Title:  Gargle method to reduce the duration of common cold symptoms

United States Patent:  6,641,801

Issued:  November 4, 2003

Inventors:  Brown; Amy Christine (Honolulu, HI)

Assignee:  Love Lives (Honolulu, HI)

Appl. No.:  821653

Filed:  March 28, 2001

Abstract

The common cold is caused by a virus. Antiviral compounds that kill viruses would then be most likely to serve as a remedy for the common cold. This invention seeks to offer a unique use of an antiviral agent, ethanol (with or without additional homeopathic and/or herb ingredients) through the unique topical application of a mouthwash to a sore throat that is often the first symptom of a common cold. The sore throat is caused by the virus setting up to enter the body after which a cascade of immune response symptoms will occur. Current cold remedies do nothing but treat these immune response symptoms. This invention is unique in that it destroys the virus directly, blocking the cold virus at its point of entry, and the remaining cold symptoms never appear. It does not matter how many cold viruses exist, because the antiviral nature of ethanol kills viruses upon contact. This is the first time that treatment of a sore-throat with antiviral agents (ethanol with or without additional homeopathic and/or herb ingredients) is being used to effectively block the common cold. Research testing this common cold remedy have shown it to be effective in 18 out of 20 case studies, and a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial is being conducted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides methods and compounds for reducing the presence, duration, and severity of a common cold and of its symptoms by the administration of ethanol with or without homeopathic and/or herbal medicaments.

It is an object of this invention to provide effective treatments for the treatment of the common cold and its symptoms. Specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide remedies which reduce the duration of the cold, which reduce the severity or duration of one or more symptoms of the cold, and/or which prevent the common cold.

It is another object of this invention to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with currently known approaches to treating the common cold and its symptoms.

Prior treatments for the cold have focused on alleviation of its symptoms. Very few remedies have had any success in reducing the duration of the cold. Further, prior treatments almost always contain drugs which cause side effects, which can be as debilitating as the cold itself. Unexpectedly, the present inventor has discovered that certain medicaments (ethanol with or without homeopathic and/or herb ingredients) can reduce the duration of the cold itself, as well as reducing the severity of the symptoms of the cold, and may also prevent infection by cold viruses. The remedy's active ingredient is ethanol with or without homeopathic and/or herb ingredients that are without known side effects and/or are given at homeopathic dosages, which appear to produce no side effects. The remedies of this invention therefore represent a novel treatment for the common cold, which treatment overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior remedies.

In one embodiment, remedies according to the present invention include homeopathic concentrations of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperta (peppermint), and/or Thymus serpyllum (thyme); and also include perhaps one or a combination of the following ingredients: Olea europaea (olive whole leaf) Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Pulmonaeia officinalis (lungwort), Althea officinalis (marshmallow root tea), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Ulmus rubra (slippery elm bark), Tabebuia avellanedae (Pau d'arco), Thymus vulgaeis (thyme), Melissa officinalis (lemon oil), Allium sativum (garlic), and/or capsicum annuum (cayenne fruit).

In a preferred embodiment, remedies according to the present invention include homeopathic concentrations of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperita (peppermint), and/or Thymus serpyllum (thyme); and may also include one or a combination of Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh).

In another preferred embodiment, the remedies comprise homeopathic concentrations singly and/or in combination of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Thymus serpyllum (thyme), and/or olive whole leaf (Olea eruopaea).

In yet another preferred embodiment, the remedies according to the present invention comprise one or a combination of Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the remedies according to the present invention comprise homeopathic concentrations of at least one of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha pipefita (peppermint), and/or Thymus serpyllum (thyme) and also comprise at least one of Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh).

In another particularly preferred embodiment, the remedies according to the present invention comprise homeopathic concentrations of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperita (peppermint), and/or Thymus serpyllum (thyme) and also comprise Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh).

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the remedy according to the present invention comprises sufficient concentrations of ethanol.

