Echinacea Purpurea and Osteopathy in Children With Recurrent Otitis Media

A series of five cranial osteopathic manipulative treatment sessions scheduled over three months, and provided by osteopathic physicians whose practices are limited to osteopathic manipulative treatment. Treatment modalities were limited to cranial osteopathy, balanced membranous/ligamentous tension, and/or myofascial release (applied directly or indirectly).

1:1 weight-to-volume 50% ethanol liquid extract of the fresh roots and dried mature seeds of Echinacea purpurea. Dosage: 0.5 ml orally 3 times daily for 3 days at the onset of cold symptoms, followed by 0.25 ml orally 3 times daily for 7 more days.

Sham osteopathic treatment consisted of a series of five osteopathic examinations only (palpation of the cranial bones and muscles and other structures) without treatment maneuvers.

An identically labeled placebo contained 50% ethanol, 45% filtered water, food coloring and thickeners. Dosage: 0.5 ml orally 3 times daily for 3 days at the onset of cold symptoms, followed by 0.25 ml orally 3 times daily for 7 more days.