Gargle Method to Reduce the Duration of Common Cold Symptoms

Abstract

A method of reducing the presence, duration, severity, or symptoms of the common cold entails the administration of a nonalcoholic antiviral remedy to a subject in need of such treatment, preferably in the form of a gargle.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a patient to reduce the duration or symptoms of the common cold, comprising administering by a gargling method an aliquot of an herbal containing at least one agent selected from the group consisting of antivirals, astringents, acids, antibiotics, minerals, salts, and antimicrobials to a patient in need of such treatment. 
     
     
         2 . A method of treating a patient to reduce the duration or symptoms of the common cold, comprising administering by the oral route of administration an effective amount of a substance selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, garlic, cayenne pepper, zinc, vinegar, citric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, benzoic acid, quinic acid, tannic acid, ginger extract, olive whole leaf, fennel, eucalyptus or ascorbic acid effective to treat said patient. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises vinegar. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises ascorbic acid. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises food grade acids (citric, malic, oxalic, benoic, quinic, tannic, the unique combination of ingredients found in fresh ginger, and any other food grade acid). 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises citrus fruit (orange, mandarin, lemon, lime, etc.). 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises honey. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy is provided in a form that facilitates contact between the active agents and the tissues in which the virus is present or through which the virus is likely to enter the body. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy is formulated as a mouthwash and is applied as soon as a sore, irritated, or scratchy throat is present (preferably within 12-48 hours) in about 1-20 dosages (preferably 6 dosages of 1 tablespoon each) in which the first three dosages are applied 2 hours apart and the last three are applied 4-6 hours apart (preferably 4 hours). 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the botanical remedy is formulated as a nasal spray. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the botanical remedy is formulated as a lozenge or troche. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising using the remedy with a frequency and/or at a dosage which results in the reduction of the severity or presence of one or more symptoms of the cold. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising maintaining the remedy in contact with the mouth, throat, or both for a sufficient length of time, with sufficient frequency, or both, that reduction of the duration of the cold is achieved. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising maintaining the remedy in contact with the mouth, throat, or both for a sufficient length of time, with sufficient frequency, or both, that reduction of the severity or presence of one or more symptoms of the cold is achieved. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising maintaining the remedy in contact with the mouth, throat or both for a sufficient length of time, with sufficient frequency, or both, that infection by cold viruses is prevented. 
     
     
         17 . A composition for preventing or reducing the presence, duration, severity, or a combination thereof of a common cold or of its symptoms comprising a remedy comprising nonalcoholic, antiviral medicaments, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises vinegar. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises ascorbic acid. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises food grade acids (citric, malic, oxalic, benoic, quinic, tannic, the unique combination of ingredients found in fresh ginger, and any other food grade acid). 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises citrus fruits (orange, mandarin, lemon, lime, etc.). 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises honey. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy comprises hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, garlic, olive whole leaf, fennel, eucalyptus, cayenne pepper, zinc, vinegar, citric acid, and/or other food grade acids (malic, oxalic, benoic, quinic, tannic, the unique combination of ingredients found in fresh ginger, etc.), ascorbic acid, citrus fruits (orange, mandarin, lemon, lime, etc.), and honey and/or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein the botanical remedy is formulated in a form that facilitates contact between the active agents and the tissues in which the virus is present or through which the virus is likely to enter the body. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy is formulated as a mouthwash. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy is formulated as a nasal spray. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein the nonalcoholic, antiviral remedy is formulated as a lozenge or troche.