Does Echinacea help treat the common cold? Part 1

All consumers should understand that the common cold is caused by a virus. We have only a few drugs to treat viral infections and these drugs are hardly ever used to treat the common cold- the reason is expense, side effects and build up of resistance. The common cold is best treated by an annual vaccine taken sometimes in late October or just before the common cold season starts.

However, the common cold vaccine only works in less than 70% of individuals. So what are the other choices?

Well, the latest studies reveal that finally one herb may help reduce symptoms of the common cold. Echinacea may reduce severity of symptoms - further it may also reduce duration of the cold by a day or two.

Unfortunately, Echinacea does not prevent the common cold. However, there are some studies which show that Echinacea does not work when it is taken after the cold has started. Researchers claim that this herb must be taken within the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms to have any benefit.

Moreover the herb does not work in all individuals nor does it prevent recurrence of the common cold. The major problem with all herbs is that there is no standardization or quality control.