Evidence indicates that Echinacea works in countless ways to support and boosts your immune system, reduce inflammations and fevers, and increase white blood cell production. This herb normalizes the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. It also helps these cells to surround and destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Echinacea is available in many different forms. The most popular is an alcohol extracted liquid tincture.
Many people also choose the capsule form as no taste is involved.
Teas and tablets are also supplemental sources of echinacea. I recommend adults take 30 to 60 drops of the tincture, or 500 mg of the capsule form every two to three hours for acute infections. Children over the age of five should take half the adult dosage, and children under five should take a quarter of the adult dosage or as prescribed by a physician. If Echinacea is taken on a long-term basis I recommend taking it for four weeks, then stop for one full week before resuming. Astragalus A mighty member of the bean family, it has been shown to improve immune function and inhibit certain viruses.