What's your thoughts are on using echinacea? does it really work to boost immune system, fight colds? dose/strength/name brand?

Only trust: Echinacea is a plant that indeed if processed have the ability to produce products that have medicinal, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effect. It seemed to have the ability to boost immune system in animals, no scientific study in humans. There is no standard way they are processed for these effects and therefore no fda approved studies have been done yet.

Echinacea: Echinacea is commonly used for the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory infections. However, several high-quality studies have failed to prove its efficacy. In animal studies, echinacea has been shown to affect the immune system, mainly by increasing the number of circulating white blood cells. Typical dose of dried extract is 300-400 mg three times daily. I can't recommend a brand.

Inconsistent studies: Many studies show echinacea modestly reduces cold symptoms while others show no benefit-they've used diff. Varieties ; preparations- see http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.Html echinaforce is one type shown to work. Other herbs are more impressive for boosting immunity, like andrographis ; astragalus. Pelargonium sidoides (umcka) has much better evidence for treating colds.