During the flu season, cold and flu sufferers are reluctant to take the herbal supplement route as a possible cure.

Echinacea is one of the top-selling herbs in North America. Millions of cold sufferers try it every year for treatment of the common cold and flu, according to Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter, a newsletter for pharmacists.

Melissa Martilotta, instructor of clinical nutrition, said it is a supplement that helps the body build up micro defenses against invading microorganism infections.

It stimulates both the humoral and cellular immunity, said Bob Ray, chief pharmacist at University Health Services.

"Many people don't know about it," said Jeff Wright, pharmacist at McLanahan's Drug Store, 116 W. College Ave. "Many don't trust herbal supplements."

Wright added that the supplement is not flying off the shelves this season, because a majority of customers look for cold and cough medicines.

"This thing with herbs is very exciting and scary," Martilotta said.

Martilotta contributes this thinking to the inconclusive research about the herb. For instance, herbal supplements are not FDA approved. Also, experts warn from using it for more than two weeks at a time.

There are some disclaimers about taking the supplement. If someone is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS or autoimmune disease, they should not take it, Martilotta said.

People who are allergic to ragweed and goldenrod should also stay away from echinacea, Ray said.

Echinacea has been sold at the pharmacy in Ritenour for more than a year and a half now, Ray said. However, although it is displayed at the front of the pharmacy, it is not that popular.

Customers prefer vitamin and mineral supplements and prescriptions, he said.

"Personally, I feel it (echinacea) does the work," Ray said.

If the user begins taking the supplement when symptoms first emerge and continue with it for seven to 10 days, echinacea can significantly decrease the duration and severity of symptoms, Ray added.

Ray mentioned that many medical employees agree it works as well.

The supplement that University Health Services offer is relatively cheap, and if taken as directed for seven to 10 days, it should last a sufferer through three colds, Ray said.