BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Allergies & Colds Echinacea's back in good graces

The herb echinacea has gotten the green light as being effective in reducing colds and their severity. A study done by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy showed that people who took the herb at the recommended dose (3000 mg. per day) got 58 percent fewer colds than other people, and their colds were one and a half days shorter. This research refutes a 2005 study that cast doubt on the supplement's effectiveness. So, if echinacea is working for you, let us know.

Echinacea;
This herb is well-known for its ability to rev up the immune system, Which may help fight off a bout of sinus infection.
Most herbalalist recommend taking echinacea every one to two hours at the beginning of an infection, then stopping once symptoms resolve. With sinus infections, your immune system has already been challenged by the cold or allergy that caused it, so frequent dosing is especially important.
Typical dosage; up to nine 300-to 400-milligram capsules per day; up to 60 drops of tincture three times per day until symptoms cease.
CAUTION; People allergic to other members of the aster family, such as ragweed,may be allergic to echinacea.
NOT for use by those with autoimmune diease such as lupus

(The Herbal Drugstore)

I always thought it did work and continued to use it, even when some studies said it didn't work. Andrew Weil has a good article about the studies and how they were done

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I have had success with Echinacea combined with goldenseal (a natural antibiotic). It helps me during allergy season to avoid secondary bacterial infections.