27 Jan Is Echinacea good for colds?

Charlotte Gallagher explains whether Echinacea is good for colds, along with other commonly asked questions about the best ways to get rid of a cold naturally.

People have looked for natural ways to cure colds and flu for as long as they have existed.

Here’s my seasonal roundup of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about getting rid of colds:

Is Echinacea good for colds?

Some research* shows that Echinacea stimulates the immune system to fight infections more effectively by increasing the number of white blood cells, which fight infections. Easily taken as fully-licensed Echinacea tablets, this herbal remedy is also popular for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – ideal when you have something like a cold.

Echinacea tablets contain extract from Echinacea Purpurea, a pretty, daisy-like perennial plant that is used in herbal medicine to boost the immune system.

Packed with antioxidants, Echinacea tablets are used to support a healthy immune system and fight infections.

Should you feed a cold (and starve a fever)?

The old saying suggests that you should ‘feed a cold and starve a fever’. In fact, when you’re trying to recover from a nasty cold – with or without a temperature – it’s essential to look after your nutrition. When you’re ill, your body needs extra energy to fight off the infection so you can quickly shake off your cold and get back to full health.

For more advice on getting over a cold naturally, read our brief summary of how to beat a cold.

Can you take antibiotics for colds?

You’d imagine antibiotics would give your immune system a helping hand wouldn’t you, but this isn’t the case.

Overuse of antibiotics can actually slow down your immune system by stopping it from being challenged, making it less able to fight everyday infections such as the common cold.

Does your immune system remain the same forever?

Your immune system is the name given to the complex set of organs, cells, proteins and antibodies that protect the body from infections, allergies and diseases and works in the background to keep you healthy every day.

You might be surprised to hear your immune system ages just like you do. This means as you get older, your body’s ability to fight colds and other infections becomes weaker, which is why older people are more prone to illnesses such as severe colds and flu.

My granny always said that chicken soup would help shorten a cold. Does it?

Mothers and grandmothers across the globe have touted chicken soup as a miracle cure for the common cold for centuries – but in fact, there is little evidence to suggest it has any effect in fighting colds or supporting the immune system.

That said, it will help you rehydrate. Plus, a comforting bowl of steaming hot soup will go some way towards relieving a congested nose and throat, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be part of your cold-busting arsenal (provided you actually enjoy it!)

Does getting more sleep help fight a cold?

Restorative sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. A strong link has been proven between sleep and immunity so getting the recommended 7-9 hours sleep each night is incredibly important.

HRI Cold & Flu Echinacea™

With a round shape, matt texture and small size, HRI Cold & Flu Echinacea™ tablets are easy to swallow. You can take 2 to 4 Echinacea tablets daily throughout the year to support your immune system and help keep colds and flu at bay.

Not many of the Echinacea tablets available on the UK market are fully approved by the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA). Before they approve Echinacea tablets or other herbal medicines, rigorous tests are conducted to ensure the claimed ingredients are included at the levels stated; that the herbs are grown and harvested to the highest quality and crucially, that the medicines are safe to use and remain stable in storage.

Why not stock up on one of our natural herbal cold remedies with echinacea today so you’re ready to fight off any colds or flu?

Only then are they allowed to carry the THR (Traditional Herbal Registration) symbol to show they are an approved traditional herbal remedy.

If you catch a cold or flu, a few Echinacea tablets each day will help to relieve uncomfortable symptoms such as a headache, sore throat or runny nose.

*Source WebMD

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