If carotid massage can be safely done, have the supine patient turn the head gently away from the side to be massaged. Gently palpate the carotid pulse just below the angle of the jaw. Massage the pulsation for 3-5 seconds by pushing in and back to compress the artery.
Echinacea is an herb. Several species of the echinacea plant are used to make medicine from its leaves, flower, and root. Echinacea is widely used to fight infections, especially the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
Research on the effects of echinacea for PREVENTING the common cold is also mixed. Some research shows that taking echinacea can reduce the risk of catching a cold by 45% to 58%. But other research shows that taking echinacea does not prevent the common cold when you are exposed to cold viruses.