Colds season: herbal medicines protect children against viruses and bacteria

Most respiratory tract infections in children are caused by viruses. They interfere with the body’s own defence mechanisms, and this frequently also smoothes the way for dangerous bacteria. In infants and young children, in particular, this often results in a secondary bacterial infection. In many cases this sequence of events can be effectively prevented by using scientifically tested herbal medicines, according to claims made by Professor Dr. med. Josef Peter Guggenbichler of the Department of Paediatric Medicine, University of Erlangen, at a press conference organised by the Committee for Research into Natural Medicine (CRNM) in Munich.

The respiratory tract mucosa is covered by minute cilia which move in a coordinated fashion to transport secretions and mucus together with the pathogens and dust particles they contain in the direction of the nostrils or throat. The viruses that enter as a result of infection exert a paralysing effect on these cilia. The consequences are a build-up of secretions and the formation of viscous mucus. Bacteria are then also able to attach themselves more easily to the surface of cells whose defence function is disturbed: in children this leads in 20 to 35 percent of cases to inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) or of the middle ear, sometimes even to pulmonary inflammation.

The research team led by Professor Guggenbichler studied the influence of herbal extracts on ciliary beat frequency. Their findings: in particular, the essential oil contained in eucalyptus and mountain pine needles is able to markedly increase ciliary motility. This mechanism helps the patient to achieve airway clearance by coughing and makes it more difficult for bacteria to gain entry.

Because of their antimicrobial efficacy, herbal medicines are also suitable as primary therapeutic agents for viral infections of the respiratory tract. Essential oils of thyme, sage or chamomile exert an anti-infective effect which functions both against viruses and against bacteria. Recent results also confirm the antimicrobial properties of a combination of five medicinal plants.

According to Professor Guggenbichler, there is also good evidence to support the mucolytic activity of plant extracts of cowslip, gentian, elder or ivy. By bolstering the body’s defences, herbal medicines therefore also support the recovery process.

CRNM 2/2006 –2 February 2006