relieve congestion by increasing the speed at which mucus moves through the nose. Both chicken soup from the can and homemade chicken soup are effective.

    Humidity

    • Cold-causing viruses spread more easily in dry conditions. Mucous membranes are also more easily irritated when the air is dry, resulting in scratchy throats and stuffy noses. A properly maintained humidifier can help add moisture to the air and prevent the adverse affects of cold-causing viruses.

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