In a preferred embodiment, the remedy is provided in a form that is not ingested into the digestive system, but instead 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.

In a preferred embodiment, the remedy is administered in the form of nasal spray. This form of provides topical application of the medicaments to the nasal mucosa.

In another preferred embodiment, the remedy is administered in the form of a throat spray. This form of provides topical application of the medicaments to the oral pharyngeal mucosa.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the remedy administered is in the form of a mouthwash. This form provides topical application of the medicaments to the mouth and throat (specifically, the oral and oral pharyngeal mucosa).

In another particularly preferred embodiment the remedy administered in the form of a lozenge or troche. This form provides topical application of the medicaments to the mouth and/or throat (specifically, the oral and oral pharyngeal mucosa).

In one embodiment, the medicament is applied with a frequency and/or at a dosage which results in the reduction of the duration of the cold.

In another embodiment, the medicament is applied 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.

In yet another embodiment, the medicament is maintained in contact with the mouth and/or throat for a sufficient length of time that reduction of the duration of the cold is achieved.

In still another embodiment, the medicament is maintained in contact with the mouth and/or throat for a sufficient length of time that reduction of the severity or presence of one or more symptoms of the cold is achieved.

In still another embodiment, the medicament is maintained in contact with the mouth and/or throat for a sufficient length of time that infection by cold viruses is prevented.

In a related embodiment, the maintenance of contact is achieved through the gargling of a mouthwash for a suitable length of time.

In another related embodiment, the maintenance of contact is achieved by the slow dissolution in the mouth of a suitably sized lozenge.

In other embodiments, the remedy may be administered in the form of a sublingual or buccal tablet, a syrup, or sublingual liquid drops or pastilles.

In yet other embodiments, the remedy is administered in a form that is ingested into the digestive tract, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids.

In still another embodiment, the remedy is administered in the form absorbable through the skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The remedies of the present invention comprise ethanol with or without homeopathic and/or herbal ingredients. The remedies of the present invention preferably do not contain any drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen), cough suppressants, expectorants, and analgesics. Consequently, the remedies of the present invention also do not produce the side-effects associated with the use of such drugs. Further, the remedies of the present invention are preferably administered in a form which facilitates contact between the active agents and the tissues in which the virus is present. Thus, the remedies of the present invention are preferably not ingested into the digestive system, which is a further reason that the present remedies have not been associated with any side-effects.

Unlike previous remedies, including zinc lozenges, the remedy of the present invention shows a dramatic blockage of cold symptoms within 12-48 hours of illness. The first 12 to 24 hours of a cold is often unavoidable, as this is the time that patients realize that a cold is actually present or on the way. The remedy of the present invention causes the symptoms to begin to gradually subside as the body's natural immune system is bolstered to block the virus invasion. In many cases, a dramatic or complete blockage of the symptoms is effected within 12 to 24 hours of using the remedy of the present invention.

Remedies according to the present invention may include homeopathic concentrations of one or a combination of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Thymus serpyllum (thyme), Aconitum napellus (monkshood), Allium sativum (garlic), Anas barbariae (Oscillococcinum), Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright), Ferrum phosphoricum (ferrous hydrophosphate), Gelsemium sempervirens (yellow jassmine), Kali bichromicum (potassium dichromate), Natrum muriaticum (sodium chloride), Phytolacca decandra (poke), Pulsatilla nigricans (wind flower), and/or Sulphur (sulphur); and may also include Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf, and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Pulmonana officinalis (lungwort), Althea officinalis (marshmellow root tea), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Ulmus rubra (slippery elm bark), Tabebuia avellanedae (Pau d'arco), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Melissa officinalis (lemon oil), Allium sativum (garlic), capsicum annuum (cayenne fruit). Preferably, remedies according to the present invention include homeopathic concentrations of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperita (peppermint), and/or Thymus serpyllum (thyme); and also include Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh). Even more preferably, the remedies comprise homeopathic concentrations of at least one of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha pipenta (peppermint), and/or Thymus serpyllum (thyme). Remedies typically also comprise at least one of Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh). Most preferably, the remedies of the present invention comprise homeopathic concentration of at least one of Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha piperita (peppermint), and Thymus serpyllum (thyme), and at least one of Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf), and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh).

