Alex Ram

Echinacea is commonly used as a herbal remedy for the prevention and cure of common colds. Also known as the purple coneflower, it is taken in many forms including teas, juices, dried, or as a nutritional supplement.Several studies onto the effectiveness of Echinacea Purpurea on the prevention and cure of colds have taken place, with some noting strong results for its use. In 2007 researchers at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy found that Echinacea reduced the likelihood of getting a cold by 58%, and also reduced the period of a cold by one and a half days.Doctors estimate that on average children contract between seven and ten colds per year, whilst adults suffer from two to five. The most common form of the cold is rhinovirus, which is responsible for approximately half of all colds each year1.It is thought that the active ingredients in Echinacea Purpurea enhance the immune system, and also relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Herbalists may often advise the herb for a range of other medical conditions aside from colds like viral, bacterial and fungal infections.The Echinacea plant is purple in colour and is native to America and Southern Canada. Fossils of the plant have been found in archaeological digs in Native American sites, indicating that the herb has been used for centuries as a treatment for a range of infections and wounds.Studies on the medical use of Echinacea are still taking place and more research needs to be done to conclusively show its effectiveness.Professor Ron Cutler, of the University of East London, said: "The true benefits, and more importantly, how the agents work, remains unclear and further better-controlled actual clinical trials still have to be carried out."11). BBC News (2007). Echinacea 'can prevent a cold'. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6231190.stmPhilip Youngwood writes about many topics including health and wellbeing. He has an interest in herbal remedies including Echinacea.