Just recently has the idea of all natural medicine taken off. If you think back, how did people in 1600s overcome the common cold? They were very innovative with their gather of all natural supplements. And since modern medicine has taken over, the holistic approach is often over looked.
But now doctors are trying to regress to the age old tradition of using an all natural approach. Echinacea is a popular herb used to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.
In fact, according to the American Business Journal, Americans spent upwards of $155 Million on Echinacea in 2004.
However a study was recently released finding that Echinacea has no effect on the prevention of the common cold. This three year study spent over $2.2 Million to conclude to insufficient evidence to support this claim that Echinacea was used to provide as a preventative for the common cold.
Also, this study was criticized for its concentration on only one type of Echinacea. Different types of Echinacea have different types of effect on the immune system. And when the study was conducted they only tested one kind of Echinacea and disregarded testing the others. The tested the most generic form of Echinacea, and it is not refined enough to be specific to help any type of cold.
While the media was quick to put a halt on the advocacy for Echinacea, there are still some benefits that you can get from taking the holistic approach.
Echinacea, at the proper dose has been known to help treat the common cold and may be the integral reason why people are constantly over coming the common cold.
Most people do not make it through the winter with at least one occurrence of the common cold. Try to help yourself this year, and start taking a recommended dosage of Echinacea daily to prevent the onset of a cold.
There are little to no side effects when taking Echinacea. Some people who have seasonal allergies may experience some of the same symptoms to that of a person with seasonal allergies. But when it comes to taking Echinacea to help alleviate the common cold, the benefits outweigh the negatives as far as symptoms go.