When Allium cepa (red onion), Salvia officinalis (Sage), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Capsicum (cayenne fruit), Mentha pipenta (peppermint), Thymus serpyllum (thyme), Aconitum napellus (monkshood), Allium sativum (garlic), Anas barbariae (Oscillococcinum), Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright), Ferrum phosphoricum (ferrous hydrophosphate), Gelsemium sempervirens (yellow jassmine), Kali bichromicum (potassium dichromate), Natrum muriaticum (sodium chloride), Phytolacca decandra (poke), Pulsatilla nigricans (wind flower), and/or Sulphur (sulphur) are included in the remedies of this invention, each of these ingredients is preferably prepared to homeopathic concentrations, preferably at a concentration of 1x to 60 C, and more preferably at a concentration of from 30x to 1x. Typically, the concentration is 30x or 30C, and most preferably the concentration is 30C. Preparation of homeopathic ingredients is preferably accomplished through successive dilutions and potentiations, and is well within the ability of one skilled in the art of homeopathy. The prepared homeopathic ingredients are preferably included in the formulation of remedies according to the present invention.

When Olea europaea (olive whole leaf), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium root), Rubis idaeus (red raspberry leaf, and/or Commiphora myrrha (mrryh), Trigonella foenumgraecum (Fenugreek), Pulmonana officinalis (lungwort), Althea officinalis (marshmallow root tea), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Ulmus rubra (slippery elm bark), Tabebuia avellanedae (Pau d'arco), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Melissa officinalis (lemon oil), Allium sativum (garlic), and/or capsicum annuum (cayenne fruit) are included in the remedies of this invention, any of these ingredients may be included at a concentration of from 0.01 to 10% w/v of the remedy. Preferably, any of these ingredients is included at a concentration of 0.1% to 5% w/v of the remedy. Even more preferably, any of these ingredients is included at a concentration of 0.5 to 1% w/v of the remedy. Typically, any of these ingredients is included at a concentration of 1% w/v of the remedy.

Ethanol is included as the base in which homeopathic and/or herbal ingredients may or may not be included and its concentration will range from 20 to 95% w/v. Preferably any food grade or consumer digestible ethanol or spirit ethanol (gin, rum, vodka, etc.) will suffice. Even more preferably, are any of these ingredients at 27 to 40% ethanol (ethanol). Very preferably, the ethanol of choice is vodka with at least a 31 to 37% ethanol content.

These medicaments (ethanol with or without homeopathic and/or herb ingredients extracted and stored in vodka or similar ethanol source), comprise the remedies of the present invention. It is within the ability of one skilled in the art of homeopathy, herbal therapy or supplementation, pharmacology, and/or clinical medicine to optimize the dosage amount, potency, and frequency of administration in order to accomplish objects such as reducing the duration of a cold, reducing the severity of the symptoms of a cold, and/or preventing infection by a cold virus. It is also recognized that these values may differ with such factors as age, weight, and immune status of the subject, severity of illness, and whether the remedy is desired to be used as a treatment for an existing illness or as a prophylaxis.

Other homeopathic and/or herbal medicaments may optionally be included in the remedies of the present invention. It is recognized that non-homeopathic drugs which are commonly used to treat cold symptoms, such as drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen), cough suppressants, expectorants, and analgesics, may also be included in the remedies of the present invention. However, preferably, the remedies of the present invention do not contain non-homeopathic drugs.

