kenny I take echinacea only when someone sneezes or has the flu or a virus and is in close contact with me. This could be every couple of months. I take two on the first day as soon as I have been sneezed on .. then one every day for a week. Must admit I have a virus at the moment because I didn't take them early enough and once I had the sore throat it was too late. Dont take them too often, as I say, only when you need them, and only for a week. I get mine at Holland and Barrett, they are sometimes on special offer.