Rick Ansorge – Echinacea has been the Rocky Balboa of natural cold and flu remedies since the 1990s — called a champion for your health one year, only to be knocked down by health experts the next.
In the late 1990s, it was the king of the ring, racking up impressive annual sales of $206 million after research suggested it can effectively combat winter viruses. By 2010 it was practically washed up, after some studies showed that it had little or no benefit — with annual sales plummeting to a paltry $115 million.
But the most recent research suggests that Echinacea is ready to reclaim its crown.
“There seems to be some benefit from taking it throughout the cold season,” says Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.com, which recently published an extensive product review of Echinacea.
How a big a benefit?
A 25-50 percent reduced risk of catching a cold, Dr. Cooperman tells Health Radar. That’s on part with other prevention strategies designed to boost the immune system — such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress levels.
If you’re one of miserable millions who catch cold after cold through the winter, that’s huge. Here’s a primer.
What is echinacea? A flowering plant that is native to the United States and Canada, it includes nine different species — three of which have been used medicinally: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. Of these, E. purpurea seems to be the most effective.
How does it work? Researchers believe that Echinacea prevents colds and flus because it stimulates the immune system. In laboratories, the herb has been shown to increase production of infection-fighting white blood cells.
How is it used? “Echinacea is typically used as a preventive product,” explains Dr. Cooperman. “That’s how it’s most effective.” Dr. Cooperman advises taking about 900 milligrams per day of extract divided into two or three doses.
Are all products the same? In a word: no. Not any product will do. Continue reading . . .
SF Source Newsmax Feb 2016
[widget id=”text-44″]