Echinacea for Colds and Flu

The average adult suffers two to four colds a year, but by safe-guarding your immune system you can beat those odds. Healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep and effective stress management tactics are the best ways to keep your system at full throttle, but if you feel you need a little extra help, stock up on echinacea.

In 2007, researchers looked at 14 studies evaluating echinacea’s antimicrobial effect on the incidence and duration of colds and concluded that the herb decreased the odds of developing a cold by 58 percent, and the duration of a cold by 1.4 days.

Take 900-1800mg per day in three equally divided doses at the first sign of cold, flu or illness.