Most students use Echinacea for colds. A cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus 7-10 days. Echinacea should not be taken for more than 8 weeks. It is a good preventative, or boost, but only when a cold is coming on or can't be shaken. It should therefore not be taken continously.
Side effects are either non-existent or occasional.
Occasional side effects include mild gastrointestinal distress, drowsiness, and headaches. One of the free Cold-Care kits provided by The Wellness Center, contains Echinacea. The Wellness Center is located in Wilder 314. Traditional containing over the counter drugs and Alternative containing Zinc Lozenges and Echinacea. The 450-mg dose was found to be no more effective than a placebo.