Does Echinacea Really Prevent Colds?

Echinacea, which is a group including over nine related plants present in North America, is the most widely used herbal supplement. According to researchers at the University of Connecticut, there are close to 1,000 different products marketed in the United States which contain at least some type of blend of the herb. Echinacea started to gain popularity when it was reported that Native Americans of certain areas used it to treat colds. In recent years, the common plant's medicinal qualities have come under fire from critics who cite that there have been too few, controlled studies into the benefits one can gain from consuming it while ill. Over 70 studies have been identified to exist which have tested echinacea use for preventing and treating colds.

In some studies, volunteers had a cold-causing virus directly introduced into their system(the resource of this study information is cited from www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20070626/stud, which is also listed at the end of this article from those same tests done at the University of Connecticut). In these tests, scientists found that echinacea reduced the incidence of cold by up to 35%. Other research suggests that use of the herbal supplements reduced risk of catching cold by up to 58%. This percentage increased dramatically when echinacea was coupled with vitamin C, reducing risk up to 86%. The conclusion to the studies was that the risk of catching a cold virus was cut in half and 1.4 days on average was chopped off of the length of those with a cold virus. Over 200 known viruses have been identified in causing colds. With odds such as this, it's no wonder that echinacea has such popularity in modern society. C. Michael White, PharmD, who was involved in conducting the studies, remains a fan of the benefits of echinacea.

Another major concern of critics is that little to no research has been done on the health risks of taking echinacea in humans of all ages and health. There was no data included in the studies of White and his fellow researchers into the long-term safety of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of colds. Other scientists are demanding lengthy tests into the herb before use of this herb is considered a standard practice. Some fear that it could be dangerous for people who are in ill health or taking numerous drugs for their current health. There has been no sound research into the use of echinacea in children as well. Herbalists promote the use of different herbs over many over the counter medicines, as they have the capability to cause addiction. Those who decide to use it are cautioned to watch their dosage amounts to avoid causing toxicity. Some herbs are known to become toxic at high levels and even have the potential to cause abortion, such as chamomile. Women who are breastfeeding should consult with their doctor or an herbalist before use.

I myself have used an echinacea/goldenseal herbal supplement in addition to a multiple vitamin with vitamin C, and have seen great improvement in my immunity. I take one per day, however, and not the three which can be recommended on many bottles. I am a person who often gets sick from colds and flu, especially in the winter. My supplementation began right before winter, and I have seen another year in which I have avoided any severe cold. I became sick once with a cold when I came into contact with my niece. She had a severe cold, and eventually, I caught it for a couple of days. I took two supplements, and my cold was gone before I knew it. I believe that echinacea was beneficial for me, but may not be for others. There are people who are allergic to certain plants, and many who have allergies in general may not be able to use it. Trying something in moderation after consulting with your health care provider, is probably the best way to find out if it is right for you or not.