Just to tell you guys what I know about herbs (being a witch, I know a bit...):

The thing about ecchinasea is that it isn't a cure, it's an immune-system booster, so it helps prevent it for some people. If you take it, only take it for six weeks, then give yourself a two week break, and try to only take it during cold season (although for me, that seems to be all year). As far as TREATING herbaly, goldenseal seems to really help me. Give it a chance, but don't take it too long -- like echinasea, you need to give it a break.

Hope this helps LG