Echinacea The Popular Herb for Cold Sufferers

The medicinal benefits of echinecea have been known for centuries and this herb is used to curb the symptoms and the duration of colds, flu and other infectious diseases.  Echinecea comprises a complicated mix of chemicals and is thought to stimulate certain white blood cells enabling it to strengthen the immune system.  It also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.  While tests show mixed results, users swear by it.
 
The echinecea plant, of which there are nine varieties grown in the U.S., is also called "the purple coneflower," and belongs to the sunflower/daisy family.  The supplements prepared and sold should be taken as soon as cold or flu symptoms appear and for the duration of the illness.  There have been very few adverse side effects reported.
 
Echinecea is available fresh and freeze-dried, in capsule, pill, and tea form, or as a tincture (dissolved in alcohol).  It is often combined with other herbs that have healing powers such as goldenseal.  Echinecea should not be used if you are allergic to plants in the sunflower/daisy family, or if you suffer from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis or multiple sclerosis, or if you are pregnant or nursing or are HIV-positive.  While long-term use is not recommended, echinecea remains extremely popular as a preferred short-term treatment of colds and flu.