Echinacea For Colds

Echinacea For Colds

Everyone has heard this saying; there is no cure for the common cold. If you go to your doctor for help the best advice that they can give is rest, drink plenty of fluids and let your body fight it, itself. The truth be told this is what usually gets the job done. After about 5-7 days we usually feel better. 

Many of us wish, when we are in the depths of a cold, that there was something we could take that would get rid of it. We feel so miserable sometimes that we just want the symptoms to go away. Cold remedies that you purchase over the counter can help but only treat symptoms. They can also slow the bodies natural healing ability down and prolong your cold.

Echinacea can actually help move your cold and flu along as well as prevent future outbreaks. Echinacea is a wildflower that is native to the Western United States. It is quite colorful and beautiful. It is known as the purple sunflower and can add beauty to anyone’s garden. The root in the Echinacea plant is what is needed for home remedies. The natural substances contained in the roots have been known to have antibiotic and anti inflammatory properties.

When taken regularly, Echinacea can help prevent colds. It increases the amount of white blood cells that help the body build up its immune system. It can also help the body fight other types of infections. Echinacea works best when it is taken at the onset of a cold. At the first sign of symptoms, it is best to take it twice a day as recommended. This ca actually help reduce the severity of the cold and speed healing. The Echinacea helps reduce and treat coughs, sore throats and other flu like symptoms.

It is also recommended that as the symptoms start to ease, cut back on the Echinacea. Doctors also suggest never taking it for more than 8 weeks in a row. The long term effects of Echinacea are not known so consumers are strongly urged against prolonged usage.

Colds and flues can leave us feeling miserable. They get in the way of our lives and hit us at the worst times. To feel better experts suggest, rest and plenty of liquids. However, even with this regime, it can take up to a week to feel better. With the help of Echinacea, your cold could be on its way out sooner. By taking it at the first sign of a cold, the severity can be reduced and the rate of healing can increase. Follow the recommended dosage and never take it for a prolonged period of time. However, if used properly, you’ll be feeling better before you know it.