That msn link has some links that make me chuckle, Mr.Canoza.
Personally, I know the nay-sayers on echinacea have got it all wrong.
It's a product in popular demand for a reason. It makes me wonder if
these researchers aren't the 'quacks'! My last major cold was 5 years
ago, I then tried echinacea [in vial form] resulting in a rapid
conclusion of the cold. Since then, annually, at the beginning of
Winter and start of Spring, I take a daily dose for week. At the most
I get 'maybe' once a year; sniffles for half a day and a headache or
two lasting a few hours. Most of the time I recommend echinacea to
others to at least try it, I get the same dullard reaction--- 'but the
scientists say it doesn't work' and that ends that.
So if you want to bring up 'quacky' research links when others are
living proof of alternative / non-over the counter remedies to better
living that's your loss in my opinion- and for others who want to
remain in the dark religiously always going by what drug companies and
their 'researchers' ALWAYS advise.
No... no other factors are involved.... echinacea used 5 years and no
colds- my vegetarian / healthy lifestyle for last 3 years.

On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 04:09:24 GMT, Rudy Canoza > wrote:

>"Evidence suggests remedies offer placebo effect, but
>no real benefits"
>
>Reuters
>
>LONDON - The world may be beating a path to the doors
>of homeopathic practitioners as an alternative to
>conventional medicines, but according to a new study
>they may just as well be taking nothing.
>
>The study, published in Friday's edition of the
>respected Lancet medical journal, is likely to anger
>the growing numbers of devoted practitioners of and
>adherents to alternative therapies that include homeopathy.
>
>more at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9078909/
>
>
>Just like "reflexology", better known as foot massage.
> These therapies are quackery. They have appeal for
>uneducated, credulous dummies.