Use Echinacea at the right time for maximum effectiveness
Echinacea, also known as purple chamomile, has long been considered a natural herb that helps boost the immune system and reduce cold symptoms. According to Dr. Lindsay Cook, Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California (USA): The timing of use plays a key role in promoting the effectiveness of Echinacea for immune health.
Specifically, experts recommend starting to use it as soon as the first signs of a cold or flu such as a sore throat, sneezing, mild fatigue or runny nose appear. Early use helps activate immune cells such as cocts, neutral white blood cells and NK cells, thereby preventing pathogens from developing.
However, current studies still have many different opinions about the preventive effects of Echinacea. Some studies have shown that this herb can shorten the cold spell to about 1-2 days, while other studies have shown that the effect is only at a supportive level.
How long and when to drink to prevent it effectively?
According to general guidelines, Echinacea should be used 2 - 5 times a day for up to 10 days when treating acute respiratory infections. If taken for prevention, you should only take it 1-2 times a day according to the cycle, last for a few weeks and then stop, then it can recur during the flu season.
Consistent immune system stimulation over a long period of time can make the body less respond, so Echinacea should be used intermittently instead of year-round, notes Dr. Cook.
In addition to herbal supplements, experts recommend maintaining healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, limiting alcohol and getting vaccinated against influenza periodically to best protect the body.
Although Echinacea is not a "pre-vention" against colds, when used properly and at the right time, purple chamomile can become a natural ally to help the body increase resistance and recover faster during the disease season.