Echinacea is a genus, or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family.
A 2007 study by the University of Connecticut combined findings from 14 previously reported trials examining Echinacea and concluded that Echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days.
However, Dr. Wallace Sampson, an editor of Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine and a Stanford University emeritus clinical professor of medicine, says that the referenced trials lack the similarities necessary to provide definitive results when combined into one report.
Echinacea is believed to be an immunostimulator, stimulating the body’s non-specific immune system and warding off infections.
- Immune system:
- Echinacea purpurea may help prevent and treat colds and upper respiratory infections.
- It can also help with urinary tract infections and slow-healing wounds and strengthen the immune system.
- It is more potent in treating colds an infections than preventing them,
- How to use:
- Dosage depends on the form of echinacea used.
- Topical ointments should be used as needed.
- The typical adult dose for oral forms of echinacea is three times a day for seven to 10 days. NOT MORE.
- The dose is either 1g to 2 g of dried herbs in tea,
- If you take the supplement: 300 mg of standardized, or powdered extract containing 4 percent phenolics, .75 mL of stabilized fresh extract or 1 to 3 mL of tincture, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
- Side Effects
- The most common side effects of taking oral echinacea are gastrointestinal. Allergic reactions to echinacea are more common if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds or chrysanthemums.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take echinacea.
- You should not take it if you are also taking immunosuppressants.
- You should speak with your health practitioner to make sure it is safe for you.
- Website devoted to Echinacea
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
