Herbal granules may knock out cold symptoms in three days — a rigorous trial puts them to the test

This phase 3 trial tests whether Jinhua Qinggan Granules, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, can eliminate symptoms of acute upper respiratory infections (like fever, sore throat, and congestion) within three days. About 273 adults with early-stage cold or flu will receive either the herbal granules or a placebo three times daily. The goal is to see if the treatment can bring total symptom scores to zero and keep them there for at least 24 hours.