In it for the long haul
Q: I see that you recommend taking Echinacea daily to boost the immune system. I had heard that you shouldn’t take Echinacea for more than four weeks at a time that your body would adapt to it after that period and it wouldn’t do you any good. What is the truth behind Echinacea?
Dr. Wright: The long-term use of Echinacea is controversial, even among herbalists. As you mentioned, there are some that say that regular use of Echinacea will “wear out” the immune system. However, there is no evidence to support these fears, and many other herbalists, including my colleague and regular Nutrition & Healing columnist Kerry Bone, recommend taking Echinacea on a regular (even daily) basis to support immune function. And given that most of the degenerative diseases now have some link with immune function, the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system is more important for healthy longevity than ever before.
