Echinacea

Botanical name(s):

Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida. Family: Asteraceae

Other name(s):

black sampson, purple coneflower, rudbeckia, sampson root

General description

Echinacea is a flowering plant. It comes from North America. It’s also known as purple coneflower. The plant is harvested at flowering time. The roots are the only part of the plant that isn't used.

Echinacea refers to a mix of two plants that exert pharmacological activity. They include E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. A broad spectrum of chemical compounds in the plants stimulates the immune system. These compounds include caffeic acid glycoside and chicoric acid. It also has anti-inflammatory activities.

Medically valid uses

There are no quality studies that support the use of Echinacea for upper respiratory infections. Many studies have shown that it doesn’t help prevent or treat a cold. Other studies have only shown a small benefit. For instance, it may decrease how long cold symptoms last by a half day.

Some studies have shown that taking it by mouth with a topical antifungal cream helps prevent recurrent vaginal yeast infections. This combination may lower the recurrence rate to 16.7%. This is compared to 60.5% with an antifungal cream alone.

Unsubstantiated claims

Please note that this section reports on claims that have not yet been substantiated through studies.

Native Americans used the leaves and roots of the plant to treat many issues. These include toothaches, snakebites, insect bites, and other skin wounds.

Many people say it prevents and treats upper-respiratory infections. It’s also said to aid in wound healing.

Echinacea has also been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent. This means it helps the body destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms. It’s also to be useful for treating fever, colic, coughs, and bronchitis. It may also treat urinary tract infections, sore throats, and the flu.

Dosing format

Echinacea comes in many forms. These include fresh, freeze-dried, dried, alcohol-based extract, liquid, tincture, tea, capsules, and salve.

Certain people shouldn’t inject or take it intravenously (through an IV). These include pregnant women and people with diabetes or allergies.

Side effects, toxicity, and interactions

Echinacea can cause side effects. These include fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Echinacea isn’t safe for everyone. Certain people shouldn’t use it. This includes people who: 

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Have a progressive systemic disease. These include tuberculosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.

• Are allergic to plants in the sunflower family.

There are no known food or drug interactions linked with echinacea.