Preferably, the remedies do not contain any drugs which are not included in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or herb or ethanol ingredients that have been used for centuries. Preferably, the remedies do not contain any substances or amounts of substances which require evaluation under an NDA (New Drug Application). The term "drug" is not meant to encompass substances which are herbal or are considered to be foods or dietary supplements by the FDA. Additionally, the term "drug" is not meant to encompass homeopathic concentrations of substances for which an NDA would be required by the FDA in larger concentrations. Homeopathic remedies may exceed 10% ethanol since ethanol is a key ingredient in the manufacturing process.

The remedies of the present invention preferably do not include interferon, interferon inducers, propanediamine, enviroxime, dichloroflaven, 2{(1,5101-tetrahydro-3H-thiazolo[3,4b]isoquinolin-3-ylidene)amino}-4-thiaz oleacetic acid (S) or sodium polyacrylate. Most preferably, the remedies do not contain these substances at any concentration, i.e., most preferably, these substances are absent from the remedies.

A "common cold" or simply "cold" is that condition generally associated with the term, including any or all symptoms thereof, such as nasal drainage, nasal congestion, headache, fever, myalgia, sneezing, sore throat, scratchy throat, cough and hoarseness, and, occasionally, bronchial-sinusitis symptoms. A sore throat is commonly the first sign that a subject has been infected by a cold virus and is a sign that the virus has lodged itself in the tender throat lining. The virus grows through the surface to the sensitive nerve endings resulting in inflammation and soreness. Mucus flow increases trying to sluff the throat irritant away, but the mucus and the debris from the dead cells drop down into the lungs, spreading the virus and resulting in further symptoms, such as a hacking cough. Post nasal drip follows. Swelling in the back of the throat can also block Eustachian tubes making it difficult to hear. Unfortunately, some individuals suffer more seriously from colds. Sinuses may become blocked by the excessive swelling of membranes resulting in a severe sinus headache. If recovery is delayed and the virus spreads to the lungs bronchitis may develop, and may, especially in immune-compromised individuals, turn into pneumonia . . . a potential cause of death.

For the purposes of this disclosure, a subject who is described as "suffering from a cold" is equivalent to a subject who is described as "suffering from the symptoms of a cold," and both phrases refer to a subject who is experiencing some or all of the above-listed symptoms of the common cold.

The preparations of the invention are suitable for the treatment of an infection by a virus generally recognized as causing, or being associated with, the common cold or the symptoms thereof. The common cold is most commonly caused by rhinoviruses, and the second leading cause of the common cold are the coronaviruses. Other types of virus recognized as causing or being associated with the common cold include adenoviruses, influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, enteroviruses, echoviruses, and coxsackieviruses.

While it is believed that the preparations of the invention are actually virostatic or viricidal, it will be appreciated that this is not known for certain, and it is possible that only symptomatic relief is obtained. Specifically, without wanting to be limited to a specific theory or mechanism of action of the remedies of the present invention, the inventor believes that the remedies function by killing the virus, directly or indirectly with antiviral ingredients (especially the ethanol) as well as by promoting and enabling the body's own immune system to better destroy, inactivate, and/or prevent the spread of the virus. Likewise, and again without wishing to be so limited by a specific theory, the inventor believes that the remedies prevent infection by destroying and/or inactivating virus with antiviral ingredients before the virus can begin to damage and replicate in tissues and/or by activating promoting and enabling the body's own immune system to better destroy, inactivate, and/or prevent the spread of the virus.

Particularly, the preparations of the invention are suitable for use any time from when the subject first notices any signs of a cold until the symptoms have cleared up. In fact, in some cases, such as for persistent sufferers, or where individually desired, it may be appropriate to continue treatment indefinitely, in the absence of contraindications. Thus, the remedies of the present invention are suitable for acute treatment, chronic treatment, and prophylaxis. Both acute and chronic treatment and prophylaxis will be encompassed by the term "treatment" for purposes of the present disclosure, unless indicated otherwise, either explicitly or from context. The terms "treatment" and "prophylaxis" are used in a broad sense, and extend from symptomatic relief to cure of the infection to general preventative therapy, especially in winter, or for particularly prone individuals.

