| The beneficial properties of Echinacea Herb have been known for years
Echinacea can cut the risk of colds by 50 per cent
The flower, stem and root of echinacea is used in products.
Taking the herbal remedy echinacea can more than halve the risk of catching a common cold, US researchers say.
They found it decreased the odds of developing a cold by 58% and the duration of colds by a day-and-a-half.
Experts believe echinacea, a collection of nine related plant species indigenous to North America, may work by boosting the body's immune system.
Three species of Echinacea are used in medicine: purpurea, angustifolia and pallida. It contains flavonoids, glycoproteins and a variety of other active components which are thought to stimulate the immune system. Extracts can be derived from the whole plant, roots or flowers and other plant extracts or homeopathic compounds may be added. |
