Echinacea for The Common Cold

You've tried everything. Cough drops, decongestants, and some ibuprofen, too. But that sneezing, hacking, and all-around lousy feeling won't go away. Just as you're ready to wave the white flag, you start to wonder: Could an herbal remedy like echinacea save the day?

Researchers are trying to find out. Their answer so far: We're just not sure.

What Is Echinacea?

It's a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada, and it's been used as medicine for centuries. There are nine species. Some of its common names are the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan. The leaves, stems, flower, and roots are used to make supplements, liquid extracts, and teas.

Does It Work for a Cold?

Two studies funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health did not find any help for a cold from echinacea in either children or adults, though.

Still, sometimes it's hard to compare the results of different studies, because they look at different types and strengths of echinacea, as well as different parts of the plant or root. It's possible that some versions are better than others. Also, it's possible the herbal remedy may be useful against some, but not all, of the more than 200 viruses that cause colds.

Are There Side Effects?

Although the benefits of echinacea for the common cold are uncertain, the risks seem to be low. The most common side effect is upset stomach.

But some people can have allergic reactions. If this happens, you might get:

• Rashes
• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening emergency that can cause trouble breathing)

You might be at higher risk of having a reaction to echinacea if you're allergic to other plants in the daisy family. This includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds.

Other Alternative Treatments

Many other herbs, plants, minerals, vitamins, and supplements are used by some people to help ease cold symptoms. Some examples are:

• Eucalyptus
• Garlic
• Honey
• Lemon
• Menthol
• Vitamin C
Zinc

But so far, no studies show that these treatments have an effect against a cold.

If you're interested in using echinacea or another alternative treatment, talk to your doctor. Remember, herbal remedies may have risks, just like any drug. They can cause side effects and could affect how other medications work.

Read more on: cold and flu, cold guide