echinacea

http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article2705326.ece A good looking study, with a level-headed conclusion.

... is there anything that can stave off illness? I think I might be coming down with strep, or some other throat disease, and I really don't have the ability to take the time off work. Short of drinking (alcohol kills germs :)), is there any sort of non-woo remedy that could possibly stay the...

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/AlternativeMedicine/tb/1435 It appears a study has finally been done with proper controls and guess what? That's right. It does nothing. Edited to add following quote: That one's my favorite from the article.

Yet another "herbal remedy" has been shown to be ineffective by a study in the New England Journal of Medecine. Of course, this bit is predictable. How does a person like that get to be an assistant clinical professor?

OK, we knew this anyway - but this is the latest study result. I'm heartened that the media has taken the story up. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040615075642.htm Previous media coverage: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3256026.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2586207.stm...

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20031202.wechi1202/BNStory/National/ No real surprises, including the final paragraph, But, of course, no link to the studies.

More coverage.

Are there any trials of the efficacy of ecenacia, positive or negative results? I tried google, but to no avail. So now I have to talk to you guys. SIGH. ;)