A "subject in need of treatment" includes subjects who have contracted a virus which may cause a common cold, subjects who exhibit symptoms of the common cold, subjects who are suffering from a cold or from the symptoms of a cold, and those subjects who particularly wish to take preventative measures to avoid infection by a cold virus. Subjects who particularly wish to take preventative measures to avoid infection by a cold virus include those subjects who are or believe they are prone to infection by cold virus and those subjects who are especially vulnerable to suffering severe effects from a cold virus. The especial vulnerability of the latter population of subjects may be due to conditions including old age, young age, or immunocompromization. In the case of subjects who particularly wish to take preventative measures to avoid infection by a cold virus, the remedies of the present invention may be given as a prophylactic.

In order to test the efficacy of the cold repellant of the present invention, the inventor conducted 18 informal case studies and their results are provided in the Examples below. As can be seen from the Examples, in general, best results seem to be obtained when treatment is commenced immediately when there is any suspicion of a cold. Specifically, the cold and its accompanying cascade of cold symptoms is most effectively repelled by the remedy of the present invention when it is administered within the first 12 to 24 hours of the first cold symptom--most commonly, this first symptom is a sore throat.

When the remedies of the present invention are administered acutely, they are most preferably used beginning at the earliest signs of an oncoming cold. For example, a sore throat commonly indicates the onset of a cold. The remedy preferably is used three times per day (e.g., every 4-6 hours, preferably morning, midday, and evening). Preferably, the use of the remedy is continued for two days. However, the remedies may be used for longer periods, e.g., until the cold symptoms are completely gone. It is noted that in may cases, cold symptoms are alleviated or eliminated within two days after commencement of use of the remedy, and so two days is the recommended limit of administration because continued presence of symptoms may indicate a condition other than the common cold.

When the remedies of the present invention are administered prophylactically or chronically, they may be used at lower doses or with lower frequency than is desirable for acute administration.

The remedies of the present invention are preferably provided in a form that is not ingested into the digestive system, but instead 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. A preferred form is a nasal spray. This form provides topical application of the medicaments to the nasal mucosa. Another form is in the topical application of the medicament in the form of a throat spray that applies to the oral pharyngeal area. A particularly preferred form is a mouthwash. Another particularly preferred form is a lozenge. These particularly preferred forms (mouthwash and lozenge) each provide topical application of the medicaments to the mouth and/or throat (specifically, the oral and oral pharyngeal mucosa).

The term "gargling" is to be interpreted broadly and encompasses gargling, swishing, simply holding liquid in the mouth and the back of the throat, and the like.

The remedy may also be administered in the form of a sublingual or buccal tablet, a syrup, or sublingual liquid drops or pastilles. These forms also provide for topical application of the medicaments to the mouth and/or throat.

The medicament is preferably maintained in contact with the mouth and/or throat for a sufficient length of time that reduction of the duration of the cold is achieved, reduction of the severity or presence of one or more symptoms of the cold is achieved, and/or prevention of infection by cold viruses is achieved. Maintenance of contact may preferably be achieved through the gargling of a mouthwash for a suitable length of time. Maintenance of contact may also preferably be achieved by the slow dissolution in the mouth of a suitably sized lozenge. Maintenance of contact may also be achieved by dissolving a suitable size or amount of, e.g., pastilles, drops, or sub-lingual or buccal tablets in the mouth.

The suitable length of contact, and thus the time of gargling, size of lozenge or tablet, or number of pastilles, is readily ascertainable to one of skill in the arts of homeopathy, herbal, and/or clinical medicine. Further, as with the concentrations of active ingredients to be employed (see above), the length of contact may differ with the characteristics of the subject and the object(s) to be achieved.

