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Good Scientific Evidence
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Probiotics
]: Limited evidence with day care children suggests supplementation with Lactobacillus GG may reduce number of sick days, frequency of respiratory tract infections and frequency of related antibiotic treatments. Fermented milk (with yogurt cultures and L. casei DN–114001) may reduce the duration of winter infections (gastrointestinal and respiratory), as well as average body temperature, in elderly people.
- Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to probiotics. Use cautiously if lactose intolerant.
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Unclear or Conflicting Scientific Evidence
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Bladderwrack
]: Laboratory studies suggest that bladderwrack has antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, there are no reliable human studies to support use as an antibacterial or antifungal agent.
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Blessed thistle
]: Laboratory studies report that blessed thistle (and chemicals contained in blessed thistle, such as cnicin and polyacetylene) may have activity against several types of bacteria and no effects on some types. Reliable human study is lacking. Further evidence is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
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Cranberry
]: Study results of cranberry as an antibacterial in other conditions show conflicting results. Further study is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
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Lavender
]: Early laboratory studies suggest that lavender oils may have antibiotic activity. However, this has not been well tested in animal or human studies.
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Probiotics
]: As a bacterial reservoir, the nose may harbor many types of disease–causing bacteria. There is limited evidence that probiotic supplementation may reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the upper respiratory tract. More studies are needed to establish this relationship and its implications for health.
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Sorrel
]: There are no well–conducted published studies that demonstrate sorrel to possess activity against viruses or bacteria that are important human pathogens.
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