In the past, people have used Echinacea as a short-term solution at the onset of winter stresses (like the start of a cold). However, this is no longer the best way to use it! As Echinacea is not an immune stimulator or booster, but rather an immune modulator, it actually requires a long-term daily dose, with a dosage increase at the onset of illness, in order to keep the immune system engaged and improve the response in the face of a virus.
The key to optimizing the health benefits of Echinacea is consistent dosing! Instead of waiting for a cold to strike, we suggest at least 8 mg daily (for adults) as winter starts and continuing throughout the winter. At the onset of illness, tripling the daily dose for a short term (4-5 days) can help reduce the duration and severity of infection.
Uses of Echinacea
Echinacea was traditionally used by the North American Comanche tribe used as an herbal remedy for toothaches and sore throats. While the Sioux, another major North American tribe, used it for the treatment of rabies, any snakebite, and for all septic conditions arising from injury.
The ability of the herb to enhance and boost the performance of the immune system is well known traditionally and has been extensively documented down the years.
