Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPotential Benefits of EchinaceaSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageInteractionsHow to StoreSources & What to Look ForSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Potential Benefits of Echinacea
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Interactions
How to Store
Sources & What to Look For
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Echinacea is a supplement that’s often taken to boost the immune system and fight viruses.Many people take echinacea to treat the common cold. Its ability to reduce inflammation may improve skin conditions like eczema.More research is needed to verify echinacea’s benefits.
Echinacea belongs to the sunflower family and contains numerous active ingredients that can be extracted and used in supplements.Your results may vary depending on the echinacea species used, the specific ingredients extracted, and the dose in the brand you buy.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Supplements FactsActive ingredient(s): Alkylamides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds (including caffeic acid)Alternate name(s):Purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower,Echinacea purpurea,Echinacea angustifolia,Echinacea pallidaLegal status:Available over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:Dosage can vary. There is not enough reliable information for standardized dosage recommendations.Safety considerations:Side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash, and allergic reaction.
Supplements Facts
Active ingredient(s): Alkylamides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds (including caffeic acid)Alternate name(s):Purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower,Echinacea purpurea,Echinacea angustifolia,Echinacea pallidaLegal status:Available over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:Dosage can vary. There is not enough reliable information for standardized dosage recommendations.Safety considerations:Side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash, and allergic reaction.
Traditionally, echinacea has been used as a remedy for conditions such as:
Echinacea is thought to be an immunomodulator, which is why it is also commonly used to treat the common cold.
As a whole, though, reliable research supporting these and other health claims surrounding echinacea is lacking.
The Common Cold
Probably one of the most popular uses of echinacea is for thecommon cold.
Despite this popularity, research results have been mixed, and there isn’t solid evidence that echinacea provides any benefits to people with colds.
One 2014 review looked at more than 20 studies with more than 4,000 participants on various species of echinacea to learn if any were beneficial for the common cold. Researchers found that echinacea was more effective than a placebo (an intentionally ineffective treatment given to a control group) in treating a cold. However, no echinacea species played a significant role in the treatment or prevention of the common cold.
A 2019 review seemingly confirms that echinacea may not be as beneficial for colds as previously believed. According to this review, no studies considered of high quality have proven that echinacea can shorten the duration or reduce the severity of a cold. Echinacea’s use in children with colds has also not been proven.
Skin Conditions
Echinacea may be useful for certain skin conditions, includingeczemaandpruritus.
Although human trials of using echinacea for eczema don’t exist, laboratory research has exhibited some positive effects of the herb.
In one such in vitro study (performed in a lab and not on living subjects), an extract ofEchinacea purpureawas found to reduce symptoms of eczema. Researchers felt that the echinacea extract showed anti-inflammatory effects that warrant further investigation.
In a small human trial,Echinacea purpureaemulsions and shampoos were studied for their potential benefits for pruritus (itchy skin).
Adult participants used emulsions or shampoos that contained echinacea extract for four weeks. All forms of topical echinacea showed significant reductions in pruritus as well as other parameters, includingskin dryness.
More research should be conducted to further explore the potential benefits of echinacea for skin conditions.
Pain and Inflammation
Dating back centuries, echinacea has been used to treat both pain and inflammation.
This may be especially helpful in acytokine storm, which is an instance when proinflammatory cytokines are rapidly released due to an infection.
Echinacea may also help reduce pain, which often happens simultaneously with inflammation.
In one animal study, rats were induced withosteoarthritis(OA), a painful condition of the joints. After OA onset, some rats were givenEchinacea purpureaextract while others were not. The rats given the echinacea extract showed signs of pain relief, including more willingness to walk and move compared with those who had not received the extract.
Unfortunately, most studies on the use of echinacea for pain and inflammation have been performed in labs or on animals and not in humans.
And while much can be learned from these types of studies, their results are not guaranteed to also occur in humans. Human trials are still needed.
Anxiety
Another perceived benefit of echinacea is ananxiolytic(antianxiety) effect.
Participants in one trial took 40 milligrams (mg) of eitherEchinacea angustifoliaor a placebo twice daily for one week before a period of three weeks of not receiving anything.
According to the results,anxietyscores were significantly improved in the echinacea group compared to the placebo group, especially in participants with high anxiety at the start of the study.
In another human trial, participants with mild-to-moderately severe anxiety received either a placebo, 40 mg ofEchinacea angustifolia,or 80 mg ofEchinacea angustifoliadaily for six weeks.
By the end of the study, all treatments (including the placebo) were found to reduce anxiety.
However, those who took the echinacea doses had greater improvements in emotional well-being and positive and negative affect (emotions or mood).
Side Effects of Echinacea
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of echinacea affect the gastrointestinal system. Common side effects of echinacea include:
Nauseahas also been reported as a possible side effect of echinacea.
Stop using echinacea if you experience side effects while taking it. Talk with a healthcare provider if side effects persist or don’t improve over time.
Severe Side Effects
In rare cases, echinacea use may lead to a severe allergic reaction.
