Echinacea, an American wildflower and herbal supplement, is also known as the purple coneflower, and grows wild and in gardens across the country. Today it is one of the most popular herbal products in the US to treat and prevent the common cold, the flu, and infections. Native Americans used the herb for centuries, and starting in the 1870?s doctors used it for coughs and colds as well.

The best results, reported from those taking Echinacea, have been from those who take it at the first sign of a cold. If they begin to feel a touch of a sore throat, or a sniffle of a cold, that is the best time to take it. Many will find that the cold will disappear within 24 hours. The symptoms may even disappear after only one dose of the herb. Most often it shortens the amount of time you are sick and/or lessens the severity of the symptoms.

German studies in 1992 confirm that those who used Echinacea recovered two days faster from cold and flu-like symptoms than those that took a placebo. Another study showed that people prone to respiratory infections that took Echinacea were less likely to get sick.

Echinacea is not meant to be taken routinely as a preventive medicine, but rather at the first sign of a cold or illness. It should not be taken for more than ten days at a time. By using it at the first sign of symptoms and throughout the duration of the cold or illness, you will see the best results.

You may be wondering, is Echinacea really safe? A good question to ask. After being used for centuries, no toxicity or side effects have been reported. Those who have sensitivity to flowers of the daisy family may want to consult with their health care provider before using to make sure that they would not have an allergy to the herb.