ABSTRACT
Multiple botanicals have been used in the prevention, treatment, and symptomatic management of common infections. For urinary tract infections (UTIs), both cranberry and uva ursi have been studied, with evidence supporting cranberry products with standardized proanthocyanidin contents for the prevention of recurrent UTI in healthy women. Elderberry may be a reasonable treatment of influenza, although its use does not replace recommendations for influenza vaccination and prescription drugs in high risk populations. Topical lemon balm possesses antiviral activity for herpes simplex, but clinical data is limited. Data on the efficacy of echinacea for prevention and treatment of the common cold is extensive yet conflicting. Individuals with the common cold may benefit from taking echinacea, and either Echinacea purpurea or a combination with Echinacea angustifolia should be used. Evidence supporting astragalus and andrographis is limited, although the latter may decrease cough and sore throat based on a systematic review. Thyme may offer relief of symptoms from acute bronchitis. Data on the use of specific topical tea tree oil preparations exists in treating oropharyngeal candidiasis, onychomycosis or tinea pedis although mycological cures are unlikely. Additional research is needed to identify clinically relevant interactions between botanicals and drugs in the setting of common infections.