In a now-dated article, cases of severe allergic reactions to echinacea were reported. In two cases,anaphylaxisoccurred, while two other patients experiencedsevere asthma attackssoon after taking echinacea.
It’s worth noting that some patients in the report may also have experienced environmental allergens when taking echinacea that may have worsened their side effects.
It’s also important to mention that this report is from 2002, and additional information regarding possible severe side effects of echinacea is unavailable.
To prevent side effects when using echinacea, use it only as directed and speak with a healthcare provider regarding proper use.
Echinacea is considered safe for most adults to use for short durations. However, the safety of long-term use of echinacea is unknown.
There are some concerns that certain populations should avoid using echinacea altogether.
The safety of echinacea duringpregnancyorbreastfeedingis uncertain.More research is needed to determine if the herb is safe for these populations.
Parents should take precautions before providing their children with echinacea. In one clinical trial, children using echinacea developed skin rashes.
Remember that research on echinacea as a whole is limited. For this reason, it’s recommended that you talk with ahealthcare providerbefore using echinacea or any other herbs or supplements. This is especially true if you have any health conditions or take any prescription medications.
Dosage: How Much Echinacea Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Currently, there are no dosage guidelines for echinacea. More reliable scientific data are needed before standardized dosage recommendations can be made for the herb.
Various studies on echinacea have used a wide range ofdosages. For example, studies on echinacea for the common cold have used anywhere from 40 mg to 6 grams (g) daily. In these studies, echinacea supplementation lasted between five days and four months.
Echinacea dosage may vary from one product to another. For this reason, it’s best to follow dosage directions as listed on the product label. A healthcare provider may also be able to help you determine the proper echinacea dosage for you.
It’s important to be aware of possible interactions among any herbs, supplements, or medications you take.
There is limited evidence regarding possible interactions for echinacea. In fact, the risk of interactions between echinacea and most medications is categorized as low.
More research is needed to determine whether medications or supplements interact with echinacea. Always talk with a healthcare provider about any medications, herbs, or supplements you take.
It’s best to review supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. It’s also vital that you carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients are included.
How to Store Echinacea
Proper storage of echinacea supplements will help maintain their quality.
You can store your echinacea supplements in a cool, dry place. They should also be kept out of direct sunlight. It’s best to keep supplements in their original bottle or packaging.
Be sure to keep echinacea supplements out of reach of pets and small children.
Discard echinacea supplements once they reach their expiration date or as indicated on the packaging.
Echinacea supplements can be purchased online or in some brick-and-mortar stores. Various grocery stores carry echinacea supplements, as well as certain health or specialty shops.
Echinacea supplements are commonly found as capsules, gummies, liquid extracts, fresh herbs, and dried herbs. Additionally, there are some supplements available that contain a blend of echinacea and other nutrients orherbs.
Naturally, echinacea isgluten-freeand vegan, and many echinacea supplements are as well. However, some echinacea supplements may include gelatin-based capsules, which are not vegan. Always read the product label to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.
With so many supplements on the market, there are sure to be plenty that provide similar potential benefits. Certainly, other supplements may work similarly to echinacea.
Some supplements that are similar to echinacea include:
Typically, it’s recommended that you only use one supplement at a time for a health condition. It’s always smart to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re unsure which ones are right for you.
Summary
Echinacea is a genus of herbaceous, flowering plants. Three species of echinacea,Echinacea purpurea,Echinacea pallida, andEchinacea angustifolia, are most commonly used for medicinal purposes, withEchinacea purpureabeing the most researched.
Echinacea has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for ailments like the common cold, anxiety, inflammation, and itchy skin. And while some scientific evidence supports these and other health claims for echinacea, more research is needed on the herb.
Talk with a healthcare provider first if you have more questions about echinacea or are interested in trying it.
Frequently Asked QuestionsEchinacea is thought to be safe for most adults for short-term use. However, the safety of long-term use of echinacea is unknown.Taking too much echinacea or using it for too long may increase the risk of side effects. Be sure to use echinacea only as directed and never take more than you should.People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need to avoid echinacea. There isn’t enough reliable information to know whether echinacea is safe for these populations.Some children have experienced rashes after using echinacea. Take caution when giving your child echinacea.
Echinacea is thought to be safe for most adults for short-term use. However, the safety of long-term use of echinacea is unknown.Taking too much echinacea or using it for too long may increase the risk of side effects. Be sure to use echinacea only as directed and never take more than you should.
Echinacea is thought to be safe for most adults for short-term use. However, the safety of long-term use of echinacea is unknown.
Taking too much echinacea or using it for too long may increase the risk of side effects. Be sure to use echinacea only as directed and never take more than you should.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need to avoid echinacea. There isn’t enough reliable information to know whether echinacea is safe for these populations.Some children have experienced rashes after using echinacea. Take caution when giving your child echinacea.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need to avoid echinacea. There isn’t enough reliable information to know whether echinacea is safe for these populations.
Some children have experienced rashes after using echinacea. Take caution when giving your child echinacea.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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