I take it daily and have for quite awhile. I’ve read a little about it but still am not clear if it’s okay to take for a long time. I believe it’s kept me from catching any colds so I’m afraid to just quit taking it and then getting sick. What do you guys think?
Well, I do take it occasionally. My grandmother is big into herbs and vitamins and sent me a bottle. I only take it when my roommate is sick or I feel something comming on. I guess it has worked so far, since I haven’t been sick in 2 years…
–==the sax man==–
nope- only when sick.
but yes to the daily Flax Seed Oil, Ginkgo, St. John’s Wort, C’s B’s E’s…
I only take it when I feel a cold coming on, or when people close to me are coming down with colds. I’m afraid if I take it daily, that I may build a tolerance to it.
My understanding is that even people who advocate the benefits of echinacea don’t recommend daily doses. As others noted, the supposed effect is negated if you build up a tolerance. Personally, I recommend dropping it for a while and substituting a daily glass of orange juice instead.
Well I was taking it preventatively for a while, but honestly it didn’t seem to do a damn thing.
It also didn’t seem to help clear up anything other that cold/flu type things (useless for other types for infection).
However taking it immediately on the advent of cold/flu symptoms does seem to make a real difference.
The best stuff is the liquid extract because it’s most potent. It also tastes completely and utterly vile.
Another vote for taking it at the onset of cold symptoms. It seems to really help.
IIRC from talking to her at Chidope, Geobabe takes it daily. Maybe she’ll pop in here.
I believe I read that taking it daily can do liver damage, but I can’t remember where. Just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it can’t have negative effects if used improperly.
Actually, I do not take it daily. From what I’ve read/heard, it’s not recommended that you take it continuously for more than about two weeks, as the effectiveness decreases. I take it as needed, when I’ve been stressed and run down, or when I feel I’m about to come down with something. I rarely get sick–and I used to get sick a lot before I started taking it–so I don’t think that stopping taking it daily will hurt.
Thanks for all your input. I think I will slowly decrease my intake and maybe take it every other day and then only take it when needed. Happy, healthy, cold-free days to everyone! 