- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Not a plant; mineral
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
North America · Mineral · № 365
Mineral · North America
Zinc
Not a plant; mineral
An essential mineral. Zinc lozenges may make a cold slightly shorter if taken at the very first symptoms; for herpes, ADHD or other conditions the evidence is weak or absent.
Safety notes
Maximum 40 mg a day. Not with diabetes, haemodialysis, arthritis, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbs for viral infections: Maximum 40 mg a day. Not with diabetes, haemodialysis, arthritis, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Preparation
Tablet or capsule (also syrup or lozenge within a day of the first symptoms).
Use in traditions
Zinc ointments and zinc oxide have been used on wounds and rashes since antiquity; Dioscorides described them. Since the 1960s it has been known that zinc deficiency causes stunted growth. A zinc nasal spray was withdrawn from the market because it could cause permanent loss of smell.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Inhibits replication of the common cold virus (rhinovirus), shortens and eases colds; especially for herpes simplex; further for macular degeneration, ADHD, osteoporosis.
Preparation and amount
Tablet or capsule (also syrup or lozenge within a day of the first symptoms).
Caution: Maximum 40 mg a day. Not with diabetes, haemodialysis, arthritis, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Syrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen