Echinacea

 

Echinacea is most commonly used for the common cold and other infections, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation, and it might also increase the body’s immune system.

Several test-tube studies suggest that certain varieties of echinacea, including E. pallida, E. angustifolia, and E. purpurea, are particularly effective at fighting viral infections like herpes (Cold sores (herpes labialis) and influenza.

Notably, E. purpurea is thought to have immune-boosting effects as well, making it particularly useful for treating viral infections

Early research shows that taking 40 mg of a specific echinacea extract one or two times per day for 7 days reduces anxiety. But taking less than 40 mg per day does not seem to be effective.