Echinacea

Studies of echinacea suggest it boosts the immune system by increasing the activity of certain types of white blood cells.

However, scientic research could be more solid, some experts say. Practically every one of the 30 or so studies that have been done tested a different product, and many were mixtures or different strains of the herb. All of the studies agree, at least, that echinacea rarely causes side effects.

Stick to pure echinacea extract if you want to fight off a cold, flu, or urinary tract infection. (Avoid the versions with goldenseal.) Echinacea purpurea is the species most commonly sold. Continue Reading >>