A new study suggests taking echinacea supplements doesn't help to reduce cold symptoms.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin followed 719 patients with cold symptoms who were given either echinacea doses or a placebo. The patients taking the herbal supplement didn't show any statistically significant improvement in their symptoms, according to the study.

"In terms of treatment of colds, this is a well done study, and the results are consistent with other rigorously conducted trials on treatment of colds in which little, if any, beneficial effect has been found," Dr. James A. Taylor, a health expert not involved with the study, told Live Science.com.

According to the Toronto Star, an Ipsos Reid survey found that two-thirds of Canadians take natural supplements in an effort to ward off illness during the cold and flu season.

Do you take echinacea or other herbal supplements to combat cold symptoms? How do you stay healthy during cold and flu season? Let us know in the comment section below.