Over one billion colds occur in the United States every year. Symptoms of the common cold usually include a sore throat, fever, runny nose or nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing. Common colds, which are caused by over 200 different viruses, usually resolve on their own after one week. The first two to three days are the worst. Therefore, antibiotics are not needed to treat a cold. Herbal remedies, such as echinacea, may offer additional benefit for relieving symptoms of a cold.
Step 1
Call your doctor and ask her if it is okay for you to take echinacea, particularly if you have a weak immune system or are taking other prescription medications. Echinacea may interact with other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is always best to get clearance before using it.
Step 2
Purchase echinacea either from your local grocery or drug store. There are many types of preparations, which are derived from different echinacea species and plant parts. Available products should suffice.
Step 3
Take echinacea three times a day. Drugs.com recommends taking 300mg dry powdered extract in pill form; 0.25 to 1.25mL extract in liquid form; or 0.5 to 1g dried root or tea. Take the pill form with a full glass of water. You may mix the extract with juice or tea. Echinacea has a low toxicity profile; however, you do not want to take more than what is recommended. Immediately discontinue if you experience side effects.
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