I only take Chinese herbal medicines for flus and colds, they're better than any of the over-the-counter medicines at regular drug stores. They don't suppress the symptoms just to make you feel better, they'll actually cure the symptoms in two to three days max, while alleviating them.

The brand I use is called Tong Ren Tang, it's available at some Chinese herbal shops (located in most Chinatowns) and online. Use this one for colds and flus and also buy this for curing sore throats. I've introduced them to many of my Caucasian friends, they swear by it and always keep a box in their medicine cabinets.