The echinacea family includes more than a hundred herbal plants. The most commonly known echinacea is called Chinese Gold. There is some evidence that echinacea can help with colds and the flu. But the latest scientific research indicates that it may have some benefit for those with asthma and allergies.
Basics
Echinacea is taken in the form of tea, as are other natural remedies. Some people like to take echinacea in capsule form. A recent study by the University of Illinois showed that echinacea, when taken in this form helped to reduce the number of allergy symptoms that people experience when compared to those who took a placebo. However, the University of California did not conclude that echinacea was effective at reducing symptoms of asthma, or other respiratory problems, in all individuals.
Echinacea is a herbal remedy that has been proven to help treat some forms of infections. This is especially true when infections occur in the lungs, as they can lead to sinusitis. Sinus infections can cause serious problems if not treated properly. Echinacea can provide relief from the pain of a cold and can treat and prevent infections in the lungs. It can also treat flu symptoms.
Many people take echinacea for its strong immune system boosting properties. Because echinacea is thought to be capable of boosting the immune system so that it can ward off colds and flu, many people choose to use it as an immune system booster. The results of several studies show that taking echinacea does indeed enhance the immune system.
Products
One of the cold remedies associated with echinacea products is a type of cold sore. Cold sores are very contagious and can spread quickly throughout the body. By taking echinacea during a cold sore attack can help to shorten the duration and decrease the pain. Other echinacea products, such as cold capsules, are available for use during other types of cold sores.
Echinacea is used to treat a range of health conditions and can help you fight off allergies, skin disorders, sinusitis and even arthritis and other chronic illnesses. Echinacea does not cure these conditions but can give you some relief from the symptoms. For example, echinacea can give you relief from inflamed sinuses that have become swollen and tender. The Chinese name for echinacea is “Chin Shi,” which means “Wind Water.” Because the immune system is strengthened by echinacea when taken during an allergy attack, those who take echinacea products may reduce their chances of developing allergies.
There are no side effects when you buy echinacea online from a reputable retailer. When you order your echinacea products, be sure to read the package labels to make sure that you are getting the correct dosage of echinacea. If you have a severe cold, medical consultation should be made first. Over the counter treatments to treat colds, coughs and sore throats can sometimes cause adverse reactions. Before taking any medication, whether it is over the counter or prescribed, you should consult with your doctor for advice.
Studies
One study did not find a relationship between echinacea and asthma or rhinitis. There are not enough data in this trial to indicate whether it aids against asthma, although the users of echinacea did report a decreased occurrence of asthma attacks after using the product for eight weeks. The study did not directly conclude that echinacea aids against common colds. However, the use of echinacea did reduce the number of colds patients were exposed to. Patients taking part in a double-blind randomized trial of echinacea reported feeling more energetic, less fatigued and had fewer cold symptoms at the end of the eight week trial than those who did not take echinacea.
The researchers of the randomized study did not evaluate the effects of echinacea on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD but concluded that echinacea does seem to be useful in the short term. However, there has been little evidence of long term echinacea benefits. In one study, researchers gave patients twice the maximum daily dose of echinacea and monitored their progress. Those taking the highest dose of echinacea had a small improvement in lung function.
Studies on echinacea show it can relieve cold symptoms and boost immunity. It is not clear whether echinacea is effective against common colds. Echinacea does have some side effects, such as increased bilirubin levels and increased blood pressure. Women must use caution when applying echinacea to pregnant women. Also, echinacea does not prevent or treat any sexually transmitted diseases.