Their Flaws And Fallacies
Echinacea has been maligned by some scientific studies in the past, yet the results of a new study has it fighting back.
Past studies have been critical of echinacea's effectiveness against the common cold. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that it had no effect on the rates of infection, or how severe the symptoms were.
However, this study has been rightly criticised for the poor quality of echinacea used, the type of echinacea species, and the amount given to subjects. The latter is most significant given that the dose was one third less than what is recommended in cases of acute infection. It makes the results meaningless.
Two other previous studies also used ridiculously low amounts of echinacea - one only using 300mg compared to the 3 grams that is recommended by herbalists. Echinacea needs to be used at the right dose, and that is what these studies proved.
A new study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, has found that echinacea actually helps reduce the risk of catching a cold, by about 60%.
This study looked at the results of 14 different studies, and came to these conclusions which are completely in alignment with what herbalists say about echinacea. In fact, when combined with vitamin C, echinacea's effectiveness in preventing the common cold increased to 86%.
References: Nutraingredients.com
Past studies have been critical of echinacea's effectiveness against the common cold. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that it had no effect on the rates of infection, or how severe the symptoms were.
However, this study has been rightly criticised for the poor quality of echinacea used, the type of echinacea species, and the amount given to subjects. The latter is most significant given that the dose was one third less than what is recommended in cases of acute infection. It makes the results meaningless.
Two other previous studies also used ridiculously low amounts of echinacea - one only using 300mg compared to the 3 grams that is recommended by herbalists. Echinacea needs to be used at the right dose, and that is what these studies proved.
A new study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, has found that echinacea actually helps reduce the risk of catching a cold, by about 60%.
This study looked at the results of 14 different studies, and came to these conclusions which are completely in alignment with what herbalists say about echinacea. In fact, when combined with vitamin C, echinacea's effectiveness in preventing the common cold increased to 86%.
References: Nutraingredients.com
More Articles On Herbs
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byEchinacea Products From Amazon
Echinacea In The News
- Working holiday
- According to Heichelbech, professional Santas take echinacea, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, and frequently use hand sanitizer to stay healthy. ...
- BI Nutraceuticals Increases Echinacea
- BI Nutraceuticals is supporting growing consumer demand for natural immune health supplements during cold and flu season by increasing its Echinacea powder ...
- Grow your own drugs for xmas
- To make the echinacea-infused rum, combine the echinacea root and the rum and leave to steep in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Strain out the Echinacea and ...
- Echinacea, the miracle plant
- According Sandra Stroeve, spokesman for A. Vogel, the Echinacea purpurea or purple coneflower, a plant from North America, is recognized for centuries for ...
New Link List
- Find Out About Echinacea - When To Take It
- Article describes echinacea, when to take from a modern herbalist perspective, and taking into account scientific studies.
- Echinacea Pallida Uses Examined
- How are echinacea pallida uses different to echinacea augustifolia and purpurea?
- Echinacea and Traditional Uses including Drug Interactions
- Echinacea and traditional uses, preparations, and echinacea and drug interactions and warnings.
- Echinacea and Alkylamider Information - nee echinacea and alkylamides
- Echinacea and alkylamide (misspelt as Echinacea and alkylamide) information on pharmacological actions and various studies done
- Understanding Echinacea and Warnings
- Responsible use of echinacea takes into account echinacea and warnings. Here, echinacea and pregnancy, adverse effects, and drug interactions are covered
- What is the Echinacea's Effect on Birth Control Pills
- Find out about the echinacea effect on birth control pills - should you avoid it? What herb will reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives?
- What are Possible Echinacea Reactions
- Describes possible echinacea reactions, and puts them in the context of overall safety
- Effervescent Echinacea 1000mg - Is it Right For You
- Effervescent echinacea 1000mg guide - whats in it that may cause side effects in some, who shouldn't use it, and how long you should use it for
- Discover the Beauty of Echinacea Sundown Plants
- Where to buy echinacea sundown plants, and links to articles on these beautiful plants
- Echinacea Goldenseal and Pregnancy Issues Explained
- Do you want to know about echinacea goldenseal and pregnancy? Read on to find out the evidence for and against, and what may really be causing that runny nose.
- Echinacea and Thc - Does It Work
- Regarding echinacea and thc metabolites, you might want to read this before you waste your money on buying supplements that don't work for this purpose
- Echinacea and Side Effects Examined
- Are you concerned about echinacea and side effects? This article looks at possible side effects, and those at risk of getting them
- Echinacea Purpurea Magna - Magma - Additives and More Cautions
- There are some things on echinacea purpurea magna/magma that you really should be aware of before buying it. The processes by which the green barley is 'juiced' remove and destroy a lot of its nutritional qualities
- Is Echinacea Really Useful for Colds?
- Echinacea is an herb originally used by the American Indians for the treatment of the common cold that is still promoted as a natural alternative for the cold. But is there any evidence that it actually works? Although animal studies have shown anti-inflammatory properties of Echinacea ...
- About Common Cold and Influenza and the Difference between These Two Ailments
- Common cold and influenza (flu) give many of the same symptoms, and they are often mistaken for each other. However, a flu can develop serious complications, and the chance for this occurring increases if the flu is not handled properly. Therefore it is important to distinguish between these two dis
- Simple Remedies For Preventing Travelers Diarrhea
- These herbal remedies will help you avoid gastrointestinal upsets when you embark on your travel adventure. Learn about the 5 best herbs to make up your own prophylactic remedy, and how these supplements work.
Explore related pages
Herbs For Homemade Remedies- Now that you found this site it will benefit you to spend some time here. Did yo...
COLD and FLU RESOURCE DIRECTORY- NATURAL HEALING POWER ! Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose - everyone knows...
How to Fight Colds- COUGHS, COLDS, COLD SORES AND FLU - it's that time of year again. Prepare for wi...
Natural Sore Throat Remedies- There could be many reasons for a sore throat; Seasonal changes, pollen, allerge...
Plants Nouveau is Looking for Cool New Plants- We introduce novel, NEW plants; Can give you and your plant Worldwide recognitio...
Herbal Remedies- Practitioners of herbal medicine use all or parts of plants to treat a wide rang...
