Echinacea

Echinacea has white to bright pink petals and a dark reddish-orange center. It is in the Daisy family. Echinacea became popular in America in the 1800s and Germany in the 1920s. Echinacea is often used to treat colds, flu, and other illnesses, infections, and conditions by supporting the immune system. But does it work to put herpes in remission?

There are nine different species of echinacea, with three varieties typically used in various treatments. But, while it's been used for multiple conditions, studies still need to back it up. The U.K. gave echinacea to 50 people with HSV-2 for six months and a placebo for another six months. There was no significant difference in herpes breakouts between the two groups.

Echinacea isn't an antiviral herb. Echinacea is an immunostimulant with some antimicrobial properties and is high in antioxidants, so you shouldn't use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder. While there have been numerous studies on echinacea, the results are mixed. Some studies have shown it can help reduce a cold or flu virus by a day or two, while others suggest it works no better than a placebo. For example, researchers in the U.K. compared it against a placebo and found no difference in control groups after six months.

Topical remedies that boast echinacea's healing power over the Herpes Simplex Virus are false. While echinacea can boost the immune system, it does not directly affect the herpes virus.

Echinacea comes in the form of a supplement or tea for its immunostimulating benefits. However, echinacea should be cycled. Generally, I suggest ten days on and, at the very least, seven days off. Taking echinacea for long periods can lower your white blood cell count. It can also interfere with certain drugs.

Children under 12 are more sensitive to echinacea and shouldn't be given echinacea, as 7% develop a rash, which could be an allergic reaction.

Some echinacea products are tainted with arsenic, lead, or selenium.

When added to your regimen, echinacea can't hurt but isn't one of my top choices for managing viral symptoms, such as colds, flu, and cold sores.  Still, you can tuck echinacea into herbal blends for additional immune support.

If you're interested in using antiviral herbs for helping to ease stress and viral-related symptoms, see The Herbal Remedies Recipe Guide.