Ginseng is one of the more used herbal treatments for colds and can be found in department, drug and health food stores. This can also be found in capsules, teas  and other forms and along with helping relieve cold symptoms it also is known for helping build the blood, increasing energy and memory and easing menstrual cramps.

The active properties that are found in ginseng that help prevent viral infections such as the common cold are called eleutherosides and in some types of ginseng there are gensenosides.

There are some side effects that can be present depending on the type of ginseng is taken, as there are several different genres, like the Panax ginseng, the Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, Indian ginseng, Peruvian ginseng and others. The side effect that can be associated with some of these and are not usually found in the Siberian ginseng is excitability, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and nervousness.