Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Echinacea

Echinacea has been long used to fight colds and infections and many experts recommend its use. It is now one of the most popular supplements in the U.S.

Echinacea Uses

Many people take echinacea in the hopes that it will boost immunity. Studies have had mixed results.

So far, evidence suggests that echinacea does not prevent the common cold. But it might help as a treatment. Some studies -- many of them small -- have found that taking echinacea may reduce the length of a cold and the severity of its symptoms. However, two large clinical trials found no benefits at all.

Some of the conflicting findings may be due to researchers testing different species of echinacea. The strongest evidence for echinacea in fighting colds is with echinacea purpurea.

When taken along with an anti-fungal cream, oral echinacea may help prevent recurrent vaginal yeast infections. While some studies suggest that echinacea may slightly reduce flu symptoms, the evidence isn't clear.

Echinacea does not seem to help prevent or treat herpes. The effect of echinacea on other conditions is not known.

Echinacea Dose and Instructions for Use

There is no standard dose of echinacea. It depends in part on the form you use. Echinacea appears to be most effective when started as soon as symptoms are noticed and taken for seven to 10 days.

Echinacea Food Sources

There are no natural food sources of echinacea.

Echinacea Supplement Information

Echinacea comes in many forms, including capsules, extracts, tinctures, teas, and topical treatments. It's a common ingredient in supplements that claim to boost immunity. Like any supplement, keep echinacea in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Echinacea Warnings

• Side effects. When taken at normal doses, echinacea causes few side effects. Some people have reported symptoms like upset stomach, headache, sore throat, drowsiness, and rash.
• Risks. Echinacea can cause allergic reactions. Some can be serious. If you have asthma or an allergy to certain plants and flowers -- like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies -- be cautious when using echinacea. Taking echinacea by injection is dangerous. Check with a doctor before using echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, or if you have HIV.   
• Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly -- particularly drugs that suppress the immune system -- talk to your doctor before you start using echinacea supplements. There is also some concern that echinacea could cause liver problems in people who are also taking certain painkillers (like Tylenol), antidepressants, blood thinners, sedatives, and other drugs.

Given the lack of evidence, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take echinacea unless their doctors have approved it.