When taken at the onset of symptoms, Echinacea contributes to reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms of colds and flus. The key is to have it on hand when a cold strikes. Echinacea is particularly useful for respiratory infections accompanied by sore throat, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, but the herbal tradition also uses it to keep the immune system in "alert mode" to prevent illness. Note: Echinacea is viewed as an immunostimulant, which makes it great as a preventive measure when the body is under stress or under extreme conditions, which may weaken the immune system. For optimal efficiency, always take echinacea at the onset of symptoms.
