Echinacea 'Can prevent a cold'

We often read of the good results people have had by using Echinacea when they first feel a cold coming on and the press has also caught on to the idea.

There certainly there is plenty of truth in the claim that it can prevent a cold as Echinacea has long been hailed as an immune booster, especially in people who have low immune function. As we all know, when the cold virus is around some people are highly susceptible to its attack, whilst others seem to sail through with no effects at all. These are the people who have well-functioning immune systems that can fight off the effects of the virus.

Professor Ron Cutler of the University of East London says “Echinacea may reduce the duration of illness and decreases the severity of cough, headache and nasal congestion”

This is all encouraging news. However, Echinacea has its down sides too, and one must be aware of these before dashing out and buying a years’ supply in the hopes of preventing colds. Firstly, taking this herb on a regular basis is not recommended as the benefits may only be effective for a week or two. Instead, stop taking Echinacea for a week or two before taking it again, in order to benefit fully from it’s immune boosting effects.

More importantly, there is concern over the use of Echinacea in patients with HIV and AIDS. Although AIDS is associated with wide-spread depression of the immune system and Echinacea can dramatically improve immune function in people with low immune status, there is concern, because Echinacea can increase levels of tumour-necrosis-factor (TNF). This compound can stimulate replication of the HIV as well. At this time it appears wise for HIV-infected individuals to avoid Echinacea until there is more reliable research.

Image source=TeaLand.com
Keyword=n_d