Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly as a remedy for coughs, phlegm, and respiratory discomfort, which are often associated with colds. The flowers are believed to have warming properties and are used in herbal teas and preparations intended to "dispel cold" and support lung health. However, while its traditional use may include applications for symptoms of colds, such as sore throat or cough, the historical records do not specifically highlight strong antiviral properties or direct efficacy against the viruses that cause common colds.

Scientifically, evidence to support osmanthus as an antiviral agent or as an effective treatment for colds is very limited. A few laboratory studies have identified some antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects in extracts of osmanthus flowers, but there is no robust clinical or preclinical data demonstrating that it has direct antiviral activity against cold viruses or that it significantly reduces cold symptoms. Therefore, its use for this purpose is primarily based on traditional practice rather than validated scientific evidence.