What are your thoughts on echinacea and it's benefits to the immune system for children and adults? Are there any associated risks (how much is too much/too long, side affects)?

Thanks!

Dear Laura,

Echinacea is the botanical term for coneflower. If you are a perennial flower gardener, you will know these as those tall, beautiful, deep pink to purple daisy like flowers with a cone shaped center. Echinacea was introduced into medicinal use around 1870 after learning of its therapeutic use from the Indians. At the time it was claimed to cure a multitude of ills, but its main strength was in its anti-infective powers.

Today, the best substantiated effect attributed to the plant is its ability to stimulate the immune system. There is scads of material about it now, making it difficult to separate the proven from what may only may be true. There is evidence showing it to be useful in preventing and treating the common cold and the sore throat associated with it, particularly if it is taken at the onset of symptoms. Echinacea seems to be most effective if used intermittently rather than with continual use. That means don't take it daily, but rather use it only during those times you are wanting to treat an oncoming cold. It also seems to be more effective taken as a tincture rather than in pill form.

For the most part, herbs are safer than drugs, with far fewer side effects. However, as with foods or drugs, there is always the potential for an allergic reaction with an herb in a susceptible individual. Herbal teas are safer than herb pills since the dosage is lower. Echinacea is an herb with little known side effects with the exception of allergic reactions, particularly in those who have an allergy to plants in the daisy family.

There's no quality control standards for botanicals, so it is difficult to control dosage. Different preparations can have different potencies based on the crop and how long it has been sitting in the package. Because of the unknown quality, it is best to not take herbal pills if you are pregnant, and they should not be given to young children unless under the supervision of a doctor. If you would like to treat your older children for colds with Echinacea, choose a tea that is manufactured from a reputable company. I think you will find that it will have beneficial effects, and combined with the warmth and steam of the tea, will help alleviate some of the symptoms of your family's colds.

Thanks for your question.