“The Lord has given some simple herbs of the field that at times are beneficial; and if every family were educated in how to use these herbs in case of sickness, much suffering might be prevented, and no doctor need be called. These old-fashioned, simple herbs, used intelligently, would have recovered many sick, who have died under drug medication.” (Letter 82, 1897 – PH144 9.2)

“Taking the herbal product Echinacea could reduce the chances of catching a cold by 58%, conclude authors of a Review published Online and in the July edition of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The Review also states Echinacea could reduce the duration of colds by an average of 1·4 days. Dr Craig Coleman, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut, USA, and colleagues authored it. They conducted a meta-analysis (a study which combines the results of previous trials) of 14 studies into the use of Echinacea to relieve/protect against catching a cold.

Only one of the 14 studies reviewed combined Echinacea with vitamin C, which showed the two together reduced cold incidence by 86%. As a result the authors could not definitely conclude whether the two supplements combined are more effective than Echinacea alone.

And the authors found that if Echinacea was used in attempt to prevent “natural” catching of a cold, it reduced cold incidence by 65%; but if patients were directly inoculated with the cold-causing rhinovirus, Echinacea use only reduced cold incidence by 35%. The authors say: “With over 200 viruses capable of causing the common cold, Echinacea could have modest effect against rhinovirus but marked effects against other viruses.” (Medical News Today – June 26, 2007)

So why not try it during the next cold and flu season. Please check with your health care provider if you are taking medications to prevent possible problems.