How to Ward Off a Cold With Echinacea

Echinacea, a medicinal plant, is one of the most popular herbs in America, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Archaeological evidence suggests that echinacea has been used for over 400 years to cure a range of maladies through stimulation of the immune system. Although in modern times echinacea isn't used as frequently due to invention of antibiotics, it is still used to fight off symptoms of cold and flu, though it's efficacy is debatable after a 2010 study by the University of Wisconsin suggested that the herb had limited impact on cold symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase echinacea from your local health food store. You might also be able to find echinancea wherever you normally purchase vitamins or other dietary supplements. Echinacea is available in capsule, powder or liquid form. You may also grow echinacea in your own garden. The ground root is the strongest part of the plant, though leaves and flowers can be used as well.

• 2

  Take the echinacea according to the package instructions as soon as you begin to feel the symptoms of a cold,

• 3

  Continue to take echinacea until your cold symptoms begin to subside. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, average dosage is three times a day for seven to 10 days.