Boost Your Health With Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant. It is sometimes called Purple Coneflower. It grows mainly in Europe and the North America. There are several closely related species: Echinacea purpurea, angustifolia, and pallida. They have slightly different medicinal properties. Echinacea purpurea seems more active in the test tube. Echinacea angustifolia appears more effective in people.

Echinacea was the main medicinal herb used by Native Americans in the Great Plains region. Since the late 1930s, German researchers have studied echinacea and its effects on the immune system. Echinacea is one of the most frequently sold herbs in the United States. Echinacea may help the body defend itself from the viruses that cause colds, sore throats and the flu.

For respiratory tract infection treatment, numerous human trials have found echinacea to reduce duration and severity, particularly when initiated at the earliest onset of symptoms. However, the majority of trials, largely conducted in Europe, have been small or of weak design. Negative results exist of a U.S. trial in adults, which used a whole-plant echinacea preparation containing both Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia.

Another clinical trial reported in July 2005 also did not demonstrate any clinical benefit. However, a 2006 meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of echinacea found that the likelihood of experiencing a clinical cold was 55 Percent higher with placebo than with Echinacea (based on three trials). The sum of the current evidence is conflicting and further well-designed studies are needed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn. Lack of benefit in children ages 2 to 11 has also been reported.

Natural echinacea herb is available in capsule and tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands when purchasing such as Solaray, Natures Way, Natures Plus, and Source Naturals to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural echinacea herb is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.