CUT THE DURATION OF A COLD WITH ECHINACEA
Echinacea has been known for centuries to fight off nasty respiratory infections during the winter season and the proof is finally here! In June, scientists reviewed 14 previous trials on Echinacea and concluded that Echinacea reduced the risk of catching a cold by 58%.
The researchers, reporting in the Lancet also found that Echinacea remedies can reduce the time that a person, once infected, is affected by a cold virus by an average of 1.4 days – a statistically significant reduction.
 |
| Echinacea purpurea |
Echinacea purpurea, also known as the purple coneflower, is one of the most widely used herbal medicines, used in Europe and North America. Echinacea has traditionally been used by the North American Indians and is used more often than any other native plant in the tribal plains. They used it for a variety of ailments including insect and snake bites, toothache and sore throats to name a few. Settlers quickly adopted the use of the plant and today millions of people use Echinacea for colds, sore throats and flu.
Echinacea is also used as an immunostimulant for fighting a variety of other infections including those of the urinary tract and bowel. The herbal supplement may also be useful for chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatism, migraines, dizziness and pain.
Though the exact mechanism of action underlying the proposed immunostimulatory effects of Echinacea remains unclear, it has been suggested that it works by increasing the production and activity of the white blood cells. The herbal supplement has also been shown to increase the production of interferons, an important part of the body’s response to infection.
Echinacea should be taken at the first sign of a cold or the flu.
It is best taken in a maintenance dose over a period of time to improve immune function
