The herb echinacea could potentially aid in your recovery from a cold or the flu. Both a 2012 and 2015 study showed that echinacea might be a credible, natural, way to treat the flu like any other medication would. “Echinacea—long debated as a possible nostrum for colds and flus—is typically sold as capsules or as a tincture, or alcohol extract, which can be mixed with water and taken several times daily. Laboratory research suggests the herbal remedy may hamper the ability of viruses to infect a host. It also may regulate the immune system, either by stimulating it or preventing an overreaction responsible for symptoms, scientists say.” Researchers cautioned against the use of echinacea if severe flu symptoms, like pneumonia were present, in which case more conventional antiviral medications would be a better option. Overall, scientists agreed that echinacea is safe and has some beneficial properties but warned against its use in extreme cases of illness and for those who are allergic to similar flowers like daisies or dandelions.