Echinacea is also called the purple coneflower and has been used as an immune booster in all animals, including birds, for a very long time. It is not one of the most potent immune stimulants, but it is very safe. It primarily boosts the part of the immune system used to fight viral infections, and it is most effective in the early stages of infections.
It has been widely reported that one should only use Echinacea for fourteen days at a time and then stop to rest the body, but there is no evidence to support this claim. We might use Echinacea in the following situations:
It has been widely reported that one should only use Echinacea for fourteen days at a time and then stop to rest the body, but there is no evidence to support this claim. We might use Echinacea in the following situations:
- Early on in the course of any infectious condition.
- For chronic rhinitis and sinusitis conditions.
- At the onset of any viral infection within an aviary such as polyoma virus outbreaks.
- For Candida (yeast) infections of the crop or intestinal system.
- To aid in the treatment of psittacine beak and feather disease.
Reference: "Holistic Care For Birds" by David McCluggage, DVM & Pamela Leis Higdon
