There are many traditional echinacea benefits and uses, but the strongest scientific evidence available currently supports echinacea use (as echinacea extract or echinacea tea) as a way to help slow the development and reduce the intensity and duration of upper respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold and influenza (flu). Muller-Jakic B, Breu W, Probstle A, et al. In vitro inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase by alkamides from Echinacea and Achillea species. Planta Med 1994;60:37-40.. View abstract.

In one mouse study, echinacea compounds helped reduce important inflammatory markers and memory loss caused by inflammation ( 18). Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:2824-30.. View abstract. Yale SH, Glurich I. Analysis of the inhibitory potential of Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, and Serenoa repens on the metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4, 2D6, and 2C9. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:433-9. View abstract. Echinacea works by stimulating the immune system, thanks to natural plant compounds called polysaccharides and alkamides. At the same time, it has an anti-inflammatory effect inside the body. 8Traditionally, it’s also used to give the immune system an extra boost, but the evidence here is divided. For example, while a 2007 review found that echinacea can decrease the frequency and length of the common cold, 9a 2013 Cochrane review found no statistically significant reduction in the number of colds but did agree there was a small preventative effect. 10 Echinaceais native to North America and is recognisable by its daisy-like flowers, usually purple, around a spiny, cone-like centre. It can also grow well if planted in sunny spots in UK gardens.Oláh A, Szabó-Papp J, Soeberdt M, et al. Echinacea purpurea-derived alkylamides exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects and alleviate clinical symptoms of atopic eczema. J Dermatol Sci. 2017 Oct;88(1):67-77. View abstract. Hansen TS, Nilsen OG. In vitro CYP3A4 metabolism: inhibition by Echinacea purpurea and choice of substrate for the evaluation of herbal inhibition. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2008;103:445-9. View abstract. Watch out for slugs and snails eating leaves as plants come into growth in spring. Use organic slug pellets or biological control (for slugs only).

Maskatia, Z. K. and Baker, K. Hypereosinophilia associated with echinacea use. South.Med J 2010;103(11):1173-1174. View abstract. Echinacea is believed to work best when taken at the first sign of a cold. Although echinacea may not prevent a cold, this product might make cold symptoms less severe. Echinacea is thought to be potentially effective in protecting the skin from irritation and oxidative stress. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with echinacea does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Saberi Z, Etemadi M, Faghihian E. Evaluation of the efficacy of Echinacea on clinical indices of Erosive Oral Lichen Planus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial. Dent Res J (Isfahan) 2022;19:98. View abstract.

6 Skin and Hair Benefits of Echinacea

Experts think echinacea is most effective when taken at the first signs of a cold, but it may also have an impact when your cold is in full swing. 13