Echinacea

[Charles Long]

Brett,

I assume from your post in the dowsing thread that you believe echinacea can be taken over a long period of time without one becoming immune to its benefits. If this assuption is not correct, I'm sure you'll let me know.

If it is okay to take as a preventative measure long term, how long and in what dosages? I currently have some in 400 mg capsules.

Also, when one is fighting a cold or flu as I am now, how much can one take and for how long?

Charles Long

[Brett Jacques]

Charles,

I haven't seen Echinacea do much as a preventive. But I find it quite useful for acute colds and flu. I prefer the ethanolic extract though fresh root juice works well too and if you have access to the "Specific Extract' of echinacea all the better.

If you are trying to kick a cold, you need to consume at least 1 oz of the ethanolic (tincture) extract per 24 hours more if you are a big guy.

Most of the cautions retold regarding echinacea are theoretical at best that I haven't seen in clinical practice. The reports of side effects from echinacea are usually due to the use of a non-echinacea species that looks similar. This happens to companies who don't know or care about quality.