Echinacea essentials: no magic wand exists for the common cold, but echinacea might be the next best thing.(SUPPLEMENTS: HERBAL RX)(Drug overview)

What It Does Best

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) is taken primarily as an immune stimulant at the first sign of a cold, the flu or upper respiratory infection. It is also used to strengthen immunity in people with recurrent infections, and is added to herbal mouthwashes as a rinse for gingivitis (periodontal disease). In the past, Native Americans relied on echinacea to help speed wound healing.

How It Works

Certain compounds in echinacea are believed to act on the immune system by stimulating the production and activity of white blood cells. Echinacea may additionally boost the body's ability to fight viral infections by promoting the production of interferon.

Research on the Immune Herb

While many studies have found echinacea to be effective, some trials have been inconclusive. Inconsistency in regard to the potency, plant part and type of preparation used may well be responsible for the varying outcomes. For example, in a study where the echinacea formulation was standardized to contain specific amounts of the herb's active compounds, researchers found the severity of cold symptoms among participants was reduced. A separate 2006 review of studies suggests that as a standardized extract, echinacea may help with prevention as well.

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