How do I make myself less susceptable to colds?

Echinacea the wonder drug. First the warning.

Echinacea is not recommended for use by people with multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis.

Echinacea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of echinacea may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination


Echinacea has been used orally to stimulate the immune system of the body. Echinacea is most commonly used in the treatment of the common cold. Echinacea is also used topically in the treatment of wounds and burns.

Echinacea like any other antibiotic/antivirul drug, should be taken no longer than 14days.

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to echinacea have been reported. Stop taking echinacea and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects have also been infrequently reported. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience a fever, or nausea or vomiting.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Echinacea may alter the actions of other medicines that affect your immune system. Before taking echinacea, tell your doctor if you are taking

a steroid medicine including betamethasone (Celestone), dexamethasone (Hexadrol, Decadron, others), cortisone (Cortone), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone, others), methylprednisolone (Medrol, Solu-Medrol, others), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, others), triamcinolone (Aristocort, others), and others; or
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Prograf), azathioprine (Imuran), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), or other immune system suppressants.
You may not be able to take echinacea, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

I have to go with old fashioned working out, washing your hands and eating healthy as well. Get as much rest as you can and take time to relax. All of this will help you!

I use it all the time too. Keeps me running in the outside cold air all winter long.