The remedy may also be administered in a form that is ingested into the digestive tract, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids; and may also be administered in the form of an injection or in a form absorbable through the skin.

Methods for formulating nasal sprays, throat sprays, mouthwashes, lozenges, sublingual tablets, buccal tablets, syrups, pastilles, drops, tablets, capsule, and liquids that are suitable carriers for medicaments are well known to the art of pharmaceutical formulation. One skilled in this art is also well aware of methods for preparing injectable forms of medicaments, as well as methods for preparing forms, such as skin-patches and creams, which allow for the absorption of medicaments through the skin.

The formulations may contain a predetermined amount or concentration of at least one medicament according to the present invention. These formulations can be prepared by any suitable pharmaceutical method. The formulations also may vary can vary with the condition and age of the patient and with the object(s) sought to be achieved. The amounts and/or concentrations of medicament to be included may be determined as indicated herein.

When formulating a mouthwash, lozenge, pastilles, or other form which is to be held in the mouth, it may be desirable to include at least one sweetener in the formulation. Examples of suitable sweeteners may be sugars such as fructose, lactose, and sucrose and sugar substitutes such as saccharin. Formulations to be held in the mouth may also desirably contain flavoring agents such as, for example, anise, anethole, eucalyptol, wintergreen, licorice, clove, cinnamon, spearmint, cherry, lemon, orange, lime, menthol, peppermint and various combinations thereof.

In formulations suitable for nasal administration, the ethanol, herbal, homeopathic, and, optionally, other active ingredients are formulated with a liquid carrier, such as those used in a conventional nasal spray or nasal drops.

In formulations suitable for throat administration, the ethanol, herbal, homeopathic, and, optionally, other active ingredients are formulated with a liquid carrier, such as those used in a conventional throat spray.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the remedy is administered in the form of a mouthwash. Methods for making mouthwashes are well-known in the art. Non-limiting examples of mouthwash compositions, to which the ethanol (at sufficient concentrations) with or without herbal, homeopathic, and, optionally, other active ingredients may be added, are as follows.

When the remedy is administered as a mouthwash formulation, it is most preferable if the subject does not swallow the mouthwash, but rather gargles with the solution deep in the throat, then spits out the solution. The mouth may be rinsed, if desired, but the throat is preferably not rinsed. Further, the subject preferably refrains from drinking any liquids for a period of at least one half hour or more after gargling.

In another particularly preferred embodiment the remedy administered in the form of a lozenge. Formulation of lozenges is well known in the art of pharmaceuticals. As an example, the herbal, homeopathic, and, optionally, other active ingredients may be mixed with a flavored base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth and formulated into lozenges by standard methods.

In other embodiments, the remedy may be administered in the form of a sublingual or buccal tablet, a syrup, or sublingual liquid drops or pastilles. Methods of preparing such formulations are well-known in the art of pharmaceuticals.

In yet other embodiments, the remedy is administered in a form that is ingested into the digestive tract, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. For example, the remedy may be administered in the form of gel capsules. It will be recognized that any known means of producing gel capsules can be used in accordance with the present invention. As another example, the remedy may be administered in the form of pressed tablets. Compressed tablets can be prepared by, for example, mixing the herbal, homeopathic, and, optionally, other active ingredients with dry inert ingredients such as carboxymethyl cellulose and compressing or molding in a suitable machine. The tablets optionally can be coated or scored and can be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredients therein.

In still another embodiment, the remedy is administered in the form absorbable through the skin.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claim 1 of 7 Claims

I claim:

1. An oral treatment method to reduce the duration of common cold symptoms, comprising:

administering to a patient suffering from the common cold an oral composition in a form suitable for gargling, said oral composition consisting essentially of 20-95% by volume aqueous ethanol, in an amount sufficient for the patient to gargle said composition, and further wherein said patient gargles the composition; and

repeating the administration of said oral composition at least three times per day or at least every 4-6 hours for at least two days.

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