[caroline2]

I was first introduced to "E" about 25 yrs ago and the secret was to take 2 capsules every 2-3 hrs to STOP a cold from coming on. I've been using this protocol for all these years and have NOT had a cold in all these years too. I'd start on it if sniffles or a itchy throat was coming on and it would stop the cold before it got started.

Yesterday, out of the clear blue and I don't know why but it could have been a cold in my eye that came on very quickly. My one eye was watering like crazy, it was sore and my nose was running heavy.

So after talking to my friend, she said did you get with the Echinaeca and I didn't think of it, but got on it right away. 2 capsules every 1-3 hrs and by the end of the day it was all cleared up. I probably took 6-8 "E" capsules and did take 2 before I went to bed. It was so weird and I never had this happen before that I can think of. Echinaeca has worked in my body for many years. And now this cold in my eye which I believe it was.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ne...-colds-by-half

[caroline2]

PS: I was talking to another health friend and she said she wished she could take it but it interfers with a lung med she takes. So be aware of interactions. I've never had any issues.

[mrsD]

This link explains more about who should avoid this herb:
autoimmune disease patients, MS, and organ transplant recipients or those taking immune suppressant drugs should avoid this herb:

more here:
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/echinacea

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs contain active substances that may trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs only under the supervision of a health care provider knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, any autoimmune diseases, or, possibly, liver disorders should not take echinacea. There is some concern that echinacea may reduce the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system. For this reason, people receiving organ transplants who must take immunosuppressant medications should avoid this herb.

In rare cases, echinacea may cause allergic reactions, ranging from a mild rash to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction accompanied by throat tightening, shortness of breath, and, possibly fainting). People with asthma and allergies may be at an increased risk for developing these adverse reactions. People with allergies to plants in the daisy family (compositae) should not take echinacea without the supervision of a health care provider.

[kiwi33]

This Cochrane systematic review of 24 clinical trials (4631 subjects) of the possible benefits of Echinacea products for preventing and treating the common cold concluded that there is, at best, weak evidence that Echinacea products are of much benefit. There may be some small benefits but they do not seem to be statistically significant.

http://www.cochrane.org/CD000530/ARI...he-common-cold

[caroline2]

kiwi, well I wasn't in that test as it has worked for me for 20 some yrs. I have not had a cold in all those yrs...this eye thing was so strange, so from what I think it was a cold in my right eye and it's gone. Thanks to Echinacea. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's had good results. C

[caroline2]

Good news re: my grandgirl and what she thought was a pink eye going on. I told she and her mom what works for me everytime, Echineaca. My grandgirl just told me via info from a naturopath at our local homeopathic pharmacy, she is taking Standard Process Premium Echineaca and is feeling much better already. The naturopath suggested 3-4 months to get her immune system built up and stronger.

She's in first year of college and has enough stress keeping up with the requirements of college work plus all the work she put into years before to get into UCLA. These young people carry a load to get into higher education - unless one is so brillant they can almost sleep thru it all.

The naturopath didn't think it was pink eye and is treating her immune system.

She and her brother and mom are headed to Kwai for christmas. I'm happy for them. The teens are so excited to get to the sunny beaches.

When my daughter was 18, which is 34 yrs ago we flew to Maui for christmas. Had a great time. So she's doing this with her children.

I will be alone and I'm OK with that. May buy a filet mignon and enjoy it. My holiday excitements are behind me. I'm excited for the young people. It's their time for excitement. I'm excited that I can walk. C