Common Names: Echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower

Scientific Names: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida

Background

• Echinacea is a group of perennial plants related to daisies, sunflowers, and ragweed. While now widely cultivated, these plants are originally native to regions east of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S.

• Native American tribes in North America first used E. purpurea as a natural remedy for respiratory issues, toothaches, and even snake bites.

• Currently, echinacea is mostly marketed as a supplement aimed at supporting the immune system, often promoted to help with the common cold and similar respiratory problems.

• Some echinacea-based products are also used on the skin to address conditions such as eczema.

How Much Is Known?

• Extensive studies have focused on echinacea for colds and respiratory infections, but there is significantly less scientific information on its use for other health concerns.

What Have Researchers Found?

• Echinacea may offer a minor benefit in reducing the likelihood of catching a cold, although evidence remains limited on whether it helps shorten the duration of cold symptoms.

• Some recent findings suggest echinacea could help lower the risk of respiratory tract infections in children. However, the evidence is not strong enough to confirm this; seek medical advice before giving it to kids.

• There is not enough reliable information to confirm echinacea’s effectiveness for skin-related conditions such as eczema.

• New studies have shown that the composition of the soil where echinacea is grown may influence how effective the plant becomes, as it affects microbial communities around the roots.

What Is Known About Its Safety?

• Products made with E. purpurea or a combination of E. purpurea and E. angustifolia appear to be generally safe for adults when taken short-term. However, allergic reactions can occur, and some people may experience issues such as stomach discomfort, nausea, or cramps.

• Children may also safely use E. purpurea for brief periods, but they may be more prone to allergic skin reactions. Always consult a pediatrician before giving echinacea to children.

• Echinacea might affect how the body processes certain medications, including potential interactions with liver-metabolized drugs, immune system suppressants, and even caffeine. Always speak with your doctor before combining herbal products with medications.

• Preliminary research indicates E. purpurea and E. angustifolia may be safe to use during the early stages of pregnancy for up to 7 days. Still, consult a health care professional before use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as safety data are limited.

Things to Remember

• Always involve your doctor in conversations about any complementary or herbal treatments you're using so you can make educated decisions together.

• The regulation of herbal supplements depends on their ingredients, intended purpose, and use. Most herbal products taken by mouth are sold as dietary supplements, which undergo less strict regulatory oversight than pharmaceutical drugs.

• Unlike medications, dietary supplements don’t undergo FDA review before they hit the market. If safety issues are reported, the FDA can act to protect people. Responsibility for the safety and labeling of supplements lies with manufacturers and marketers.

Key Sources of Information

• Tips for Choosing and Using Supplements Wisely

• Understanding How Supplements and Medicines May Interact

• Making Sense of Scientific Studies and Articles

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse offers educational material and access to research databases on complementary and alternative medicine. It does not provide personal medical guidance, clinical advice, or referrals.

Phone (U.S. toll-free): 1-888-644-6226

Relay Service (TRS): 7-1-1

PubMed®

PubMed provides details and summaries of scientific articles from health-related journals. It is a resource of the National Library of Medicine designed for finding research articles.

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH

The ODS focuses on enhancing public awareness and knowledge surrounding dietary supplements. Their resources include research reviews and educational materials on ingredients like vitamin D and multivitamins.

Highlighted References

• Anheyer D, et al. Review on herbal use for respiratory infections in children. Academic Pediatrics. 2018;18(1):8-19.

• Crawford C, et al. Overview on immune-boosting supplements. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. 2023;29(4):261-267.

• Crawford C, et al. Dietary supplements and immune support: A systematic review. Nutrients. 2022;14(21):4604.

• David S, Cunningham R. Echinacea and respiratory infections: A meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019;44:18–26.

• Haron MH, et al. The role of soil in echinacea’s immune effects. Scientific Reports. 2019;9(1):136.

• Ogal M, et al. Echinacea supports reduced antibiotic usage in children. European Journal of Medical Research. 2021;26(1):33.

• Riemma G, et al. Trial involving echinacea and vaginal hyaluronic acid. Medicina. 2022;58(5):646.

• Sumer J, et al. Study of new echinacea formulas for respiratory issues. Frontiers in Medicine. 2023;10:948787.

• Yuan Y, et al. Comparative analysis on influenza prevention interventions. Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2021;19(6):503–514.

This publication is in the public domain and can be used freely.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) offers this information for public awareness and encourages discussions with health care providers about treatment options. Discussing supplements or therapies with your health team can help guide informed choices.