Q. Why do people take echinacea?
A. Echinacea is a plant whose roots and leaves have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. People take echinacea because it is believed to help prevent or reduce the length and intensity of the cold or flu.
Q. Is it safe to take echinacea every day?
A. For most people, short-term oral (by mouth) use of echinacea is probably safe. The safety of long-term use is uncertain.
Q. What are the benefits of echinacea and goldenseal?
A. Echinacea is a plant whose roots and leaves have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. People take echinacea because it is believed to help prevent or reduce the length and intensity of the cold or flu.