Echinacea ineffective for ear infectionsEchinacea purpurea and osteopathic manipulative treatment in children with recurrent otitis media: a randomized controlled trial.
Study demonstrates limited effectiveness
We conducted a study to explore whether Echinacea purpurea, a popular herbal remedy, could help prevent ear infections in children prone to recurrent otitis media. The research involved a randomized, placebo-controlled trial where ninety young children between 12 and 60 months participated. They were divided into four groups, either receiving Echinacea with or without osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), or placebos for both.
Over six months, we observed that treating colds with Echinacea did not significantly reduce the risk of developing acute otitis media. In fact, there is some indication that it may actually increase the risk of these infections. Similarly, the osteopathic manipulative treatments offered during the study did not provide any significant benefits in preventing ear infections either.
It's essential to take these findings seriously, as they suggest that Echinacea may not be the effective solution many parents hope for when dealing with their child's recurrent ear issues.
Read More
Echinacea improves ear infection outcomesEfficacy of complex herbal compound of Echinacea angustifolia (Imoviral® Junior) in recurrent upper respiratory tract infections during pediatric age: preliminary results.
Study shows herbal compound benefit.
We examined the effectiveness of a herbal compound containing Echinacea angustifolia, along with several other ingredients, in treating recurrent respiratory infections among children, particularly focusing on ear infections like otitis media.
To do this, we administered this immunostimulant blend, known as Imoviral® Junior, to 37 children suffering from recurrent pharyngotonsillitis and otitis media. Over a six-month period prior to treatment, these children experienced an average of 3 episodes of inflammation. Remarkably, this number dropped to about 1 episode after the treatment began.
Furthermore, 77% of the children noticed an improvement in the frequency of their acute episodes after completing the treatment. Alongside this, their quality of life, assessed through a questionnaire, showed significant enhancement. Notably, the treatment did not lead to any adverse effects, making it a safe option for families seeking relief from recurrent infections.
Overall, the herbal compound, which includes Echinacea, beta-glucan, vitamin C, arabinogalactan, and zinc, may offer beneficial support for children dealing with recurrent ear infections and other related conditions, enhancing their overall well-being.
Read More