Purple Coneflower, Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
The Immune System and the Common Cold
The immune system protects the body from pathogens and helps it respond to infections. The body’s defenses are put to the test especially during the cold season, when under stress, when sleep is lacking, or when indoor air is dry.
If you want to boost your immune system, you should make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, spend time outdoors, eat a balanced diet, and keep your mucous membranes well-moisturized. Simple hygiene measures, such as washing your hands regularly, also help reduce the risk of infection.
Boost Your Immune System
The immune system is constantly working in the background. It detects unwanted invaders, responds to them, and helps the body stay healthy.
The body's natural defenses can be supported above all by maintaining a healthy daily routine:
- get enough sleep
- exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced diet
- drink enough
- Reducing Stress
- Keep the mucous membranes moist
- No smoking
- Practice good hygiene
Cold
A cold, also known as a flu-like infection, usually affects the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. Typical symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, fatigue, and sometimes a mild fever.
A cold usually starts gradually and subsides after a few days. Rest, plenty of fluids, and taking good care of your mucous membranes can help your body recover.
Learn More About the Common Cold
Flu
The flu is caused by influenza viruses and is not the same as the common cold. It often begins suddenly and can be accompanied by a high fever, severe malaise, and headaches and body aches.
If you suspect you have the flu, are experiencing severe symptoms, or are at increased risk of complications, you should seek medical advice.
Learn More About the Flu
Immune system
The body's defenses refer to its ability to protect itself against pathogens. These include, among other things, the skin, mucous membranes, immune cells, and various signaling molecules.
A healthy lifestyle can support the body's natural defenses. Sleep, exercise, nutrition, rest, and protecting the mucous membranes are particularly important.
Learn more about the immune system
Related Products
Echinaforce® is made from fresh purple coneflower. Depending on the product form, it is used to boost the body’s natural defenses in cases of susceptibility to colds, as well as during colds. This is an approved medication. Read the package insert.
What You Can Do in Your Daily Life
Sleep
Restful sleep supports recovery and helps the body maintain its resilience.
Exercise
Regular exercise in the fresh air gets your circulation going and promotes your well-being.
Nutrition
A varied diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, sources of protein, and healthy fats provides important nutrients.
Drinking
Drinking plenty of water and unsweetened teas helps keep the mucous membranes moist.
Indoor air
Regular ventilation and indoor air that isn't too dry are good for your nose and throat.
Hygiene
Washing your hands, maintaining social distance when you have an acute infection, and coughing into the crook of your elbow can help reduce the spread of infection.
When should you seek medical advice?
A medical evaluation is recommended in the following cases:
- high or prolonged fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or a feeling of pressure
- severe illness
- Symptoms that are getting significantly worse
- Suspected flu
- Pre-existing conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or immune system
- Symptoms in infants, older adults, or pregnant women
- recurrent or unusually severe infections
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or symptoms that seem serious, seek medical help immediately.
Boost Your Immune System
How to Naturally Support Your Immune System: Tips on Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise, Mucous Membranes, and Immunity.
More on thisCold
A cold or the flu? Learn more about typical symptoms, the course of the illness, home remedies, and appropriate herbal remedies.
Flu
Flu or a cold? Learn how to recognize the flu, when it’s important to seek medical advice, and what helps support your body.