Whitehouse, Sara2009-05-012009-05-012009-05-01https://hdl.handle.net/11299/49498The information provided in this handout does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians and faculty. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider. You use the information provided in these handouts at your own risk.Echinacea is a plant that is sold as an over-the-counter supplement for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Many preparations are available including different compositions and different extraction methods. A review of studies in the prevention of illness showed no statistical significant improvement in the prevention of the common cold as compared to placebo. In studies comparing echinacea to placebo in the treatment of cold symptoms, results widely varied. One aerial form of the plant, Echinacea purpurea, was found to decrease the duration of the illness and lessen the severity of experienced symptoms. There is, however, no clear evidence that any kind of Echinacea is beneficial for children. In fact, one report demonstrated an increase in the occurrence of rashes among children taking echinacea, as compared to the placebo group.en-USEchinaceacommon coldOther